How to Factory Reset a MacBook Without Knowing the Password

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Force your MacBook to reset using Disk Utility
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Did you receive a secondhand MacBook and want to erase everything? To reset a Mac without the password, you'll need to erase the disk using Recovery Mode. This wikiHow will show you how to factory reset a MacBook without the password.

Erasing a Mac Without a Password

If you don't have the password to a Mac, you can factory reset it by using Recovery Mode. Once in Recovery Mode, select the Disk Utility option. Select your boot disk, and then select Erase . From there, you can choose to Reinstall macOS on the Utilities screen.

Steps

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    Keep in mind that factory resetting your Mac or Macbook will erase all contents. [1]
    • Apple Silicon : With the Mac turned off, press and hold the Power button until the startup screen appears. Click Options > Continue .
    • Intel-based Mac : With the Mac turned off, press and hold Cmd + R , and then press the Power button. Release Cmd + R when you see the Apple logo.
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    You can find this on the macOS Utilities screen.
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    This can be found in the left sidebar. In most cases, it will be called Macintosh HD .
    • Make sure you select the main disk and not the folders underneath it.
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    This is in the top toolbar.
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    Enter a new name for the disk and select APFS as the new format.
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    This process may take a few moments.
    • Once you see the confirmation message, you can exit Disk Utility.
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    This is on the Utilities screen.
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    You'll be asked to select your disk before the installation begins. [2]
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    This may take some time. Keep your Mac plugged in, and don't close the lid or put it to sleep. The screen may turn on and off periodically.
    • Once it's complete, you'll see the setup assistant. You can now set up the new Mac.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ca/116946
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102655

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