How do I delete data from an old MacBook Pro?

Hello One Ewe, and welcome to the Apple Support Community.

If your MacBook Pro is running macOS Monterey 12.7.6, the correct procedure depends on whether it has Apple siliconor an Intel processor.

If Apple’s erase instructions didn’t work, could you let us know:

• whether your Mac has an Intel or Apple silicon processor;
• and which step fails (for example, Recovery Mode, Disk Utility, or reinstalling macOS)?

If you’re preparing the Mac for sale or transfer, be sure to:

1. Sign out of your Apple Account, including Find My Mac.
2. Start up in macOS Recovery.
3. Erase the internal startup disk using Disk Utility.
4. Reinstall macOS without restoring your personal data.

Helpful links:

Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support

Please let us know your Mac model (Intel or Apple silicon) and exactly where the process stops.

Your feedback may also help other members of the Apple Support Community working with similar issues.

🙏🏻

Have a good Day.

And one more thing…

Never forget to think different.



The key to erasing the startup drive of a Mac is to restart the Mac in recovery mode and launch Disk Utility.

Once Disk Utility is launched, click View > Show All Devices so that the internal drive, usually named "APPLE...Media", shows up in the Disk Utility sidebar. Select that device and then click erase.

Also our friend, @rjldubois, has posted several links that you will hopefully find helpful.

If you're planning on disposing of the old MacBook Pro, you may want to read this:

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support