How to Wipe a Mac Clean

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Back up any data you want to save.

   Wiping your Mac will erase everything, including your operating system, so keeping a backup on an external hard drive or DVD is a good idea.
2. 2

   Step 2: Open the Apple menu.

   It's the black apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. , It's near the bottom of the menu. , This immediately shuts down and reboots your Mac.
   
   Wait for your Mac to shut down. ,, The "macOS Utilities" window will appear. , It's at the bottom of the list. , It's in the lower-right corner of the window. , It's in the upper-left of the window, under "Internal."
   
   It's a button at the top-center of the window. , Type it in the "Name:" field. ,, To reinstall a MacOS system, select:
   Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for the fastest wipe.
   
   Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted) for a more secure wipe. , It's in the lower-right corner of the dialog box.
   
   The wipe process will begin.
   
   The time to erase your disk will vary based on disk size, the amount of data stored, and whether your chose an encrypted format.
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   Step 3: Click on Restart….

4. 4

   Step 4: Click Restart to confirm.

5. 5

   Step 5: Press and hold ⌘+R as the Mac restarts.

6. 6

   Step 6: Release the keys when you see the Apple logo.

7. 7

   Step 7: Click on Disk Utility.

8. 8

   Step 8: Click on Continue.

9. 9

   Step 9: Click on your Mac's hard drive.

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    Step 10: Click on Erase.

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    Step 11: Name your disk.

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    Step 12: Click on the "Format:" drop-down menu.

13. 13

    Step 13: Select a format.

14. 14

    Step 14: Click on Erase.

Detailed Guide

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