How to Restore Your Mac to Factory Settings

What Restoring to Factory Settings Actually Does

Restoring your Mac to factory settings erases your entire drive and reinstalls the original operating system that came with your computer. This removes all your files, programs, accounts, and settings — everything you've added since you first turned it on. The Mac then boots up as if it just left the factory, with no personal data remaining.

This is different from a regular backup or restart. A restart straightforward turns your computer off and on. A factory restore wipes the drive completely and reinstalls macOS from scratch. Once you start the process, you cannot undo it, so back up anything you want to keep before you begin.

Key Takeaways

Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because factory restore erases everything on your Mac.
You can restore your Mac using macOS Recovery, which is built into every Mac and does not require a separate installation disk.
The process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your Mac's age and internet speed, and your computer will restart multiple times.
After the restore completes, your Mac will boot to the setup screen as if it were brand new, and you can choose whether to restore from a backup or set it up fresh.
If your Mac won't start normally, you can still access Recovery mode by holding Command and R while the computer boots.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

Before you do anything else, copy all the files you want to keep to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Factory restore erases your entire drive, and once it starts, there is no way to stop it or recover your files afterward.

The fastest way to back up is to connect an external drive to your Mac, then open Finder, click your external drive in the sidebar, and drag your Documents, Desktop, Pictures, and Downloads folders onto it. If you have a lot of files, this can take an hour or more. Alternatively, you can use Time Machine (built into macOS) to create an automatic backup by going to System Settings > General > Time Machine and clicking "Add Backup Disk."

Write down any passwords, license keys, or account information you will need after the restore, because you will not have access to your files or browser history during setup. If you use two-factor authentication on any accounts, make sure you have a backup way to receive those codes (like a phone number or backup email) before you proceed.

Start the Restore Using macOS Recovery

Shut down your Mac completely. Once it is off, turn it back on and when ready hold down Command and R together. Keep holding these keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe appear on the screen — this usually takes 10 to 20 seconds. Release the keys and wait for Recovery mode to load. You will see a macOS Utilities window with several options.

Click "Disk Utility" in the Utilities window. In Disk Utility, select your Mac's main drive (usually called "Macintosh HD" or similar) in the left sidebar, then click the "Erase" button at the top. A dialog box will appear asking you to name the drive and choose a format. Leave the name as is or type a new one, make sure the format is set to "APFS," and click "Erase." This wipes your drive completely. The process takes a few minutes.

After Disk Utility finishes erasing, close it and return to the Utilities window. Click "Reinstall macOS" and follow the on-screen prompts. Your Mac will read the original operating system and install it, which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your internet speed and how old your Mac is. Your computer will restart several times during this process — this is normal, and you do not need to do anything.

What Happens When the Restore Finishes

When the reinstall completes, your Mac will restart and show the macOS setup screen, just like when you first bought it. You will be asked to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. At this point, you have two choices: set up your Mac from scratch, or restore from the backup you created earlier.

If you want to restore from a backup, look for an option that says "Migrate Information Now" or "Restore from a Backup" during setup. If you see this option, click it and select your external drive or Time Machine backup. Your Mac will copy your files, programs, and settings back onto the drive. This can take an hour or more depending on how much data you have.

If you do not see a migration option during setup, you can still restore your files later by opening Finder, connecting your external backup drive, and copying your files back manually. You will need to reinstall any programs you use, since the factory restore removes all installed applications except the ones that came with macOS.

Troubleshooting If Your Mac Won't Start Normally

If your Mac will not start up normally or you cannot log in, you can still access Recovery mode and perform a factory restore. Shut down the Mac, turn it back on, and hold Command and R when ready. If the Mac is very old or damaged, you might see a spinning globe instead of the Apple logo — this means it is downloading Recovery over the internet, which can take 10 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off the Mac while this is happening.

If you see a login screen instead of the Utilities window, you may have entered Recovery mode but the Mac is asking for a password. If you remember your login password, type it. If you do not remember it, you will need to use your Apple ID to reset it — click "Forgot password?" and follow the prompts. If you do not have access to your Apple ID either, you may need to contact Apple Support or take your Mac to an Apple Store.

If your Mac shows a prohibitory symbol (a circle with a line through it) or a question mark folder, the drive may be damaged. Try restarting into Recovery mode again. If the problem persists, your Mac's drive may need professional repair, and you should contact Apple Support.

After the Restore: Reinstalling Your Programs

After your Mac finishes the factory restore and you have restored your files, you will need to reinstall the programs you use. The factory restore removes all installed applications except the built-in ones like Safari, Mail, and Calendar. Programs you bought from the App Store can be reinstalled by opening the App Store, clicking your profile icon in the top right, and going to "Purchased." Find each program and click the read button next to it.

Programs you installed from outside the App Store (like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, or Zoom) will need to be downloaded and installed again. If you have the original installer files or read links, use those. If you do not, visit the program's website and read the latest version. You will need your license keys or login information for paid programs, so make sure you have those written down before you start the restore.

Once you have reinstalled your programs and restored your files, your Mac is ready to use. The factory restore is complete, and your computer is running the original operating system with no leftover files or settings from before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restore my Mac without losing my files?

Not with a factory restore — that process erases everything. However, you can back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, then restore them afterward. This way you keep your files but get a clean operating system.

How long does a factory restore take?

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your Mac's age, how much data you have, and your internet speed. Older Macs and slower internet connections take longer. Your Mac will restart multiple times, which is normal.

What if I change my mind halfway through the restore?

Once you click "Erase" in Disk Utility, the process cannot be stopped or undone. Before you reach that point, you can close Disk Utility and exit Recovery mode without any changes. After the erase starts, your data is gone and the restore will continue automatically.

Do I need an internet connection to restore my Mac?

Yes. Your Mac needs to read the original operating system from Apple's servers during the restore. A wired connection (using an adapter) is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, but either works. The read can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your speed.

Will my Mac work the same after a factory restore?

Yes. A factory restore returns your Mac to the exact state it was in when it left the factory. Performance may actually improve if your Mac was running slowly due to accumulated files or settings. However, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files, which takes additional time.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.