How to Factory Reset MacBook Air in 2025 (Step-by-Step for M1, M2, M3 & Intel)

Do you want to reset your MacBook Air to its original factory settings? Whether you’re planning to sell your MacBook, facing software issues, or just want a fresh start, factory resetting your MacBook Air is a clean way to start over.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to factory reset MacBook Air in 2025 using the latest macOS Sequoia. It’s simple, safe, and takes just a few minutes if you follow the process correctly.

How to Reset MacBook Air to Factory Settings (2025 Guide)

This guide will walk you through the steps of factory resetting your MacBook Air.

Prerequisites To Take Care Of Before Resetting Your MacBook Air

Before you reset your MacBook Air, there are some prerequisites that you need to take care of. Ensure you take care of the following things, and then continue with resetting your MacBook Air-

• Firstly, back up your device. Factory resetting your MacBook Air will remove all of your files from your laptop. Therefore, it is essential to have a backup of your data before resetting your device. 
• Before resetting your MacBook Air, you must sign out of iTunes, iMessage, and iCloud.
• Also, ensure that you unpair all your Bluetooth devices and then continue resetting your MacBook Air.

Factory Reset Your MacBook Air 

Now that you have taken care of all the above things, you can reset your MacBook Air. To factory reset your MacBook Air, follow the steps given below-

Step 1: Enter macOS Recovery Mode

The method depends on your Mac’s processor.

For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 chip):

1. Shut down your MacBook Air completely.
2. Press and hold the Power button until you see Loading startup options.
3. Click Options and then click Continue.

For Intel-based MacBook Air:

1. Press and hold Command (⌘) + R on your keyboard.
2. While holding the keys, press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
3. Release the keys when the Apple logo appears.

Step 2: Erase Your Mac’s Internal Storage

1. Once you enter the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
2. In the sidebar, select your startup disk (usually called Macintosh HD).
3. Click Erase at the top.
4. For Format, select APFS (recommended for macOS Sequoia and SSD-based Macs).
5. For Scheme, select GUID Partition Map.
6. Click Erase again to confirm. Wait for the process to complete.
7. Click Done, then close Disk Utility.

Do not select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” unless you’re reinstalling an old version of macOS (before High Sierra).

Step 3: Reinstall macOS

1. From the macOS Utilities window, click on Reinstall macOS Sequoia (or whichever version is shown).
2. Click Continue.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Select your erased startup disk when prompted.
5. Click Install and let your Mac do the rest.

Your MacBook will restart multiple times during installation. Make sure it stays connected to power and Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Set Up Your Mac (Optional)

Once macOS is reinstalled, your MacBook Air will restart and show the setup screen.

You can now:

• Set up your Mac as new
• Or restore from a Time Machine backup if you saved one earlier

Conclusion

Resetting your MacBook Air might seem like a big step, but it’s actually quite simple when you follow the right steps. Whether you’re facing performance issues, preparing to sell your Mac, or just want a clean slate, a factory reset can help bring your MacBook Air back to its original state.

Just remember to back up your data, sign out of iCloud and other Apple services, and follow the reset steps carefully. With macOS Sequoia in 2025, the process is even smoother and more beginner-friendly.

RELATED GUIDES: