How to wipe your MacBook before selling it
Before you sell a MacBook, it is important to protect your data and make sure the laptop is not left locked to your Apple account. Here are the steps, short and simple.
1. Make a backup
Save everything that matters — photos, documents, passwords — to an external drive or to iCloud. Once you hand over the laptop, the data is no longer accessible.
2. Turn off "Find My Mac"
This is the most often forgotten and most important step. If Find My Mac stays active, the laptop remains tied to your Apple account and cannot be used by the new owner. You turn it off from System Settings → your Apple account → iCloud → Find My Mac.
3. Sign out of Apple accounts
Sign out of iCloud, iMessage and the App Store. This breaks the link between the MacBook and your digital identity.
4. Erase content and reset
On recent MacBooks there is an "Erase All Content and Settings" option, similar to the one on iPhone. You find it in System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset.
The MacBook will not turn on, so you cannot do these steps? No problem. We explain exactly what options you have to keep your data safe, even when the laptop will not turn on at all.
Why it matters for you too
A MacBook handed over correctly, disconnected from your accounts, is more valuable to the buyer too — because it can be used right away. It is in everyone's interest that these steps are done properly.