Erase and Reset Apple Laptop Instructions

The Honors College distributes Apple laptops to students participating in the CHEATHAM-WHITE SCHOLARS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM.  The Enterprise Endpoint Management (EEM) Department within the Information Technology Services (ITS) Division configures the laptops  with a management profile that consists of endpoint security and monitoring software.  EEM will notify a student(s) that his/her device has been released due to graduation.  A student will need to complete the instructions in order to erase the management profile from the laptop and reset it to Apple's default settings.  

Option 1: Wiping Your Mac from System Settings

Important Note: This process will erase everything on your Mac, returning it to its factory settings. Make absolutely sure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.

  1. Open System Settings: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions).  
  2. Navigate to General: In the sidebar, click on "General".
  3. Transfer or Reset: Scroll down on the right-hand side and click on "Transfer or Reset".
  4. Erase All Content and Settings: Click on the "Erase All Content and Settings..." button.
  5. Review What Will Be Erased: A window will appear outlining all the data and settings that will be removed. Read this carefully and click "Continue".
  6. Enter Your Password: You will be prompted to enter your password to proceed.
  7. Confirm the Erase: You will see a final confirmation screen asking if you are sure you want to erase all content and settings. Click "Erase All Content & Settings".
  8. Your Mac Will Restart: Your Mac will begin the process of erasing all data and will eventually restart, presenting you with the initial setup screen as if it were a new device. This process will also remove the MDM profile.

Option 2: Wiping Your Mac from Recovery Mode

Important Note: This process will erase everything on your Mac, returning it to its factory settings. Ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.

  1. Shut Down Your Mac: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "Shut Down".
  2. Boot into Recovery Mode: Turn your Mac back on and immediately press and hold one of the following key combinations until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe:
    • Apple silicon Macs (M1, M2, etc.): Press and hold the power button until the startup options window appears. Then, click "Options" and then "Continue".
  3. Open Disk Utility: In the macOS Recovery window, select "Disk Utility" and click "Continue".
  4. Select Your Startup Disk: In the Disk Utility sidebar, select your startup disk. It's usually named "Macintosh HD" unless you renamed it.
  5. Erase Your Disk: Click the "Erase" button in the toolbar.
  6. Enter Erase Details:
    • Name: You can give your disk a new name if you like,or leave it as "Untitled".
    • Format: Choose "APFS" (for macOS 10.13 or later) APFS is generally recommended for newer Macs.
    • Scheme: If the option is available, select "GUID Partition Map".
  7. Click Erase: Click the "Erase" button. The process will begin, and it may take a few minutes to complete.
  8. Quit Disk Utility: Once the erase process is finished, click "Done" and then quit Disk Utility by choosing "Disk Utility" > "Quit Disk Utility" from the menu bar.
  9. Reinstall macOS (Optional but Recommended): If you want to reinstall macOS (which will also ensure the MDM profile is gone), in the macOS Recovery window, select "Reinstall macOS" and click "Continue". Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Support

If you need support, contact EEM @ eem@ncat.edu or the CTS Help Desk @ helpdesk@ncat.edu, 336-334-7195, or in person on the lower level of the Bluford Library.