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How do I factory reset my iMac MacOS to sell it? It tells me that erase assistant is not supported when I try to Erase all content.

My iMac 21.5-Inch, 2017 macOSVentura 13.1 says it doesn't support the erase assistant, what do I do to reset my computer to sell it?


iMac

Posted on Dec 20, 2022 7:38 AM

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Posted on Dec 20, 2022 7:42 AM

ecosnett wrote:

My iMac 21.5-Inch, 2017 macOSVentura 13.1 says it doesn't support the erase assistant, what do I do to reset my computer to sell it?

Follow these instructions to prepare the Mac for sale: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support


3 replies

Dec 20, 2022 7:50 AM in response to ecosnett

Last Resort outside of the two previous suggestions


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 : 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.


Extra Special Notation regarding the Touch ID equipped Apple Computer.


 About Startup Security Utility and Must Enable from Recovery Mode the ability to boot from External Drive Before Attempting 


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 - Once the robot has occurred, just Power Down via the Power Button


10 The next time it is stated up - Setup Asset will be presented like an " Out of the Box " experience




How do I factory reset my iMac MacOS to sell it? It tells me that erase assistant is not supported when I try to Erase all content.

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