How to wipe a MacBook or iMac before selling it

1. Make a backup first

Secure your files before you erase anything. Use Time Machine with an external drive, or store your photos, documents and desktop in iCloud. Check the backup is complete: once the Mac is erased, nothing can be recovered.

2. Sign out of iCloud and turn off Find My Mac

Go to System Settings → [your name] and choose Sign Out. This also turns off Find My Mac. If you skip this, the Mac stays linked to your Apple Account and the new owner can't use it (Activation Lock).

Note: signing out alone isn't enough. Your personal files, photos and apps are still on the drive. Always erase the Mac as well (step 4).

Already sent it or forgot? Read how to remove iCloud and Activation Lock, even remotely.

3. Remove the Mac from your Apple Account

On another device or at account.apple.com, open the list of devices in your Apple Account and remove the Mac. That way you know it's no longer linked to you anywhere.

4. Erase the Mac

Newer Macs (macOS Ventura and later): go to System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your password and confirm. The Mac erases itself completely and restarts.

Older Macs: use Recovery Mode. Restart the Mac and immediately hold CMD + R until the Apple logo appears. Choose Disk Utility, select your drive (usually 'Macintosh HD'), click Erase and confirm. Close Disk Utility and then choose 'Reinstall macOS'.

5. Leave the Mac on the welcome screen

After erasing or reinstalling, the Mac starts up with the welcome screen. Don't set anything up; just shut it down. That way the new owner can set up the Mac entirely themselves.

6. Clean the Mac and get the accessories ready

Clean the Mac thoroughly with a damp cloth (water only) and polish it dry with a microfibre cloth or tea towel. Also set aside the charger and the box, if you have it; that often gets you a higher offer.

Want to reset your iPhone or iPad too? Read how to safely restore any Apple device to factory settings.