
How To: Erase and Reinstall macOS Using Recovery Mode
This article provides instructions for erasing and reinstalling macOS using Recovery Mode when the “Erase All Contents and Settings” option is unavailable.
Audience
This article is intended for faculty, staff, and student employees who are preparing Apple computers for reinstallation or reassignment.
Platform
Apple macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
Contents
Check for Erase All Contents and Settings
- Check if the Erase All Contents and Settings option is available.
- If this option is available, use it to reset the device. You do not need to continue with this guide.
Boot into Recovery Mode
- Follow the appropriate instructions to boot into Recovery Mode:
If Prompted for a Password or Recovery Key
- Click Recovery Assistant in the menu bar.
- Select Erase Mac….
- Follow the on-screen instructions to erase the device.
Erase the Macintosh HD Drive
- Select Disk Utility from the Recovery menu.
- Select Macintosh HD from the left-hand sidebar.
- Click Erase at the top of the window.
- Ensure the following settings:
- Name: Macintosh HD
- Format: APFS
Click Erase to confirm.
- If prompted to restart, click Restart.
- Repeat the erase steps in Disk Utility if multiple volumes remain. You should have only one volume named Macintosh HD.
Reinstall macOS
- After erasing the drive, the system will return to the Recovery menu.
- Select Reinstall macOS.
- Click Continue.
- Click Accept, then click Agree.
- Select your Macintosh HD volume and click Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete. The Mac may restart during the process.