How to Perform a Hard Reset on a Mac [New Potential Methods in 2024]

Hard Reset Mac Overview A hard reset on a Mac is a process of restarting the computer by bypassing the operating system. This can be useful when the system becomes unresponsive, frozen, or encounters a software issue that prevents normal shutdown or startup. It's important to note that a hard reset does not erase any data or settings from your Mac. Here's a step-by-step guide to perform a hard reset on your Mac: 1. **For Macs with a T2 Security Chip:** - Press and hold the power button (located on the right side of the keyboard, near the touch ID) for at least 10 seconds. - Release the power button when the screen turns off. - Wait a few moments, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac. 2. **For Macs without a T2 Security Chip:** - First, ensure all open applications and files are saved, as this method will immediately shut down your Mac. - Press and hold the following three keys together: Command + Option + Power button. - Keep holding the keys until you hear the Mac's startup sound. - Release the keys, and your Mac will start up normally. 3. **For MacBook models with a Touch Bar:** - Press and hold the left Shift + Control + Power button for a few seconds. - Release the buttons, and then press the power button again to turn on your MacBook. Remember that a hard reset should not be a regular practice, as it may indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing. If your Mac continues to experience problems after a hard reset, consider updating the macOS, checking for malware, or seeking professional assistance.

A hard reset Mac might be required if your Mac encounters problems like freezing, sluggish performance, or software glitches. By performing a hard reset, you can restore both the hardware and software to their default states, possibly fixing the issue. Here are some scenarios where a hard reset might be necessary: 1. The Mac becomes unresponsive or frozen. 2. You're encountering frequent crashes or system errors. 3. Performance degradation over time. 4. Software updates fail to install or cause conflicts. 5. You're unable to boot the Mac, displaying a startup issue. 6. Strange behavior or unexpected app closures. 7. You plan to sell or give away your Mac and want to erase all data and settings. It's important to note that a hard reset should typically be a last resort after attempting less intrusive troubleshooting steps, like restarting the Mac normally or resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or NVRAM/PRAM. Always make sure to back up your important data before proceeding with a hard reset, as it will erase everything on your Mac.

• When your Mac is frozen or encounters other Mac startup issues, a hard reset can help resolve the problem and return it to normal operation.
• If your Mac is running sluggish or experiencing software errors, a hard reset can assist in clearing these issues and enhancing its performance.
• Before selling or giving away your Mac, performing a factory reset, also referred to as a hard reset for macOS Ventura, will erase all your data and revert the computer to its original factory state.
• If your Mac has an issue that cannot be fixed through standard troubleshooting techniques, a hard reset on macOS Ventura/Monterey can restore the computer's normal functionality.

Additionally, you can learn how to perform a factory reset on a Mac by watching the following video.

1. 0:51 You need to enter your Mac password to initiate the process.
2. 01:00 Discover how to log out of your Apple ID on your Mac.
3. 01:21 Find out how to reset a 2017 or older model of a Mac.
4. 01:50 Learn how to install macOS on an older version of your Mac.

Rescue Data from Your Mac That Requires Hard Reset

Since a hard reset will erase all content and settings, it's highly recommended to back up your data beforehand. To ensure a reliable backup of your Mac data, you'll require a professional data recovery and backup tool. If you're in search of one, the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is an excellent choice!

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a potent and trustworthy data recovery software tailored specifically for Mac users. It enables users to recover deleted files on Mac from their Mac's internal hard drive or external storage devices, encompassing photographs, videos, documents, and more. This software proves invaluable in diverse scenarios, such as when crucial files are inadvertently deleted, there is a hard drive failure, or the retrieval of data from a formatted or inaccessible drive is required.

Key Features

• Supports the recovery of various files, including photos, videos, documents, and more.
• Advanced scanning algorithms to recover lost or deleted files quickly and efficiently
• Preview files before recovery, allowing users to select which files to restore and which to omit.
• User-friendly interface ensures ease of navigation and simplified data recovery process for users.

Now that you're aware of what Data Recovery Wizard is and the importance of backing up your Mac data, you might be wondering how to use this tool. To clarify the process, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Search for Lost Files

Choose the disk location to search for lost files (this can be an internal HDD/SSD or an external hard drive) where you experienced data and file loss. Click the "Search for lost files" button.

注意:在数据恢复之前，最好从左侧边栏点击“磁盘备份”为您的HDD/SSD创建备份，以防止进一步的数据丢失。备份后，软件可以从磁盘备份中恢复数据，您可以再次使用HDD或SSD。

Step 2. Review the scanning results

This software will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display pictures, documents, audio, videos, and emails on the left pane.

Step 3. Select the file(s) and recover Select the files you wish to recover and proceed with the recovery process.

Click on the data to preview it, and then hit the "Recover" button to restore them.

Pan 1: How to Perform a Hard Reset on Mac in macOS Recovery Mode

Performing a hard reset on a Mac can be useful for troubleshooting and resolving issues like sluggish performance, software glitches, and more. One method to hard reset a Mac is by utilizing macOS Recovery Mode. This mode enables you to: 1. Reinstall macOS 2. Repair the disk using Disk Utility 3. Restore your Mac to a previous system state 4. Erase the Mac's hard drive entirely Before initiating a hard reset, it's crucial to back up your data, as the process might erase all the information on your Mac.

First, you need to enter the recovery mode, which you can learn about from the following:

• Recovery Mode on an Intel-based Mac: Restart your Mac and press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears. Release the keys when you see the macOS Utilities screen.

• Recovery Mode on a Silicon-based Mac: Turn off your Mac. Press and hold the power button until the startup options window appears. Release the power button and then press and hold the Command + Option + R keys. Let go of the keys when you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.

Important: On certain Mac models, you might need to press and hold the power button, quickly press and release the volume up or down button, and then press and hold the power button again to enter Recovery Mode.

Using Disk Utility Option in English means "Utilizing the Disk Utility feature."

Upon entering Recovery Mode on your Mac, it's now time to perform a hard reset. To learn how to hard reset your Mac using the Disk Utility, please follow these steps:

Step 1. Select the Mac Disk Utility option in Recovery Mode.

Step 2. In the next window, locate and select the disk labeled "Macintosh HD."

Important: Macintosh HD is the startup disk. However, if you've previously changed its name, you must find and select the disk with the new name.

Step 3. Next, click "Erase" in the pop-up, and your Mac will be successfully reset.

Using the Reinstall macOS Option

To understand how to perform a hard reset on your Mac using the Reinstall macOS option, follow these steps:

Step 1: In Recovery Mode, you need to select the Reinstall macOS [version] option.

Note: [version] signifies the current version of your Mac. This may differ among users.

Step 2: Next, click on "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions to choose the disk and perform a hard reset on your Mac.

Plan 2: Perform a Hard Reset on Mac with Erase Assistant on macOS

Another option for a hard reset on a Mac is the Erase Assistant. The Mac's "Erase All Content and Settings" is a comprehensive feature, also referred to as the Erase Assistant. This handy tool enables Mac users to thoroughly erase their devices and revert to Apple's original factory settings. You can rely on the Erase Assistant to permanently remove all your data and applications securely.

Since the process of locating Erase Assistant or Erase All Content and Settings differs between macOS Monterey and Ventura, we have provided separate guides for each:

Access Erase Assistant on macOS Monterey: To access the Erase Assistant feature in macOS Monterey, follow these steps: 1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen. 2. Select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu. 3. Within System Preferences, click on "Security & Privacy." 4. In the left sidebar, click on the "General" tab. 5. At the bottom of the main pane, you'll find the "Erase Assistant." If it's not visible, you might need to unlock the padlock icon first by clicking on it and entering your admin password. 6. Once unlocked, click on "Erase Assistant" to initiate the process. The Erase Assistant will guide you through securely erasing your macOS Monterey device, ensuring that all data is removed before selling or passing it on to someone else.

Step 1. Click on the Apple Logo in the top menu bar.

Step 2. From the dropdown menu, choose System Preferences.

Step 3. In the System Preferences dropdown, click on Erase All Content and Settings.

Access Erase Assistant on macOS Ventura: To access the Erase Assistant feature in macOS Ventura, follow these steps: 1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. 2. Select "System Settings" from the dropdown menu. 3. In the System Settings window, click on "Privacy & Security." 4. On the left sidebar, under the "General" tab, scroll down and click on "Advanced." 5. In the Advanced section, you should find an option for "Erase Assistant." Click on it to proceed. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to use the Erase Assistant to securely erase your data or perform other related tasks. Please note that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on the final release of macOS Ventura, as features and interfaces can change during software development.

Step 1: Click on the Apple Logo in the top menu and choose System Preferences.

Step 2: Next, click on "General" and then select "Transfer or Reset" within the General window.

Step 3: In the Transfer or Reset window, click on Erase All Content and Settings.

Upon accessing the Erase Assistant on your macOS Monterey/Ventura, follow these steps to perform a hard reset on your Mac:

Step 1. Enter your Mac's password and click Continue on the Mac Time Machine backup screen.

Step 2. Next, sign out of your Apple ID by clicking on Continue and entering your Apple ID and password.

Step 3: Following that, click on "Erase All Content & Settings" in the pop-up to confirm. Wait for the process to finish, and then click on "Restart" to successfully perform a hard reset on your Mac.

Confirm to Erase

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While Mac is renowned for its robustness and reliability in business and various other applications, it's not immune to performance and software issues. In such instances, performing a hard reset on your Mac is advisable. We hope that after reading this article, you now know how to execute a hard reset on your Mac. Additionally, if you intend to recover or back up your Mac data before factory resetting, consider using the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac today!

"Hard Reset Mac FAQs"

Upon comprehending how to perform a hard reset on a Mac, individuals often have some general inquiries. You can find the answers to those questions here:

1. Does a hard reset on a Mac delete everything?

Does a factory reset erase everything? Yes, performing a factory reset on macOS will erase all data from your MacBook. Therefore, it's highly recommended to back up your data beforehand using a reliable and professional tool, such as Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, before proceeding with the hard reset.

2. Can I perform a hard reset on my Mac without a password?

Yes, you can perform a factory reset on a Mac without a password by placing it into Recovery Mode and then selecting either the "Reinstall macOS" or "Disk Utility" option. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.

3. How do I perform a hard reset on my Mac?

To perform a hard reset on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Enter recovery mode on your Mac. 2. Click on Reinstall macOS and proceed by clicking Continue. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your Mac.

4. How to perform a hard reset on my Mac automatically?

To perform an automatic hard reset on your Mac, you'll need to utilize the Erase Assistant. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do a hard reset on your Mac with Erase Assistant: 1. **Download and Install Erase Assistant**: First, visit the official website or App Store to download and install the Erase Assistant application on your Mac. 2. **Launch the Application**: Once downloaded, double-click on the app icon to open Erase Assistant. 3. **Backup Your Data (Optional)**: Before proceeding, it's highly recommended to backup any important data to an external storage device or cloud service, as the hard reset will erase all data. 4. **Select the Drive**: In the Erase Assistant interface, you'll see a list of available drives. Choose the drive that corresponds to your Mac's main storage (usually named "Macintosh HD" or similar). 5. **Choose an Erase Method**: The app will provide options for erasing the data securely. Select a method like "Zero Out Data" or "7-Pass Erase" for a thorough reset. 6. **Confirm Action**: A warning message will appear, reminding you that this action cannot be undone. Read it carefully, then click "Erase" or "Continue" to proceed. 7. **Wait for the Process to Complete**: Erasing the data may take some time depending on the size of your storage and the chosen erase method. Do not interrupt the process. 8. **Reinstall macOS**: After the hard reset is complete, your Mac will restart. Connect to a Wi-Fi network, and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS from the Recovery Partition or Internet Recovery. 9. **Set Up Your Mac**: Once the installation finishes, set up your Mac as if it were new, choosing your language, region, and creating a new user account. Remember, a hard reset should only be done as a last resort when other troubleshooting methods fail, as it will remove all your files, settings, and applications.

1. Launch Erase Assistant on your Mac. 2. Sign out of your Apple ID by clicking Continue and entering your Apple ID and password. 3. Next, choose Erase All Content & Settings from the pop-up menu, then click Restart.