Home > Questions

I don't have an 'Erase All Content and Settings' button. How do I factory reset my Mac?

Hi everyone! I'm trying to figure out how to do a factory reset on my MacBook Pro running macOS 12.6. I've found numerous sites saying that it's as simple as opening System Preferences and then going to the menu bar and selecting the "Erase All Content and Settings" button. But, there is no such option on my MacBook or on my mom's. We are both admins on our respective laptops. Can anyone explain how to actually perform a factory reset?

Best Answered by

iBoysoft author Jenny Zeng

Jenny Zeng

Answered on Wednesday, May 31, 2023

The "Erase All Content and Settings" button is only available on Apple Silicon and T2 Macs. For other Mac models, you need to perform the factory reset in Recovery Mode.

To fully reset a Mac in Recovery Mode, you're required to erase the startup disk and then reinstall macOS. Note that this will delete all data on your Mac, so back up your essential files before acting. Once you're ready, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your Mac.
  2. Hit the power button, then immediately press and hold the Command + R keys until seeing the Apple logo.
  3. Click Disk Utility > Continue.
  4. Select Macintosh HD and hit the ( - ) button.
  5. Click "Delete Volume Group."
  6. Click View > Show All Devices.
  7. Select the drive (Apple SSD) and click Erase.
  8. Name the drive Macintosh HD.
  9. Keep the default format and scheme.
  10. Click Erase.
  11. Exit Disk Utility.
  12. Click "Reinstall macOS" and Continue.
  13. Follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall the operating system.

People Also Ask

Read More Questions

Read More Advice From iBoysoft's Computer Experts

Mac flickering black after update

アップデート後のMac画面が点滅する原因と対処法

アップデート後にMac、MacBook Pro、およびMacBook Air画面が点滅する原因を説明し、それを修正します。

Apple Mouse not scrolling

Apple Magic Mouse Not Scrolling, How to Fix?

Read to know how to fix Apple Magic Mouse not scrolling and why Mac mouse scroll not working, including the Apple Magic Mouse 1 and Magic Mouse 2.

News Tips

Mémos vocaux sur Mac

Tout ce que vous devez savoir sur les mémos vocaux sur Mac

Il explique ce qu'est l'application de mémos vocaux sur Mac, comment configurer les mémos vocaux et comment l'utiliser pour enregistrer de l'audio sur Mac. L'endroit où trouver les fichiers des mémos vocaux est également mentionné.