How to Factory Reset the Apple MacBook Air M2

Erase and reinstall macOS on the Apple MacBook Air M2 to restore it to factory settings.

Steps

1. 1

   Back up your data using Time Machine or another backup solution.

2. 2

   Sign out of iCloud: go to Apple menu > System Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.

3. 3

   Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.

4. 4

   Click Erase All Content and Settings.

5. 5

   Enter your administrator password when prompted.

6. 6

   Review the list of items that will be erased, then click Continue.

7. 7

   Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of iCloud if prompted, then click Erase All Content & Settings.

8. 8

   The Mac will restart and erase all data, then boot to the Setup Assistant for a fresh start.

Last verified: November 1, 2025