You can find that in the Apple menu > About This Mac. Take note of what system version you are running, as some of these instructions will vary depending on the version. If you are buying a used Mac, none of the previous owner’s configuration will mess things up.If you are selling or recycling your Mac, none of your personal information remains.Here is how to properly erase a Macintosh, ensuring that: Or worse yet a malicious security threat or connections to their old account. Sellers sometimes just delete their documents, leaving poorly configured and obsolete apps lying around.

If you have a cellular plan, remove it when prompted.Updated December 2, 2020: added information for new Macs with Apple processors.Īll too often I’ve seen people buy a used Mac only to find that the seller did not properly erase the Mac first. If you have an Apple Watch, keep it close to your iPhone and unpair it by browsing to APPLE WATCH > MY WATCH > INFO SYMBOL > UNPAIR APPLE WATCH. Notes: If you’re switching to a non-Apple phone, you should deregister iMessage by browsing to SETTINGS > MESSAGES and toggling off iMessage. Browse to SETTINGS > ITUNES & APPE STORE > APPLE ID > SIGN OUT.Enter your Apple ID password to sign out.Browse to SETTINGS > ICLOUD > FIND MY IPHONE.Enter your Apple ID password and select TURN OFF.Browse to SETTINGS > YOUR NAME > ICLOUD.Browse to SETTINGS > YOUR NAME > ICLOUD > FIND MY IPHONE.STEP 2: Turn off Activation Lock/Find My iPhone & sign out of iCloud & App Store On iOS 10.3 or later: Alternatively, you can connect your device to your computer and back up via iTunes.Make sure iCloud Backup is enabled and tap BACK UP NOW.Browse to SETTINGS > YOUR NAME > ICLOUD (or just SETTINGS > ICLOUD).How to reset an iPhone, iPad or iPod STEP 1: Back up your device Here’s how to reset your Apple device to factory settings. Ready to sell your iPhone, iPad, iPod or Apple Watch? You need to protect your data with a factory reset.

How to reset mac before selling