how to wipe a macbook

To wipe a MacBook and reset it to factory settings, follow these steps depending on your macOS version and Mac model:

For Macs with Apple silicon or T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey or

later

1. Back up your data using Time Machine or another method, as erasing will remove all information.
2. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings (in macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences (in macOS Monterey).
3. Click General in the sidebar (macOS Ventura or later).
4. Select Transfer or Reset.
5. Click Erase All Content and Settings.
6. Enter your administrator password when prompted, then click Unlock.
7. Review the summary of data and settings that will be erased.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions, which include signing out of Apple services and Find My using your Apple ID and password.
9. Your Mac will restart and show a progress bar while erasing.
10. After completion, the Mac will display the setup assistant as if new.
11. If you plan to sell or give away the Mac, do not proceed with setup; instead, press and hold the power button to shut it down

For older Macs or if "Erase All Content and Settings" is unavailable

1. Back up your data.
2. Restart your Mac and immediately hold Command (⌘) + R to enter macOS Recovery.
3. In macOS Utilities, open Disk Utility.
4. Select your startup disk (usually named Macintosh HD).
5. Click Erase , choose the format (APFS for newer Macs, Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for older), and confirm.
6. Quit Disk Utility to return to macOS Utilities.
7. Select Reinstall macOS and follow the prompts to reinstall the operating system.
8. When the installation finishes and the welcome screen appears, press the power button to shut down the Mac if you are preparing it for a new owner

This process securely wipes your MacBook and restores it to factory settings, ready for a fresh setup or transfer to another user.