The erase button is grayed out in disk utility

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coxgj2002 Author

Level 1

4 points

The erase button is grayed out in disk utility

The erase button is grayed out in disk utility when I'm trying to erase my Mac hard drive in order to trade it in?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Mar 30, 2022 12:39 PM

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Answer 1

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tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Mar 30, 2022 12:44 PM in response to coxgj2002

Hi,

Are you booted into Recovery? Have you selected the top item in the list on the left? See Step 7: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Mar 30, 2022 12:50 PM in response to coxgj2002

Are you sure your Mac is shut down? Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds if you need to. Then hold down and keep holding down the Command and R keys and press the power button. Don't release Command and R until it's booted into Recovery.

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Answer 3

coxgj2002 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2022 12:46 PM in response to tjk

No, using command + R doesn't seem to be doing anything. Is there another way to get into Recovery?

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Answer 4

coxgj2002 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2022 12:54 PM in response to tjk

I didn't realize it meant that it had to be shut down. That worked and now it is in recovery. THANK you!!

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Answer 5

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Mar 30, 2022 12:55 PM in response to coxgj2002

You're welcome.

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The erase button is grayed out in disk utility

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