How to Factory Reset Your MacBook Air (2024 Guide)

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Factory resetting your MacBook Air is useful when troubleshooting persistent issues, preparing to sell or give away your device, or starting fresh with a clean system. This process erases all data and settings, so it’s crucial to back up your important files using Time Machine or iCloud before proceeding.

Step 1: Prepare for the Reset

1. Back Up Your Data – Use Time Machine or iCloud to save your important files.
2. Sign Out of iCloud and Other Accounts – Go to System Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out to remove your Apple ID from the device.
3. Ensure You’re Connected to the Internet – This is necessary to reinstall macOS.

Step 2: Enter macOS Recovery Mode

1. Turn Off Your MacBook Air – Click Apple menu > Shut Down.
2. Start Recovery Mode
   • For Intel-based MacBooks: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears.
   • For Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) MacBooks: Press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears, then click Options > Continue.

Step 3: Erase Your Startup Disk

1. In the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
2. Select Macintosh HD (your startup disk) from the left sidebar.
3. Click Erase, then choose:
   • Format: APFS (for macOS Monterey or later) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) (for macOS Big Sur or earlier).
   • Name: Macintosh HD (or any name of your choice).
4. Click Erase and wait for the process to complete, then close Disk Utility.

Step 4: Reinstall macOS

1. In the macOS Utilities window, select Reinstall macOS and click Continue.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and select Macintosh HD as the installation destination.
3. Click Install and wait for macOS to download and install. This may take some time.

Step 5: Set Up Your Mac (Optional)

After the reset, your Mac will restart to the Setup Assistant. You can choose to set it up as a new Mac or restore from a backup. If you are selling or giving away your Mac, press Command (⌘) + Q at the Setup Assistant screen and shut down the device.

Important Notes

• Factory resetting removes all data—back up important files before proceeding.
• macOS will be reinstalled automatically after erasing the disk.
• Sign out of iCloud, iMessage, and Find My Mac before resetting if you’re selling or giving away the Mac.
• Use Apple Support if you encounter any issues during the process.

By following these steps, your MacBook Air will be restored to its original factory settings, ready for a fresh start or new ownership.