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Erase Mac desktop data without affecting other devices

Hi,

I have an old MAC desktop and a MacBook Air on macOs 15.5. I am going to sell the MAC desktop so I therefore need to delete everything on it before returning to factory settings. The MAX desktop is synced to my MacBook Air as well as an iPad and iPhone.

How do I delete the whole contents of the MAC desktop without deleting anything from my other devices?

Thank you for your assistance.

Roslyn

Posted on Nov 29, 2025 6:46 PM

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Top-ranking reply

Level 10

96,626 points

Posted on Nov 29, 2025 6:49 PM

Follow the steps at > What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

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5 replies

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Level 10

96,626 points

Nov 29, 2025 6:49 PM in response to ros60

Follow the steps at > What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

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Level 1

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Nov 29, 2025 6:56 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you for your reply. Does following these steps delete what is on the synced devices? I do not want to lose any of these files.

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Level 10

96,626 points

Nov 29, 2025 7:05 PM in response to ros60

You're welcome. Yes, if you follow the instructions in steps 1-6.

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Level 1

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Nov 29, 2025 7:19 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you :)

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96,626 points

Nov 30, 2025 6:54 AM in response to ros60

You're welcome.

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Erase Mac desktop data without affecting other devices

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