How to Factory Reset Your MacBook Air M4: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing Your MacBook Air M4 for Reset

• 🔌 Shut down your MacBook Air M4 completely by selecting "shutdown" from the Apple menu.
• 💡 Ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source throughout the entire reset process.

Entering Recovery Mode

• 🚀 Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo and startup options appear.
• ✅ Select "Options" and click "Continue" to enter recovery mode.
• 👤 Choose your user account and enter your MacBook password to proceed.

Erasing Macintosh HD

• 🛠️ Select "Disk Utility" and click "Continue".
• 💾 Choose "Macintosh HD" (or your startup disk) and click "Erase".
• 📝 Format the disk as APFS and optionally rename it to "Macintosh HD".
• 🔄 Confirm by clicking "Erase Mac" and then "Erase Mac and restart".

Reinstalling macOS Sequoia

• 🌐 Connect to a Wi-Fi network by selecting it in the top right corner and entering the password.
• 🍎 Sign in with your Apple ID and password when prompted.
• ⏳ Select "Reinstall macOS Sequoia" (or your previous macOS version) and click "Continue".
• 💻 Wait for the installation to complete; your Mac will restart to the setup assistant.

Finalizing Setup for a New User

• 🚪 If selling or giving away the MacBook, press Command + Q to quit the setup assistant and shut down the computer.