How To Factory Reset MacBook Pro [Quick And Easy]
Unable to fix problems after trying the hacks? Learn the simplest way out i.e how to factory reset MacBook Pro. Then you need to learn the simplest way out i.e how to factory reset MacBook Pro.
Well, if you want to sell the device then you need to delete all the traces of personal data. This is where the factory reset is required. Whatever be the requirement either you want to give the MacBook away to someone or want to start afresh, then follow this article.
Regardless of the reason, the factory reset is possible at any time. All you need to do is read this article so that you can get a better idea on how to exactly do it the right way. Additionally, this guide is not only supposed to reset MacBook Pro but also will help you in solving other problems. So, start scrolling down till the end.
Easy Steps on How to Reset MacBook Pro to Factory Settings
Here are the steps that are written specifically for you to implement so that you can know how to reset MacBook Pro factory settings. Read this guide step by step otherwise, the procedure won’t turn out to be successful.
Procedure 1: Remove Apple ID
This is a self-explanatory suggestion. If you’re planning to give away your MacBook Pro then you might consider removing or unlinking your personal Apple. If you do not unlink it then the new user of the device will not be able to sign into his/her own Apple account. Here’s how to do so:
First, you need to boot the MacBook Pro and then visit the “System Preferences” tab. From there, go to “iCloud”. Thereafter, select the option that says ‘Sign Out”. For safety purposes, you must erase the local files that are in the iCloud, to your own Mac.
Or, you can also choose the “Find My iPhone” option from the “iCloud” website once you log into it with your own Apple ID. There, select the option that says “Remove From Account”. Keep in mind that you should do this from whichever device you are signed in from, otherwise the existence of your account will remain.
Procedure 2: Back Up Your Personal Data
Even if you are performing a factory reset, there might be certain important data that you would like to save for future use. In case of that, it is advisable that you back up the data using an application that goes by the name of “Time Machine”. Here’s how to do it, even if you are at beginner level at it:
First, you will need to put in your preferred driver in the insertion slot of MacBook Pro. However, if you are going to be using “Time Machine” for the first time, then locate an external drive that is empty with the capacity of at least 500GB.
Now, you will have to connect this driver to your own MacBook Pro. Upon doing so, the Mac OS will specifically ask you if you are ready to use the external drive back up or not. Confirm that and proceed. Keep in mind that this will start the backup process and erase all the local data in the Macbook Pro. It might take longer than usual, let’s say up to a few hours. Hence, try scheduling the right time period.
Procedure 3: Clear the Hard Drive
After “Time Machine” finishes the whole back up process, you need to eject the external driver safely by going to “Finder”. Then, click on the “Eject” icon which is located just beside the driver’s name.
Now, after keeping the external driver in a relatively safe place, switch off your MacBook Pro. Then, by keeping the power adapter running, press and hold the “Alt, R and Cmd” key on your keyboard before you proceed to restart the MacBook Pro.
Now, upon pressing the above-mentioned keys, a dialog will appear that says “Starting Internet Recovery”. When that appears, release the buttons until it loads. Now, select your own wireless network and put forth your password. This action will download some specific tools.
Now, after the recovery area has come up, select the option that says “Disk Utility” and then choose the “Continue” button. After that, your hard drive will come up on the left panel. Now, click on the button that says “Erase” to format your device.
Procedure 4: Setup MacOS Again
After your hard drive has been formatted completely, you can choose the “Disk Utility” option again at the top corner. Then, select the “Quit” option. By opting for this option, you will be taken to the main page of Internet Recovery again.
Locate the Wi-Fi symbol and check if you can see a black tick near the wireless network. If there isn’t any tick, then make sure there is a connection to any stable network. When you see an option that says “Reinstall macOS”, click on it to install it.
Since you are using Internet Recovery as a method, you will not have to put in your Apple ID and password. But if you had to use the normal method of recovery, then you would have been asked for the ID and the password. This would have been a hassle if you are trying to start afresh regardless of the reason.
Now, that you are prepared to reinstall MacOS, click on the option that says “Continue”. Click on the “Agree” after going through the Terms and Conditions. Upon doing so, an installation box will come up that will ask you to put forth your preferred destination drive.
Select the previous drive and click on the option that says “Install”. You can rest assured that this process will take up some time depending on the system version you have and the network speed. Regardless, you will have the MacOS installed successfully.
Procedure 5: Use the Setup Assistance
After the system reinstalls successfully, you will come to see a setup assistant box on the screen. This is the box that appears when a user is first buying the device or launching it for the first time.
Click on the button that says “Next” so that you can choose your own language. The next thing the system will ask you is to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Select it and then put in your password.
After that, if the system asks you to put in your Apple ID and password, avoid it as you don’t want to give your information. Instead, you can make an administrator account and give a default miscellaneous username and password that you can easily remember.
Now, you are successfully in the MacOS as a new user, with default functions, right from scratch one.
Wrapping Up!
If this article served your purpose then keep in mind that you can do it the next time you want to reset another MacBook Pro, using the same methods. However, if these steps were a bit of hassle then share your queries in the feedback section. For more tech-related articles keep following our articles.