This feature requires macOS Monterey or later and a Mac with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. Learn what to do if you can't use Erase All Content and Settings.

1. An erase assistant asks you to sign in with your administrator credentials. Enter the password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click OK. Forgot your login password?
2. If you're asked to back up your Mac before resetting it, you can open Time Machine and back up to an external storage device. Or click Continue to proceed without making a new backup.
   
3. Click Continue to allow your settings, media, data, and the other listed items to be removed.
   
4. If you're asked to sign out of Apple ID, enter your Apple ID password and click Continue. Forgot your Apple ID password?
   
5. Click Erase All Content & Settings to confirm that you want to proceed.
   
6. Your Mac restarts and shows a black screen or progress bar. If it needs to reconnect to a Bluetooth accessory such as a keyboard or mouse, you might be asked to turn on the accessory. If the accessory doesn't connect within 30 seconds, turn the accessory off and back on. When reconnecting to a Bluetooth keyboard, you're asked to choose a language.
7. You might be asked to select a Wi-Fi network or attach a network cable. To select a Wi-Fi network, use the Wi-Fi menu  in the upper-right corner of the screen. 
8. After joining a network, your Mac activates. Click Restart.
   
9. After restart, a setup assistant guides you through the setup process, as if you're setting up your Mac for the first time.
   
   If you're selling, giving away, or trading-in your Mac and want to leave it in an out-of-box state, don't use the setup assistant or your previously connected Bluetooth devices, if any. Just press and hold the power button on your Mac until it turns off.