macOS Sonoma

How to Factory Reset macOS

How to Erase / Factory reset Mac / macOS Sonoma reinstall

Before You Begin

• Back up all important data

• Make sure your Mac is connected to power

• Have your Apple ID and password ready

• Know your current Mac password

• Have access to a stable internet connection

Step 1: Initiate Factory Reset

1. Click on the Apple logo (⎋) in the top left corner

2. Select "System Settings"

3. Click on "General" (at the bottom)

4. Select "Transfer or Reset"

5. Click "Erase All Contents and Settings"

6. Enter your Mac password when prompted

7. Review the reset steps shown

8. Click "Continue"

9. Enter your Apple ID password

10. Click the red "Erase" button at the final warning

Step 2: Initial Setup After Reset

1. Wait for your Mac to restart

2. Configure keyboard (if prompted)

3. Connect to Wi-Fi:

   • Select your network

   • Enter Wi-Fi password

4. Wait for activation and restart

Step 3: Configure Your Fresh Installation

1. Select your language

2. Set up keyboard layout

3. Choose your country/region

4. Connect to Wi-Fi again

5. Handle backup options:

   • Select "Not Now" if you don't want to restore from backup

   • Or choose your backup if you want to restore

Step 4: Apple ID Setup

1. Enter your Apple ID

2. Enter your Apple ID password

3. Wait for verification notification on other devices (if any)

4. Enter verification code when prompted

5. Accept terms and conditions

Step 5: Personalization

1. Customize your Mac:

   • Set Mac name

   • Create account name

   • Set new password

2. Optional customizations:

   • Location Services

   • Analytics sharing

   • Screen Time settings

   • Appearance mode (Light/Dark)

Important Notes

⚠️ Warning: This process will completely erase your Mac. Make sure you have backed up all important data before proceeding.

• The process is irreversible once started

• All files and settings will be removed

• Your Mac will be restored to factory settings

• A fresh copy of macOS Sonoma will be installed

Best Practices

• Ensure stable power connection throughout the process

• Maintain internet connectivity

• Keep all required passwords handy

• Allow sufficient time for the complete process

After Reset

1. Install your essential applications

2. Set up your preferences

3. Restore any needed files from backup

4. Configure system settings as needed

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Note: This guide is specific to macOS Sonoma. The process may vary slightly for other macOS versions.