Page History

For macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, please use the Erase All Contents and Settings feature instead:

Erase all content and settings on Mac

Mac computers with Apple silicon

Mac models with the Apple T2 Security Chip

For models with the Apple T2 Security Chip, you will need to run the following command before opening System Preferences/Settings to erase the Mac. Please note that a restart is not required after the command, just close and re-open System Preferences/Settings to continue.

sudo jamf policy -event "Remove-FirmwarePassword"

Apple silicon devices use a recovery lock and do not require the above step.

For more information about firmware passwords and recovery lockslock, see the following article:

Recovery Lock and Firmware Password on Mac Devices

After your Mac is erased, you cannot recover deleted data.

Before proceeding, copy all important files and user data to another computer or backup system.