How to Reset Mac to Factory Settings before Selling It

Do you want to know how to reset Mac to factory settings? Then, you should continue to read this article. Our guide will help you learn the exact steps to reset Mac to factory settings. After you have finished reading this guide, you’ll have a Mac that’s good as new.

It is important to note that this guide is useful for various Mac devices such as iMac, MacBook, Mac Pro, and MacBook Air.

Part 1. Backup Files before Factory Reset Your Mac

When you reset your Mac device to its factory settings, all information will be wiped out of your hard drive. Thus, it is necessary to make a backup of your most important data. It’s similar to copying your hard disk drive and keeping the files for some period of time.

There are various ways to do this. First, you can manually copy all files and applications to an external hard disk drive. You can also use iCloud as a backup platform.

But, the best way to do this is through the Time Machine. This software is built into your mac device and is a fast and secure method of backing up your data. In case something goes wrong, you can immediately recover specific files or the entire hard drive.

Tip: If you have many old backups on your Mac that taking up so much space, you can check out this link to delete them.

Wipe out Your Mac without Losing Necessary Data

Before utilizing the Time Machine, you must clear up your Mac device. In this way, you won’t back up unnecessary junk files that will just clutter your computer. Backup files are smoothly created when your computer is not chaotic and cluttered.

So, how do you do this? You can use a utility tool like iMyMac PowerMyMac. This tool can detect useless applications, large files, old data, system junk, caches, and other unnecessary data within your computer in a few simple clicks.

Here’s how to use it to free up your Mac's space step by step:

1. Download iMyMac’s PowerMyMac and launch it within your computer.
2. Click “Master Scan”.
3. Click Scan.
4. After the scanning process is complete, you can view the results. You can also go back and select “Re-scan” to do the process all over again.
5. Select the files you wish to delete.
6. Click the “Clean” button. If it asks for authentication, simply enter your password.

Doing this will allow you to remove more unnecessary junk within your system. You can also use Duplicate Finder and Similar Images to remove duplicates within your system.

Backup Files with Time Machine

Now that you have cleaned your Mac device, you can begin to activate backups through Time Machine. Below are the steps on how to do it:

1. Visit the Apple menu. This is located at your screen’s top-left corner.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Choose the Time Machine.
4. Press “Select Backup Disk”.
5. Select the disk you’d want to use as your Time Machine backup.
6. Press “Use Disk”.
7. Check the box labeled “Back Up Automatically.” This enables the automatic creation of a backup to the selected disk.

Now, you’re done backing up your files. This can take a really long time and it depends on the amount of data you have. However, it is necessary to follow the steps above to ensure that you don’t lose your data.

In addition, if something goes wrong during the factory reset process, you can make sure that your files are kept intact.