Summary - If you want to sell, give away, or recycle your Mac, you need to completely erase your information. This article will step you through the process of erasing your used Mac securely, including manual removal and an expert tool for permanent data erasure.
Cutting all your files or even restoring your Mac to its factory settings isn't always sufficient. Fragments of your own personal information can be retrieved using special software, which is a security risk—particularly when passing on your device to another person. So, how do you guarantee that it is all erased, cleanly and safely? Let's take a step-by-step look at the process.
Erasing a Mac means erasing everything on the computer—your files, programs, preferences, user accounts, and even system information. It also involves making sure nothing remains that may be recoverable in the future. Regardless of whether you have macOS Ventura, Monterey, or an earlier version, the concept is to restore the system to a fresh state while making your prior data unrecoverable.
There are a number of good reasons to erase your Mac entirely before handing it over:
Even if you believe you've erased everything, today's data recovery software can recover "deleted" data in most instances.
There are several ways to erase your Mac depending on the version of macOS you're using. Let's start with the most straightforward method for newer systems.
Apple introduced the Erase Assistant to make the process easier. Here's how:
Open System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset
Click on Erase All Content and Settings
Follow the on-screen instructions to sign out of iCloud and erase the device
This method is similar to a factory reset and works well for users on macOS 12 and later.
If your Mac runs an older version of macOS, you can use Disk Utility:
Restart the Mac and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode
Choose Disk Utility from the options
Select your startup disk (usually Macintosh HD), click Erase
Choose a format like APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Once erased, exit Disk Utility and reinstall macOS
For tech-savvy users, the Terminal offers a secure erase option:
Run the following command (verify disk identifier first):
diskutil secureErase 0 /dev/disk0
Note: Be extremely cautious—using the wrong disk identifier can wipe the wrong drive.
Even though Apple includes native means to erase your Mac, it won't promise your information has completely gone. Trashed files tend to be easily retrieved by using forensic tools, particularly when it was not overwritten. Besides, operating using Terminal commands will also pose dangers if you're unfamiliar with these, and erasing a massive drive might be long and time-consuming. When selling your device, prepping your unit for sale, or making your drive fit a company policy, the built-in option is most likely inadequate.
In order to completely wipe your Mac beyond recovery, use SysTools Data Wipe Software. It is a professional-level utility used to permanently remove files, folders, drives, and partitions from macOS machines. It employs safe data wipe techniques like DoD 5220.22-M to overwrite erased data numerous times so it cannot be recovered.
It also provides bulk wiping capabilities and an easy-to-use interface, making it perfect for both individuals and IT staff working with multiple machines. Whether you need to wipe a whole drive or selectively remove files, this tool provides a quick, secure, and efficient solution.
Erasing a used Mac is more than deleting files or system reset—it's protecting your data. macOS offers some basic tools to assist you in erasing your device, but they might not stop sophisticated recovery methods. For added peace of mind, particularly when selling or giving away your device, it's best to use a secure erasure tool such as the above-mentioned Data Wipe Software. That way, you can guarantee your Mac is thoroughly clean—and your data remains yours.