Reinstall macOS on your Mac - Clean Install

Resetting your Mac: Step-by-step guide for all Apple devices (MacBook, iMac, Mac mini & more)

If your Mac is running slowly, acting up, or you're looking to sell it, a restart or resetting your Mac could be the perfect solution. In this guide, I'll show you step by step how to reset your Mac—no matter if you have a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro.

When should you reset your Mac?

• Your Mac has become extremely slow

• You want to do a clean install of macOS

• You're selling or giving away your Mac

• You want to erase all data and start fresh

Supported Mac models

This guide works for all current and many older models:

• MacBook Air (all generations)

• MacBook Pro (13", 14", 15", 16")

• iMac (21.5", 24", 27")

• Mac mini

• Mac Studio

• Mac Pro (tower or rack model)

• Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4 chip)

• Intel-based Macs

Preparation: Create a backup

Before you reset your Mac, be sure to make a backup. That way, you won’t lose any important data.

 Backup with Time Machine

1. Connect external hard drive

2. Open System Preferences > Time Machine

3. Select backup drive

4. Start backup

Alternatives: iCloud or manual backup

You can also manually back up documents, photos, and settings, or use iCloud Drive.

How to reset your Mac – step by step

Depending on your Mac’s processor (Intel or Apple Silicon), the steps vary slightly. First, find out which chip your Mac has:  > “About This Mac.”

Step 1: Start in macOS Recovery Mode

For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3):

1. Shut down Mac

2. Press and hold the power button until “Options” appears

3. “Options” > Continue

For Intel-based Macs:

1. Restart Mac

2. Immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo appears
   Alternatively, OPTION + Command (⌘) + R - This loads the latest possible Mac OS X

Step 2: Erase the hard drive

1. In the menu: select Disk Utility

2. Select your main hard drive (usually “Macintosh HD”)

3. Click “Erase” at the top

4. Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) (depending on macOS version)

5. Confirm “Delete”

Step 3: Reinstall macOS

1. Close Disk Utility

2. Select “Reinstall macOS”

3. Follow the on-screen instructions

4. Ensure an internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Optional: Set up your Mac after reinstalling

After reinstalling, you can:

• Set up your Mac as a new device

• Transfer data from the Time Machine backup or from another Mac

• Set up Apple ID and iCloud

• Reinstall your apps

Tips for a clean start

• First, use the Mac without a backup to diagnose the issue

• Only install apps you really need

• Regularly check for software updates

• Enable Gatekeeper protection for added security

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about resetting your Mac

What happens when you reinstall macOS?

All data, apps, and settings will be erased. The Mac will be reset to factory settings.

Can I reinstall macOS without Internet?

No, you need an active internet connection to re-download macOS.

Which macOS version will be installed?

By default, the current compatible version will be installed. You can also select older versions using certain key combinations (e.g., Shift + Option + Command + R at startup).

Conclusion: Set up your Mac from scratch for better performance and security.

No matter if you have a MacBook, iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro – resetting is the best way to fix problems and give your Mac a fresh start. Make sure to back up and follow the steps carefully. Your Mac will be running like new in no time!