To start off, what is a reset to factory settings? This is the process of erasing all the contents stored in your device – this includes files, data, and the operating system. The process wipes your Macbook off all its contents. You then proceed to reinstall macOS afresh.
The process of factory resetting involves two main steps: first is erasing all the data in your device and second is reinstalling a new macOS.
There are several reasons why you might want to reset your Macbook Pro to factory settings. First, if you intend to sell it or pass it down to a loved one. This will ensure that your data remains safe and also avoid issues with any software that continues to run in your device into the future.
The new user will also get the opportunity to use the Macbook from a clean slate. Second, if you want to fix a problem with your operating system so you opt to erase it and reinstall it anew. It is also a good way to try and fix issues especially if you suspect you might be having viruses.
Back up your Macbook Pro before the Actual Reset to Factory Settings
To avoid losing important information, you will need to create a backup since the files in your Macbook Pro will be permanently deleted during the reset. One of the brilliant options you have is utilizing iCloud.
However, please note that data for a non-Apple app will not be stored in the iCloud. You will need to have an external hard drive for such kinds of files. This can be done simply by having Apple’s Time Machine software, which makes it easy to move your data to a new Mac afterward.
Let’s then delve into the factory reset process:
Accessing Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode is the tool that you will use to reset your Macbook to factory settings. To enter the recovery mode follow the steps:
- Shut down your device
- Hold down the power button until “Loading Startup Options” appears
- Choose “Options” – this will open MacOS “Utilities”
- Select “Disk Utility” – note that this is the tool you will need to delete your Hard disk
- Tick “Continue” to start the process
Deleting the Hard disk
- In the ‘Disk Utility select the dis where the MacOS is installed, which is “Macintosh HD’
- Then select “Erase” situated at the top of the window then follow all the prompts
- Next, choose the drive format as “APFS”
- Select “Erase Volume Group” and if the option is not available select “Erase”
- This begins the process of erasing the drive a process that may take a few seconds
- To continue click “Done”
Reinstall macOS
Next, you should focus on reinstalling your operating system.
Steps to follow:
- Go back to the MacOS “Utilities” Options
- Click “Install macOS”
- Click “Continue”
- You will be prompted to choose the location to install it- this should be Macintosh HD
- After selecting, click “Install”- this will start installing the macOS
Since the process might take a while, you will need to be patient for the installation to run to completion. After following the steps you will have completed the full process of doing a factory reset.
One would wonder which version of macOS is installed after following the above process. The version that will be installed is the one that shipped with your Macbook Pro from the factory.
If you want a newer version of the installed one, then you can do an update after the installation is complete.
Resolving Some Challenges You May Run into When Installing macOS
If you get a “no users available for authorization” message when reinstalling your macOS do not fret, you can fix it.
This will likely happen if the hard disk wiping was only partially done, leaving behind the data component.
You should select the “Erase Volume Group” option if available as stated above.
To resolve the problem:
- Go back to “Recovery Mode”
- Select “Disk Utility”
- then choose “Macintosh HD – Data” (or the saved name of drive-data)
- click to “erase” the Data portion
- Quit Disk Utility
- A screen about activating the Mac will likely appear, go through it
- When complete click “reinstall macOS” from the ‘Utilities’ window.