Here’s how to reset your MacBook safely

You may have to reset your MacBook for a number of reasons. Simply because it may have slowed down, or a virus may have entered it, or because you may be exchanging it for a newer model. Either way, it is an important thing to know how to do.

Steps to reset your MacBook

Here are the steps to reset your MacBook quicklty and easily.

1. Backup your data

Protecting your important files, images, and documents is crucial before beginning the reset procedure. You can avoid losing important information by backing up your data, either on the cloud or even to your hard drive.

2. Turn off your MacBook

Turn off your MacBook once your data has been safely backed up, before resetting the same.

3. Switch to recovery mode

You must go into recovery mode to start the reset procedure. This mode gives you the tools you need to reset your MacBook. To activate it, power on your MacBook, and while doing that, hold down the “R” and “Command”  keys on the device, until the Apple logo or a rotating globe appears on your screen.

4. Use Disk Utility to erase startup disks

You must use Disk Utility to remove the startup disk from your MacBook while in recovery mode. This procedure completely erases all of the data on your MacBook. For this, choose “Disk Utility” from the drop-down menu in recovery mode. Then, choose your initial disk from the list in the Disk Utility window.

It’s most commonly called “Macintosh HD.” From there, select “Erase” from the menu. And that’s it, you’ve erased your MacBook. The next step as part of the reset process, is to reinstall macOS on your device.

5. Reinstall macOS

You can now install macOS on your MacBook again. The operating system settings of your MacBook will be reset to factory defaults during this period. For this, choose “Reinstall macOS” from the list of choices in Recovery Mode.

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As you proceed, you may be prompted to choose your startup disk—the one you just erased—and consent to the terms and conditions. MacOS should now start to download and reinstall on your MacBook on its own. Once the installation process is over, your MacBook should restart on it own.

6. Upgrade your software and apps

After restoring your data, it’s a good idea to update your macOS programs to their latest versions. This ensures you can enjoy the most recently introduced updates to the OS, as well as ensure your data now remains secure, with the latest security patches. 

Make sure your MacBook is functioning properly after the reset and upgrades by giving it some time. Take prompt action to address any unresolved issues which may still exist, to help ensure no further damage or loss of data to your device.

Resetting your MacBook can revitalise it, address recurring problems, as well as prepare it for sale.