Selling your MacBook, iMac or iPhone? Here's how to make sure everything is erased

It's always nice to get a decent residual value for your old MacBook, iMac or iPhone. We regularly see it on devices we buy in: the MacBook or iMac hasn't been properly erased, or the seller has only signed out of iCloud while files are still left on the computer. That's a risk — for you and for the buyer.

Many companies choose, out of caution, to destroy their Apple devices altogether. Understandable, but a shame — because with the right know-how, your Apple device can be erased easily and completely.

Method 1: Erase All Content and Settings (macOS Ventura and newer)

The easiest and most thorough way to erase a MacBook or iMac is via the built-in erase option in macOS. Note: this only works on macOS Ventura (2022) or later.

Here's how:

1. Go to System Settings
2. Click General
3. Scroll down and choose 'Transfer or Reset'
4. Click 'Erase All Content and Settings'
5. Enter your Apple ID password — this also automatically signs you out of iCloud
6. Confirm the action

Your Mac will erase itself completely and restart. Ready for the new owner. This method also works on iPhone and iPad via Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.

Method 2: Erasing via Recovery Mode (older macOS versions)

Have a MacBook or iMac running an older operating system than macOS Ventura? Then Recovery Mode is the right approach. This method works on all Intel Macs.

Step 1 — Start up in Recovery Mode

Restart your MacBook or iMac. Immediately after it starts up, hold down CMD + R until you see the Apple logo appear. After a minute or two you'll reach a screen with four options.

Step 2 — Format the drive via Disk Utility

1. Choose Disk Utility and click Continue
2. Select your drive at the top left of the window (usually 'Macintosh HD')
3. Click the Erase tab at the top
4. Click Erase and confirm again in the pop-up window
5. The Mac will now format the drive completely
6. Close Disk Utility once it's finished

Step 3 — Reinstall macOS

Back in the main Recovery menu, choose 'Reinstall macOS'. The Mac will download and install a fresh copy of macOS onto the erased drive. Once installation is complete, the MacBook is completely clean and ready for its new owner.

Not sure? Leave it to us

At iMac and More we professionally check and erase every Apple device before it goes to a new owner. That way you can be sure everything's been handled properly — and the buyer knows they're receiving a reliable, ready-to-use device.