To delete everything on a Mac, you need to restore the device to its factory settings by erasing the hard drive and reinstalling macOS.
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To delete everything on a Mac, you need to restore the device to its factory settings by erasing the hard drive and reinstalling macOS.
Jannik Lindner
Are you looking for a fresh start with your Mac? Maybe you’re planning to sell or gift it to someone, or perhaps you just want to wipe the slate clean and start over. Whatever the reason, knowing how to delete everything on your Mac is an essential skill for any Mac user. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of securely erasing all of your data, ensuring that it is gone for good. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or a beginner, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and tips to help you successfully delete everything on your Mac. So, let’s get started and free up some space on your device.
Before deleting everything, back up important files, photos, and app data using a portable hard drive or a cloud service like iCloud or Dropbox.
To sign out from all Apple services, navigate to ‘System Preferences’ and click ‘Sign out’ under ‘Apple ID’, ‘iCloud’, or ‘Internet Accounts’.
To restart your device, click the Apple button at the top-left corner, then choose ‘Restart’ from the dropdown menu that appears.
After rebooting, quickly press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears. This will activate Recovery Mode, a helpful troubleshooting mode for your Apple device.
Once you’ve opened Disk Utility in macOS Utilities window, select your primary hard-drive, click ‘Erase’, choose a desired format (such as ‘Mac OS Extended’), and proceed by clicking ‘Erase’.
Once you have erased the data, navigate back to the macOS Utilities screen and proceed to choose the ‘Reinstall macOS’ option. Simply press Continue and follow the step-by-step instructions provided on your screen.
In conclusion, deleting everything on your Mac may seem like a daunting and irreversible task, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it can be done effectively and safely. We have explored various methods to help you erase all data from your Mac, either for a fresh start or for selling/donating purposes. Remember to back up your important files, follow the step-by-step instructions, and use secure erasure options to ensure your privacy and security. Whether you choose to use built-in tools like Disk Utility or third-party software, always exercise caution and double-check before proceeding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently wipe your Mac clean and start anew.
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