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I need to return a new MacBook air with the M1 chip. How do I take it back to factory settings?

I need to return a new MacBook Air with the M1 chip. How do I take it back to factory settings?

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on May 4, 2021 11:26 AM

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200,257 points

Posted on May 4, 2021 1:28 PM

You need to turn it off completely, not just put it to sleep. Apple Menu->Shut Down

After that press the power button (Touch ID button) and hold it down do not let go of it until you see the Recovery screen.

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May 4, 2021 1:28 PM in response to seatter

You need to turn it off completely, not just put it to sleep. Apple Menu->Shut Down

After that press the power button (Touch ID button) and hold it down do not let go of it until you see the Recovery screen.

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May 4, 2021 11:53 AM in response to Phil0124

This looks like a complicated procedure.

No matter what I do, the machine starts at my start page with my login. holding down the power key does not bypass this step.

I can log in and go to the utilities or to system preferences and then pick the startup disk. Looks like I have to select it and then click the lock to make changes before the restart feature is active.

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May 4, 2021 1:52 PM in response to seatter

Stop at step 12 when it restarts and you see the "Choose your Language" screen. Leave it at that.

...

11. When asked whether you're sure you want to erase this Mac, click Erase Mac and Restart.

12. When your Mac restarts, follow the onscreen instructions to choose your language.

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May 4, 2021 11:39 AM in response to seatter

Follow the steps ere: link-> How to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support

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May 4, 2021 1:42 PM in response to Phil0124

Many thanks. That worked.

Now, what step do I stop on if I am returning this mac to the store? Do I go ahead and reinstall OS?

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Level 1

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May 4, 2021 1:53 PM in response to Phil0124

Oh Shoot. I went ahead to reinstall. Should I cancel out now? or let it go?

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May 4, 2021 2:17 PM in response to seatter

You can let it go if you want. Apple will undoubtedly restore regardless. Its just so you wipe your data from it.

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Level 1

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May 4, 2021 2:18 PM in response to Phil0124

Thank you so much for all your help!

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I need to return a new MacBook air with the M1 chip. How do I take it back to factory settings?

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