UiBhelp's public knowledge cards

KI 3166 Factory resest Mac

(updated )
How to reset a Mac to factory settings.
There are many situations where you need to reset a Mac, for example if someone else is going to take it over, it has gotten a virus, you want to fix a problem, or you need to free up storage space.

You can deliver the device to BRITA Bar at Nygårdsgaten 5 if you want BRITA to help you with the reset, but if the device ends up in a queue it may take longer before you can start using your Mac again. Note that BRITA cannot back up the files on your Mac, so you must do this yourself beforehand or with help from BRITA.

1. Backup

Be aware that resetting your Mac will erase everything you have done on this Mac. If you have files that are not stored in a cloud service (e.g., OneDrive) or anywhere else besides the Mac, you will lose them permanently. If you haven’t turned off OneDrive yourself or something has gone wrong on the device, most files should automatically be saved in OneDrive on all UiB machines.

A simple way to check that you have all your important files in OneDrive is to open OneDrive in your browser, click My files in the sidebar, and browse through the folders or search for your files.





If there is anything you can’t find, it may indicate that those files are not in OneDrive.

If you want help checking that your files are in OneDrive, or to move your files to OneDrive, you can call IT BRITA at 555 84 700 or visit BRITA Bar at Nygårdsgaten 5.

2. Procedure for resetting

Note: If you can log in to the Mac and you have a 2020 model or newer, we recommend following Apple’s official user guide: Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings | Apple.com. The version below will also work without logging in as long as the settings on the Mac are correct, but the installation process will take longer.
  1. Connect Ethernet (internet cable) and your charger to your Mac
  2. Turn on the Mac without logging on
  3. Click the "(?)" next to the password field
  4. Click "Restart and show password reset options", the Mac will then turn itself off and on and start in a  different menu


  5. On this menu you will see a windows where it says "Reset Password", you can look past this. Instead in the top left corner, click Recovery Assistant


  6. On the menu that pops up, click Erase Mac...
  7. A windows will appear, on the window, click Erase Mac... You will be asked if you really want to Erase your Mac, click Erase Mac here as well


  8. In a moment, you should see a window where it says "Activate Mac" and as you are connected to the internet, it should in a moment get activated. Once your Mac is activated, click Exit to Recovery
  9. Click the choice which is Reinstall MacOS... and then click Continue
  10. On the next page, click Continue and then accept the terms of use.


  11. Click the harddisk of your Mac and click Continue to start the installation


  12. The installation can take some time, but once it is done you can follow KI 2687 Setting up a new UiB Mac.

    NOTE: Do not set up the Mac after installation yourself if someone else is supposed to use it.
Always feel free to contact the IT-departments user support center (BRITA) if you need help or have questions.
Visit BRITA's homepage