Mac storage basics · Erasing, encryption and selling a Mac
How do I erase my Mac before selling or giving it away?
Short answer: On Apple silicon (and T2) Macs, use System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings after backing up. Other Macs erase from macOS Recovery.
On Apple silicon Macs and Intel Macs with the T2 chip running macOS Monterey or later, use System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings. It signs you out of Apple services, removes your data and settings and leaves macOS installed.
Before you start: back up, sign out of apps that limit activations, and unpair Bluetooth devices you're keeping. Other Macs are erased from macOS Recovery with Disk Utility, then macOS is reinstalled.