Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window. Erasing your Mac permanently deletes its files. Make a backup of any files that you want to keep. To complete these steps with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or trackpad, you will need to connect the device with a USB cable, if possible. You should also erase all content and settings when selling, giving away, or trading-in your Mac.īluetooth devices will disconnect (unpair) from your Mac. If using macOS Monterey or later, follow the steps to erase all content and settings instead of the steps in this article. If you're not using a Mac with Apple silicon, follow the steps to erase an Intel-based Mac. These steps apply only to Mac computers with Apple silicon.
