Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac
How to erase (format) the built-in startup disk of an Intel-based Mac.
These steps do not apply to Mac computers with Apple silicon. If you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, follow the steps to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.
Before erasing your Mac
If you want to restore your Mac to factory settings, such as to prepare it for a new owner, learn what to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac.
If using macOS Monterey or later, follow the steps to erase all content and settings instead of the steps in this article. You should also do so when selling, giving away, or trading-in your Mac.
Make a backup of any files that you want to keep. Erasing your Mac permanently deletes its files.
Start up from macOS Recovery
To erase your Mac startup disk with Disk Utility, you need to first start up from macOS Recovery or a different disk.
How to start up from macOS Recovery
Use the Erase feature of Disk Utility
When you see the list of utilities in Recovery, select Disk Utility, then click Continue.
Select Macintosh HD in the sidebar of the Disk Utility window. Don't see Macintosh HD?
Click the Erase button
in the toolbar, then specify a name and format:Name: Macintosh HD
Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), as recommended by Disk Utility
Click Erase Volume Group. If this button isn't shown, click Erase instead.
If asked, enter your Apple Account information. Forgot your Apple Account?
Optional: If you previously used Disk Utility to add internal volumes other than Macintosh HD, you can erase them individually using the same process.
When done, quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window in Recovery.
If you want to start up again from the disk you just erased, select Reinstall macOS in the utilities window, then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall macOS.
If you don’t see Macintosh HD in Disk Utility
Your built-in startup disk should be the first item listed in the Disk Utility sidebar. It's named Macintosh HD, unless you changed its name. If you don't see it there, choose Apple menu > Shut Down, then unplug all nonessential devices from your Mac and try again.
If your disk still doesn't appear in Disk Utility, or Disk Utility reports that the erase process failed, your Mac might need service.
