To restore Mac factory settings, four steps are required: 1. Back up important data, use Time Machine or cloud storage to ensure data security; 2. Log out of Apple ID and other accounts to avoid restrictions on new users; 3. Enter recovery mode and erase the disk, press the power button on the Apple chip to enter, press Command R on the Intel chip to clear the main disk with the disk tool; 4. Reinstall macOS to return the system to the initial state. The entire process ensures that data is thoroughly cleared and that the system can be delivered to others for normal use.

If you need to factory reset your Mac, such as before you prepare to sell or give it to someone, ensuring data security and getting the system back to its initial state is key. This is not something that can be done simply by deleting the file, but it must be done through a complete set of operational processes.

1. Back up important data

Before you start resetting, be sure to back up your data first . Because factory reset clears all user data, applications, and settings.

• Using Time Machine is the safest way. After connecting the hard drive, you can enable automatic backup in "System Settings".
• If you are used to cloud storage, you can check whether iCloud or other network disks have synchronized key content such as documents and photos.
• There is no need to back up the system's own applications, and they will all come back after resetting.

2. Log out of Apple ID and other accounts

Many people ignore this step, and as a result, the new owner cannot use certain functions or the old device is remotely locked.

• Open "System Settings", enter "Apple ID", and log out.
• At the same time, check whether the places such as "iCloud", "iTunes and App Store" are also logged out.
• Third-party accounts bound to applications such as "email" and "information" must also be removed.

3. Use recovery mode to erase the Mac

This is a key step in the official reset, and the operation of different chip versions is slightly different.

For Macs equipped with Apple chips (M1, M2, etc.):

1. Shut down.
2. Press and hold the power key while powering on until you see "Loading boot options".
3. Click "Options" to enter recovery mode.
4. Select Disk Utility in the tool, select the main disk (usually "Macintosh HD"), and click "Erase".
5. Select "Mac OS Extension (Log)" or "APFS" in the format, and the name is left to the default.

The Mac with Intel chip will directly enter recovery mode when it is powered on.

4. Reinstall macOS

After the erase is completed, the menu in recovery mode is still there. At this time, select "Reinstall macOS".

• The installation process may take several dozen minutes, and do not force shutdown during this period.
• After installing the system, the Mac returns to the status it was when it was just bought, with no user account and no personal data.

Basically that's it. The whole process is not complicated but it is easy to miss some details, such as forgetting to log out of the account or not backing up thoroughly. As long as you do it step by step, most people can do it themselves.

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