---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-erase-my-mac-before-selling-it
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-erase-my-mac-before-selling-it
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Erasing, encryption and selling a Mac"
question: "How do I erase my Mac before selling or giving it away?"
alt_questions:
  - "erase all content and settings mac"
  - "wipe macbook before selling"
  - "factory reset mac"
  - "reset mac to factory settings"
  - "prepare mac for sale"
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."
tags: ["erase", "reset", "selling"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-filevault", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/does-deleting-a-file-on-an-ssd-erase-it-securely"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I erase my Mac before selling or giving it away?

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.