Erase your Mac
On a Mac with Apple silicon or an Intel-based Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip, use Erase Assistant to reset your Mac to factory settings before you trade it in or sell it. You can also use Erase Assistant to erase your Mac before reinstalling macOS. Erase Assistant removes your content and settings, and any apps that you installed.
WARNING: Erasing your Mac removes all the information from it. Before you start, back up your Mac with Time Machine.
What does Erase Assistant do?
Erase Assistant does the following things on your Mac:
Signs you out of Apple services, such as iCloud.
Turns off Find My and Activation Lock, so the Mac you’re erasing is no longer associated with you.
Erases your content and settings, and any apps that you installed.
Erases all volumes (not just the volume you’re on). If you installed Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp Assistant, the BOOTCAMP volume is also erased.
Erases all user accounts and their data (not just your own user account).
Erase your Mac
Choose Apple menu
In the menu bar, choose System Preferences > Erase All Content and Settings.
In Erase Assistant, enter your administrator information.
Review items that will be removed in addition to your content and settings.
If your Mac has multiple user accounts, click the arrow next to your account name to review the items.
Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Note: If your version of macOS has been modified, Erase Assistant can’t erase your Mac and displays an alert indicating you need to first reinstall macOS. Reinstall macOS, then use Erase Assistant.