I want to reset my 21 inch Mac 2012, do not remember the password to get in it. Giving to my daughter for minor things she does. How can I do this without being able to get into computer. Also I am using a Mac mini 2020 now, and it gets confusing. Thanks
Hi there!
You can erase your Mac, even if you forgot your password.
To erase your Mac, take a look at Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support:
1. Start up from macOS Recovery: Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these three keys until you see an Apple logo or other image: Option, Command (⌘) and R.
2. From the utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
3. Select Macintosh HD in the sidebar of Disk Utility.
4. Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then enter the requested details:
Name: Macintosh HD
Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), as recommended by Disk Utility
5. Click Erase Volume Group. If this button isn't shown, click Erase instead.
6. Optional: If you previously used Disk Utility to add internal volumes other than Macintosh HD, you can erase them individually using the same process.
7. When done, quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window.
8. If you want your Mac to start up again from the volume you just you erased, select Reinstall macOS in the utilities window, then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. Learn more about reinstalling macOS.
Hope this helps!
Jack
Hi there!
You can erase your Mac, even if you forgot your password.
To erase your Mac, take a look at Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support:
1. Start up from macOS Recovery: Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these three keys until you see an Apple logo or other image: Option, Command (⌘) and R.
2. From the utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
3. Select Macintosh HD in the sidebar of Disk Utility.
4. Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then enter the requested details:
Name: Macintosh HD
Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), as recommended by Disk Utility
5. Click Erase Volume Group. If this button isn't shown, click Erase instead.
6. Optional: If you previously used Disk Utility to add internal volumes other than Macintosh HD, you can erase them individually using the same process.
7. When done, quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window.
8. If you want your Mac to start up again from the volume you just you erased, select Reinstall macOS in the utilities window, then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. Learn more about reinstalling macOS.
Hope this helps!
Jack
If you forget your Apple ID or password - Apple Support
Probably your only hope.
21 inch Mac 2012,
