How to Reset a MacBook Pro to Factory Settings

by Emily Johnson Technical Advisor

The factory reset which lets you wipe all your data stored in your system. It is necessary to do it in case you are thinking of selling your MacBook. It prevents other people from using your personal data stored ranging from your personal images to credit/debit card information.

The procedure of factory resetting is quite simple. Follow these methods to know more.

Backing all items on your MacBook Pro

You can back up all the important files and folders stored on your MacBook Pro through a backup app named Time machine already built in your macOS. This application makes your backup easier and convenient. Follow these steps to back up your files and folders:

First of all, tap the “System Preferences” tab and then hit the “Time machine.”
Copy your important files and folders and then format all the data stored on your MacBook Pro by following on-screen instructions.

Log Out your account from every application

If you want to secure all your relevant data and applications stored on various applications and ID’s, then you have to sign them out from your current MacBook Pro. It makes you link all your apps with your new system or devices quickly when you connect it again.

Deauthorizing iTunes from MacBook pro

Continue with these steps to deauthorize iTunes from your MacBook pro:

Firstly, launch the iTunes on your Mac computer.
Then hit the “Store” tab here.
Now tap on the “Deauthorize This Computer” option.
Next, you have to provide the ID associated with your Apple account and a secured passcode to proceed further.
Then hit the “Deauthorize All” link to deauthorize your iTunes account.

You may also use the drop-down menu to deauthorize the account. Follow this method:

Just launch the iTunes on your computer.
Now hit the “Store” tab.
Then you have to choose the drop-down menu of Accounts and hit the “Authorizations” from the list available options.

Deactivating iCloud account

It is a good idea to secure your data through the iCloud account. In case you wish to handover your MacBook Pro to the other’s hand, you should deactivate your iCloud account as it stores a lot of necessary information and data. To do so, follow these steps:

Launch the “System Preferences” window.
Then hit the “iCloud” option.
Now tap on the “Sign Out” tab.
Now hit the “Delete” tab in every appearing pop-outs.

Deactivating Filevault

To turn off Filevault features, follow these steps:

First of all, launch “System Preferences.”
Then you have to hit the “Security & Privacy” tab.
Now choose the “FileVault” tab option.
Now hit the padlock to launch settings.
Now type your specific passcode.
Then deactivate the “FileVault” tab by turning it off. Turning the Filevault button to off wipes all your data faster than usual.

Erasing the disk

Before erasing your computer, make sure that you have a proper Wi-Fi connection, and you have saved and logged out from all the applications, de-authorized iTunes, etc.

Then follow these steps:

Firstly, resume your computer.
Press the “Command” and “R” keys simultaneously when the booting is under process. Hold both the keys till the Apple logo does not appear.
Hit the “Disk Utility” option when menu prompts up.
Tap on the “Continue” button and then hit the “Startup Disk.”
Now click on the “Erase” option from the menu.
Then you have to hit the “Erase” tab.
Now get off from the “Disk Utility” page when the process completes.

Re-downloading macOS on the latest version

First of all, choose “Reinstall MacOS.”
Then you have to install the latest version of macOS through the required server.
Then you have to wait for it to install and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the procedure.

Emily Johnson is a Norton product expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, she has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as norton.com/setup.

Source: https://emilyjohnso731.wordpress.com/2019/11/01/how-to-reset-a-macbook-pro-to-factory-settings/