How To Factory Reset Your Mac With macOS Monterey - Delete Erase & Reset M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of factory resetting your Mac running macOS Monterey. This method is applicable to all Apple Silicon Macs, including those with M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max processors. Factory resetting your Mac is essential if you're planning to sell, give away, or trade in your device, as it erases all your data and disassociates your Apple ID.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before proceeding, it's crucial to back up any important files. Here’s how to do it:

• Use External Storage: Copy your important documents, photos, and applications to an external hard drive.
• Use Cloud Storage: Save your files to services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
• Create a Time Machine Backup:
  1. Connect an external drive.
  2. Open Time Machine from System Preferences.
  3. Select the drive and click on "Back Up Now."

Step 2: Sign Out of Your Apple ID

To ensure your Apple ID is disassociated with the Mac, follow these steps:

• Go to System Preferences.
• Click on Apple ID.
• Scroll down and select Overview.
• Click on Sign Out.
• Follow the prompts to remove your data from the Mac.

Step 3: Restart in Recovery Mode

You need to access the Recovery Mode to begin the factory reset:

• Click on the Apple menu and select Restart.
• Immediately hold down the Power button until you see the startup options.
• Select Options and click Continue.

Step 4: Erase Your Mac

Once in Recovery Mode, you can erase your Mac:

• Select Disk Utility and click Continue.
• Choose your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD").
• Click on Erase at the top.
• Choose the format as APFS and confirm by clicking Erase.
• After the process completes, exit Disk Utility.

Step 5: Reinstall macOS

Now, you’ll reinstall macOS:

• Back in the recovery window, select Reinstall macOS and click Continue.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• This will download the latest version of macOS Monterey and install it on your Mac.

Conclusion

You have successfully factory reset your Mac running macOS Monterey. Remember to restore your data from your backup if you plan to continue using the device. If you are selling or giving away the Mac, it is now in a factory state, ready for the next user. Always ensure that your important data is backed up before performing such actions to avoid data loss.