
Images below show the process on a MacBook Air. ⌥⌘R (Option Command R) = Upgrade to the latest macOS that is compatible with your MacĪpple notes on its support page, “if you’re selling or giving away a Mac that is using OS X El Capitan or earlier, use Option-Command-R to make sure that the installation isn’t associated with your Apple ID.” This also installs the latest available software.įor this walkthrough, I’ve used ⌥⌘R, which will use macOS Recovery over the internet and reinstall the latest macOS version (this option requires a Wi-Fi connection).⌘R (Command R) = Reinstall the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac, without upgrading to a later version.MacOS Recovery will install a different version of macOS depending on the key combination you use when starting up your Mac (no installation discs or macOS loaded onto an external drive is needed). Hold down one of the following key combinations right after powering on your Mac, and let go when you see the globe or Apple logo. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Reset NVRAM (see below for details on steps 5-8)Īpple notes in a support document that resetting the NVRAM is important to do as it wipes out user settings and restores security defaults.Sign out of iMessage and FaceTime (in Preferences for each app).Sign out of iCloud (System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview > Sign Out).Sign out of iTunes in macOS Mojave and earlier (Account → Authorizations → Deauthorize This Computer).
OSX BACK UP PHOTOS FOR CLEAN INSTALL HOW TO
How to revive and restore M1 Macs, what the difference is, and when to use them.Note: If you have an Apple Silicon M1 Mac, they can use a different process to factory reset/restore to the fullest degree.
OSX BACK UP PHOTOS FOR CLEAN INSTALL FOR FREE


On Macs running macOS Mojave and earlier, you’ll also want to deauthorize your Mac in iTunes. Read along for how to factory reset your MacBook Pro and reinstall a fresh copy of macOS.īefore you factory reset your MacBook Pro, make sure that you have a current backup. If you’re ready to sell or give away your existing Mac notebook or wipe it for another reason there are a few things you’ll want to do in addition to erasing the hard drive.
