Apple Teams are manufactured for support updates over time And unlike other computers, these last more than four years in operation without any problems. So that, stand out as objects of technological desire even when used.
Consequently, it is common for a Mac computer to be transferred to another family member, given to a friend and even sold to another person who chooses to buy in second-hand markets. But, when doing this, it is ideal restore equipment to factory settings.
Therefore, next, we will explain what are the steps to follow to reset your Mac to factory settings correctly. Keeping in mind that, important files need to be backed up before doing so.
When should I restore my iMac to factory settings?
Basically, the initial configuration of a Mac refers to that default setting by the manufacturer. Which, in general, designates which are the applications that accompany an operating system by default and allows different parameters to be modified to personalize the computeraccording to the preferences of each user.
However, Many Apple users wonder when it is necessary to reset their Mac to factory settings.. Taking into account that this process allows delete all data and sessions contained in the deviceas well as experience the sensation of turning on and configuring a Mac for the first time.
In this way, it is valuable to recover the initial configuration that was installed after acquiring the computer, when the following situations occur:
- Give away iMac to a family member or friend.
- Sell the equipment in second-hand markets.
- Do a total cleaning to start from scratch.
- Minimize performance issues on Mac.
- Sort out virus infections on the computer.
Back up important files before restoring
Before factory resetting any Mac, it is essential create a backup of all important files to avoid losing them. Whether documents, applications, photos, videos, etc.
Since, once you delete and disable all your accounts, you will automatically lose the information contained on the computer. In this case, to create a backup or backup you have to resort to Time Machinethe Mac’s built-in backup feature to automatically back up all your personal data.
Therefore, below, we explain how to create a backup from Time Machine in MacOS:
- First of all, you must search and connect an external storage device (USB or Thunderbolt drive) to your Apple computer.
- Following that, select the Apple menu at the top and click on “System Preferences”.
- Within System Preferences, you have to click on “Time Machine”.
- Later, it is time to click on the button “Select Backup Disk…”.
- Now, proceed to choose the name of the disk and click “Have Disk”. Instinctively, the Time Machine feature will perform periodic backups immediately and automatically.
In case you choose to start a backup manually so you don’t have to wait for the next automatic backup, open the Time Machine menu in the menu bar and there, choose the option “Back up now”.
Learn how to factory restore your macOS
Once you complete the backup on your MacOS to get a backup of all your data, you have to proceed as follows to restore your computer to the factory:
Unlink Apple ID in iTunes
To start, you have to open itunes on your Mac and head to the top. There, select the option “Store” and then click on “Remove authorization from this computer”. Once the above is done, the system will request that you enter your Apple ID along with the password. Next, verify that everything is correct and proceed to click on “Withdraw authorization” to confirm the action. That way, your iTunes will be signed out.
Sign out of iCloud
What Apple’s ecosystem works thanks to a disk in the cloud which helps keep all your devices seamlessly interconnected, which is known as iCloud; it is ideal to disconnect it so that the next Mac user can enjoy all its features without any hassle. To sign out there, you have to open the Apple menu and choose the option “System preferences”.
followed by that, Choose “” among all the options, uncheck the box “Find My Mac” and then press on “Sign off”. That way, you will erase all iCloud data associated with your Mac. If you’re asked if you want to keep a copy of your iCloud data on that computer, you can do it. Since, that information will remain in iCloud and in any other device with which you have signed in with your Apple ID.
Disconnect the iMessage app
The next step to complete is to sign out of iMessage. This is the messaging system designed by Apple that allows you to receive SMSdirect messages, pictures and voice messages from contacts synced with your MacOS and iOS devices.
luckily disconnect iMessage too easy. You simply have to open the aforementioned Accounts app, choose the option “Messages” and through the menu bar, search and click on “Preferences”. Finally, click on iMessage and there, select the option “Sign off” from the section of Settings.
Remove the team from your trusted devices
In case you have registered your Mac computer with your Apple ID, we suggest remove the computer from your list of trusted computers. Thus, you can unlink it and provide a better experience to the other user. To do this, you have to start with Sign in with your Apple ID. followed by that, find the Mac in the list and delete it from there.
Erases all data from Mac
Now is the time to delete all the data on the computer, that is, this is the crucial step of the whole procedure to restore your Mac. For which, the most advisable thing is to restart the Mac and hold down keyboard shortcut Command + R to access safe mode.
Then you will show yourself the next 4 options: Restore a Mac from a Time Machine Backup, Reinstall OS X, Get Help on the Internet, and Disk Utility. In this case, you must choose “Disk Utility”. After entering Disk Utility, proceed to select your hard drive and at the top, click on the “Delete” button. Now, it only remains to wait for the necessary time for all the data to be deleted and finally, you have to exit Disk Utility.
Restore the Mac for your family/friend or for the buyer
Finally, the only thing left to do is restore mac computer. This procedure It will depend on the subsequent use that the equipment will obtaineither from a trusted family member or friend, or from a third party (such as a buyer, for example).
If your Mac is transferred to a trusted personit will suffice with click on the “Reinstall OS X” option. Thus, the next owner will be able to enter their Apple ID to restore and configure the equipment. But if you’ve decided to sell your Mac to an unknown person and you don’t know their Apple ID, it’s important to leave everything installed to set it up like a brand new computer.
For it, use the key combination Command + Option + R which will allow you to reset the operating system on the Mac without entering any Apple ID, thanks to the Internet connection. Finally, when the restore process is complete (after about an hour), they will show you the welcome screen and all you have to do is press the keys Command + Q to shut down your Mac and make it like new.
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