I wish to clear all content before I sell it, on my 2015 21.5 " iMac running Monterey 12.6. I can find plenty on youtube about deleting with the "Erase all settings" function, but I haven't got that
Thank you
iMac 21.5″, macOS 12.6
Then there is the -->>
Scorched Earth Method
This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No Recovery - Period.
>> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer <<
To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer.
The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer
This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer. Example ONLY : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.
Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.
Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.
1 - Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.
2- Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive.
3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives.
4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).
5 - The drive normally is called Apple Media or Apple SSD - that is the drive to Erase and format as APFS with the GUID Partition Map. This applies to macOS 10.14 Mojave and above.
5A - Formatting for macOS 10.13 High Sierra and below requires HFS Journaled with the GUID Partition Map
6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS.
7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time.
8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.
9 - The just Power Down the computer via Power Button
In " good computer practices " , when selling a computer, it should be rolled back to the version of OS X / macOS it Originally came with as New.
This would allow the new Owner to have all the Options to upgrade or keep the Original version of OSX / macOS .
You are welcome
Do come back to the Apple Support Communities ( ASC ) in the future, if / or when additional questions may arise
Thank you for confirming what I've thought all along.
Thank you all - now sorted
You're welcome.
how to delete all content on 2015 imac with Monterey 12.6
