This article explains how to restore your MacBook Air to its factory settings if you're selling it or if it experiences irreparable performance issues. It includes information on how to back up your MacBook Air using Time Machine, how to sign out of Apple services like iCloud and Messages, and how to reinstall macOS. It applies to macOS Big Sur (11) through OS X Yosemite (10.10).
HOW to factory reset your MacBook Air [09-17]
Before you begin, back up your MacBook Air before resetting it, especially if you plan to reuse your MacBook Air later or if you want to use your files and documents with a new Mac.
A common way to back up is to use Time Machine, a pre-installed Apple app that backs up your files, including music, photos, and apps, to an external drive. Here's how to back up with Time Machine:
Connect an external storage device to your Mac.
