How do I clean reinstall on a MacBook Pro with M2 to remove an undetectable virus?

I have a virus that is undetectable by the usual viral checkers and the only way I can get rid of it is by doing a clean install of everything on my MacBook Pro. How do I do this?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 10, 2025 9:23 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 10, 2025 9:35 AM

seawolf1 wrote:

I have a virus that is undetectable by the usual viral checkers


Typically if you Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus your "undetectable by the usual viral checkers" problem will be gone. Full Stop.


all known to cause issues on the macOS



Third party AntiVirus is not recommended— it typically does nothing but add issues to the macOS and competes directly with Apple’s own built in security:


macOS antivirus - Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

macOS - Security - Apple macOS - Security - Apple

Apple Platform Security - Apple Apple Platform Security - Apple Support



Protecting against malware in macOS

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support


Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony ...

Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support


Effective defenses against malware and other threats… - Apple Community

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community





for your M-series mac

How to reinstall macOS

Recovery (both M1/M2/M3/M4 and Intel) — How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 10, 2025 9:35 AM in response to seawolf1

seawolf1 wrote:

I have a virus that is undetectable by the usual viral checkers


Typically if you Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus your "undetectable by the usual viral checkers" problem will be gone. Full Stop.


all known to cause issues on the macOS



Third party AntiVirus is not recommended— it typically does nothing but add issues to the macOS and competes directly with Apple’s own built in security:


macOS antivirus - Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

macOS - Security - Apple macOS - Security - Apple

Apple Platform Security - Apple Apple Platform Security - Apple Support



Protecting against malware in macOS

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support


Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony ...

Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support


Effective defenses against malware and other threats… - Apple Community

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community





for your M-series mac

How to reinstall macOS

Recovery (both M1/M2/M3/M4 and Intel) — How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


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How do I clean reinstall on a MacBook Pro with M2 to remove an undetectable virus?

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