How To Completely Wipe A Mac. How to Wipe a Mac Hard Disk Drive (HDD). You can do this through Time Machine, Apple's official backup application, which will copy all your files onto an external drive.
Performing a factory reset on your MacBook or Mac can solve many macOS problems, and is essential if you're selling. If you want to replace or repurpose your computer, it's essential that you protect your sensitive information by securely wiping your hard drive. If you're selling or giving your Mac to someone else or are just looking to make a fresh start, wiping your Mac and reinstalling a fresh copy of macOS (previously called OS X) is probably on your to-do list.
How to Wipe a Mac Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
Your Mac's hard drive is bursting with sensitive information that you wouldn't want to be accessible, even if you trust your laptop's next owner.
Note: the following sequence is applicable to both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. After wiping your computer of its data by resetting your machine to factory default setting and setting up like new or leaving the you will have the option to reinstall macOS if desired or to leave the machine completely blank. You can do this through Time Machine, Apple's official backup application, which will copy all your files onto an external drive.