How to Reset MacBook Pro

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How to Reset MacBook Pro – Overview

If you plan to sell or trade-in your MacBook Pro, it’s crucial to erase all your data from the device. The most thorough way to do this is through a factory reset.

This action is useful not only for those looking to pass on their MacBook Pro but also to free up space on iCloud or troubleshoot persistent issues with the device. Understanding how to factory reset your MacBook Pro is important whether you have an old iPad, iPhone, or MacBook. Here’s what you need to know.

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What Should You Do Before Resetting Your MacBook Pro

Factory resetting your MacBook Pro will delete all your files, profiles, settings, and other data stored on the device. Therefore, it’s essential to back up any important data on an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding.

Deauthorize Apple Music or iTunes

Before resetting, you should deauthorize your computer from Apple Music or iTunes to avoid issues with device limits under your Apple ID.

Open Apple Music or iTunes.
From the menu bar at the top of your screen, select ‘Account’ > ‘Authorizations’ > ‘Deauthorize This Computer.’
Enter your Apple ID and password, then click ‘Deauthorize.’

Sign Out of iCloud

Ensure you sign out of iCloud to remove your data and settings from the device.
– Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen, select ‘System Preferences,’ then ‘Apple ID.’ Select ‘Overview’ in the sidebar and click ‘Sign Out.’

Sign Out of Messages

Don’t forget to sign out of the Messages app.

– To open messages, choose ‘Messages’ from the menu bar and then ‘Preferences.’ Click on the ‘iMessage’ tab, select your account, and click ‘Sign Out.’

Unpair Bluetooth Devices

Unpair any connected Bluetooth devices to prevent future conflicts.

Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth, right-click on the device you want to unpair and choose ‘Remove’ from the pop-up menu.

Reset NVRAM or PRAM

Resetting NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) can clear user settings from your MacBook Pro and restore security defaults.

– Turn on your MacBook and immediately press and hold ‘Command + Option + P + R’ for about 20 seconds. Release the keys after you hear the startup chime or when the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.

MacBook Pro Reset Process

To reset your MacBook Pro to factory settings, follow these steps:

Restart your MacBook Pro by clicking on the Apple logo and selecting ‘Restart.’ Ensure it’s connected to power.
Immediately press and hold ‘Command + R’ to boot into Recovery Mode.
When the Apple logo appears, release the keys.
Select ‘Disk Utility’ and click ‘Continue.’
In Disk Utility, click ‘View’ > ‘Show All Devices.’
Select your startup disk (usually named ‘Macintosh HD’) and click ‘Erase.’ Depending on your macOS version, Choose the format as ‘APFS’ or ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’.
After erasing the disk, quit Disk Utility.
Select ‘Reinstall macOS’ from the Recovery Mode menu, click ‘Continue,’ and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS.
Once the installation is complete, press ‘Command + Q’ to quit the installer. Do not proceed with the setup. Instead, shut down your MacBook Pro.

Final Thought

After completing these steps, your MacBook Pro is reset to factory settings. You can safely disconnect it from power and close the lid. The new owner can start fresh, setting up the MacBook Pro with their information and preferences.