? Article 8: How to Factory Reset macOS Sequoia on Mac Mini (M1 / Apple Silicon)

Factory reset = erase everything → reinstall macOS fresh.
Useful if:

• System is slow / corrupted
  
  

• Handing over Mac to another user
  
  

• Preparing for clean reinstallation
  
  

⚠️ Warning: This deletes all apps & files. Backup important data first (Time Machine or iCloud).

???? Part A: Preparation

1. Ensure Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   
   

2. Know your Apple ID & password (needed for activation lock).
   
   

3. Plug in power supply (avoid interruptions).
   
   

???? Part B: Boot into macOS Recovery

1. Shut down Mac Mini.
   
   

2. Press & hold Power button until you see “Loading startup options”.
   
   

3. When Options gear icon appears → select Options → Continue.
   ✅ You are now in macOS Recovery.
   
   

???? Part C: Erase Disk

1. In Recovery menu → choose Disk Utility.
   
   

2. From left panel, select Macintosh HD (main disk).
   
   

• On M1 Macs, you’ll usually see Apple SSD… with sub-volumes.
  
  

Click Erase.

• Name: Macintosh HD
  
  

• Format: APFS
  
  

• Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  
  

Click Erase → confirm.

After erase, close Disk Utility.

???? Part D: Reinstall macOS Sequoia

1. Back in Recovery menu → select Reinstall macOS Sequoia.
   
   

2. Follow on-screen steps.
   
   

3. Select your erased disk (Macintosh HD) as destination.
   
   

4. Wait for download & install (30–90 mins depending on internet).
   
   

5. Mac will restart several times.
   
   

✅ Fresh macOS Sequoia is installed.

???? Part E: First Boot Setup

1. Choose Country/Region.
   
   

2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
   
   

3. Sign in with Apple ID (or skip if IT wants a clean profile).
   
   

4. Create a Mac user account.
   
   

5. Finish setup.
   
   

???? Part F: Special Notes for IT Engineers

• If Activation Lock appears → need original Apple ID used on device.
  
  

• If reinstall fails with “Secure Boot” error → in Recovery menu, open Startup Security Utility → ensure Full Security or adjust if required.
  
  

• If disk erase fails → choose View → Show All Devices in Disk Utility → erase entire SSD, not just container.
  
  

• To wipe securely before handover → in Disk Utility, use Erase All Content and Settings (if available).
  
  

General Hints ????

• macOS Sequoia requires stable internet; recommend Ethernet for faster install.
  
  

• After reinstall, always run Software Update from System Settings.
  
  

• If system belongs to enterprise → IT may re-enroll device via MDM/Apple Business Manager after reset.
  
  

✅ The Mac Mini M1 is now factory reset with fresh macOS Sequoia.