Related Article: Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Is there a way to prepare a Mac for sale that securely erases the data?

This article doesn’t discuss securely erasing data. Is there a way to prepare a mac for sale or gift that securely (0 overwrites) erases the data?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on May 26, 2022 6:32 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best answer

If it is already encrypted, just erase and reinstall.

If not, for SSD, encrypt then erase and reinstall.

For HDD, you can use secure erase or encryption.

For a T2 or M1 Mac, they are encrypted, regardless of FileVault.

On an encrypted Mac running Monterey, you can use Erase all content and settings.

Posted on May 27, 2022 2:26 PM

8 replies

May 27, 2022 3:17 PM in response to Barney-15E

Pretty close. My iMac has a pentium chip, so I have to do secure erase in Disk Utility. This isn’t documented at What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support Step 7. To do secure erase (in this case, Monterey with a HDD and a pentium cpu), in Disk Utility upper left, click View > Show All Devices. Select the first container under Apple HDD [serial no], then select Erase at the top of the window, then click the Security Options button, then select the level of security desired.


Is there a way to prepare a Mac for sale that securely erases the data?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.