What resetting your Apple computer means and when to do it

Resetting an Apple computer wipes the drive and reinstalls the operating system, returning the machine to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is different from restarting, which straightforward shuts down and powers back on. A reset erases all your files, accounts, and settings, so it is only useful when you are selling the machine, giving it away, troubleshooting a serious problem, or starting completely fresh.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Once the process starts, recovery is difficult and expensive. If you are selling or giving away the computer, a reset protects your privacy by removing your login credentials, payment methods, and personal data.

The steps differ depending on whether your Mac has an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, or newer) or an Intel processor. You can find which one you have by clicking the Apple menu in the top left, selecting "About This Mac", and looking at the "Chip" or "Processor" line.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files before starting a reset, because the process erases everything on the drive.
  • Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and newer) use a different reset method than Intel Macs, so check your chip type first.
  • You will need your Apple ID and password to complete the reset on newer machines.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed and Mac model.
  • If your Mac will not start up normally, you can reset it using Recovery Mode without logging in.

How to reset an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, or newer)

On newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips, the reset process is built into the System Settings app. Click the Apple menu, then select "System Settings". Scroll down and click "General", then click "Transfer or Reset" on the right side. You will see a button labeled "Erase All Content and Settings"—click it.

The Mac will ask you to enter your Apple ID and password. This is a security step to prevent someone else from erasing your machine without permission. After you enter your credentials, the Mac will restart and begin the erase process. This takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the drive. Do not unplug the machine or close the lid during this time.

When the process finishes, your Mac will restart and show the setup screen you saw when it was brand new. You can now set it up as a new machine or leave it for someone else to configure.

How to reset an Intel Mac

Intel Macs do not have the "Erase All Content and Settings" option. Instead, you use Recovery Mode, which is a special startup environment built into the Mac. Shut down your Mac completely. Then turn it back on and when ready hold down Command and R together until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. Keep holding until the macOS Utilities window appears.

In the Utilities window, click "Disk Utility" and then click "Continue". In the left sidebar, select your main drive (usually called "Macintosh HD" or your computer's name). Click the "Erase" button at the top. A dialog will ask you to name the drive and choose a format—the default name and format are fine for most people. Click "Erase" to confirm.

Disk Utility will erase the drive, which takes 5 to 15 minutes. When it finishes, close Disk Utility and you will return to the Utilities window. Click "Reinstall macOS" and follow the prompts. The Mac will read and install the operating system, which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. Do not interrupt this process.

Resetting a Mac that will not start normally

If your Mac will not boot into the regular operating system, you can still reset it using Recovery Mode. Shut down the Mac, then turn it back on and hold Command and R when ready. If you have an Apple Silicon Mac and Command-R does not work, try holding the power button instead until you see "Loading startup options", then select "Options" and click "Continue".

Once you reach the macOS Utilities window, follow the same steps as above: open Disk Utility, select your drive, click Erase, then reinstall macOS. This method works even if the Mac has never started up successfully or if the operating system is corrupted.

If Recovery Mode itself will not load, the problem may be a hardware failure rather than a software issue. At that point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, because the machine may need professional repair.

What to do before you reset

Back up your files using Time Machine or iCloud before you start. Time Machine is built into macOS—plug in an external drive, open System Settings, click "General", then "Time Machine", and click "Add Backup Disk". Select your external drive and let it run. A full backup takes 1 to 4 hours depending on how much data you have.

If you use iCloud, your documents, photos, and settings may already be backed up automatically. Check by opening System Settings, clicking your name at the top, then "iCloud". You will see which items are synced to iCloud. Files in iCloud Drive and Photos can be recovered after a reset as long as you log back in with the same Apple ID.

Write down any software license keys or passwords you will need after the reset. Some programs require you to enter a license key again after a fresh install. If you have any programs that are not in the App Store, read the installers again from the publisher's website before you erase the drive.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your Mac will restart and show the setup screen, just like a brand new computer. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and create a user account. If you are selling or giving away the Mac, stop here and hand it over—the new owner will complete the setup with their own account.

If you are keeping the Mac, you can log in with your Apple ID during setup to restore your documents, photos, and settings from iCloud. This takes 15 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. Your App Store purchases will be available to read again, but you will need to reinstall them manually.

Some programs you bought outside the App Store will not reinstall automatically. You will need to read them again from the publisher's website or from your backup. This is why backing up before you reset is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a reset after I have started it?

No. Once the erase process begins, it cannot be stopped or reversed. This is why backing up first is critical. If you realize you made a mistake after the reset is complete, you can restore from a Time Machine backup if you have one, but only if you have not already reinstalled the operating system.

Do I need an internet connection to reset my Mac?

Yes. During the reset, your Mac downloads and installs the operating system from Apple's servers. If your internet is slow or unstable, the process may take much longer or fail partway through. A wired connection is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi if you have the option.

What if I forget my Apple ID password during the reset?

On Apple Silicon Macs, you cannot complete the reset without your Apple ID password. If you have forgotten it, visit iforgot.apple.com on another device and follow the steps to reset your password. You will need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account.

Will resetting my Mac remove viruses or malware?

Yes. A reset erases everything on the drive and reinstalls a clean copy of the operating system, so any malware is removed. However, if malware is on an external drive or in a cloud account, it will still be there after the reset. Scan any backups with antivirus software before you restore them.

How long does a reset take from start to finish?

The entire process usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your Mac model, how much data is on the drive, and your internet speed. The erase itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, and the operating system read and install takes another 30 minutes to an hour. Do not turn off or unplug your Mac during this time.