How to reset a Mac mini to its factory settings

💡 Need to know

• The new shortcut: If your Mac mini runs macOS Monterey or later, don't sign out of apps manually. Use the built-in Erase All Content and Settings tool to wipe the machine in one clean step.
• Modern menu path: On current Macs, click the Apple icon and navigate to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset to find the erase option.
• Keep your accessories on: The Mac mini has no built-in screen or keyboard. When it reboots during a reset, do not unplug your mouse or keyboard, or you won't be able to click through the final prompts.
• Leave it at the "Hello" screen: If you are selling or giving away the Mac mini, force-shutdown the computer (hold the physical power button) the moment the flashing "Hello" setup screen appears so the new owner can set it up fresh.

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Are you getting ready to sell your Mac® mini or give it to someone else? There are a few things you should do first, like a factory reset. Factory resetting your Mac mini will delete all of your data and personal information—which is exactly what you want if you’re planning to get rid of your old device. We’ll walk you through the process.

From computer repairs to sharing ways you can speed up your slow Mac, Asurion Experts make caring for your tech easy. In this article, we’ll cover how to reset your Mac mini to its factory settings and also give you some tips on how to make your reset easier. 

What to do before you factory reset your Mac mini

Factory resetting your Mac mini will delete all of your data and personal information—which is exactly what you want if you're planning to get rid of your old device. Before taking this step, there is one critical thing you'll want to do to make your life a little easier:

Back up your data

Whether you’re erasing your Mac mini to sell it or completing a rest to help troubleshoot your device, backing up your data is the only way you can make sure you can access it again. To learn more, check out our guide to backing up your Mac computer. 

How to factory reset your Mac mini

Apple's modern software features an Erase Assistant. This automatically signs you out of iCloud, unlinks your iMessage, de-authorizes your account, and wipes your data safely in a single process. In order to use it, your device must be running macOS Monterey or newer

To erase a Mac mini with macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or newer:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. Click General in the left sidebar.
3. Select Transfer or Reset on the right side, then click Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Enter your Mac’s login password, review the summary of what will be deleted, and click Continue.

To erase a Mac mini with macOS Monterey:

1. From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, click System Preferences.
2. In the menu bar at the top of the screen (next to the Apple icon), click the word System Preferences.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings from the drop-down menu.

Follow the final onscreen instructions to completely erase your Mac mini and restore it to its factory settings. You might have to enter your Apple ID password to finish the process. Then, your Mac mini will restart.

If you are keeping the computer, you can set it up again. If you are selling it, hold down the power button to turn it off once the startup screen appears.