How to Reset a Mac Mini M2 in 8 Steps

Restoring your Mac Mini M2 to factory settings is critical for protecting your personal information as well as your identity. That is how you ensure that all of your data is erased from the computer after it is no longer useful to you. You may also want to do this to reset the settings on your Mac mini and wipe its hard drive. Resetting your factory settings on a MacMini is more easier than you might believe, and we’ll go through how to do it in 8 stages in this article!

How to Reset a Mac Mini M2

Before disposing of your computer, you must perform a factory reset. Whatever your reason for performing a factory reset, these simple instructions will guide you through this crucial step. By the end of this guide, your Mac will be in the same condition it was when you first acquired it.

Step 1: Turn off the Computer

When you are ready to begin the reset operation, turn off your Mac. The simplest way to do this is to navigate to the top left Apple logo and then click it to reveal the dropdown menu. Select Shut Down from the dropdown menu to compel the machine to shut down.

Step 2: Hold Down Commands

After the computer has been shut off, press and hold both theRandCommandkeys. Before proceeding to the next stage, hold down the two buttons.

Step 3: Switch the Computer Back On

While holding the two keys mentioned above, turn on your Mac Mini. While holding the command keys on the keyboard, press the power button. It will most likely be difficult to press both keys and the power button at the same time, so ask for help or try clicking the power button before returning to pressing the command keys down.

Step 4: Select the Disk Utility Panel

If everything goes smoothly, your Mac will reboot to the macOS system’s utility panel. When the utility panel displays, select Disk Utility from the list of choices.

Step 5: Choose the Hard Drive

In the new box, select the Macintosh HD option for the hard disk.

Step 6: Erase the Hard Drive

It’s time to destroy your hard disk when you’ve chosen on one. You must verify the format and name of your new hard drive. It is preferable to do nothing and let the possibilities alone. When you’re finished, click the Erase button.

Step 7: Reinstall the macOS System

Now that your hard drive has been wiped, you must reinstall the macOS operating system on your machine. If the disk utility is still running, start by closing it. Then, under macOS tools, select Reinstall macOS before clicking Continue.

Step 8: Setting up Your Mac

After reinstalling macOS, you must complete the entire setup procedure. If you want to sell or give the computer away, do not proceed. The new Mac owner must populate it with their personal information.

If you decide not to give the computer away, you must follow the on-screen instructions to setup it with your unique Apple profile and settings. Remember that once you’ve completed this information, a second factory reset will be required to erase it in the future.

Mac Mini M2 Factory Reset: Must Do s Before

Before you restore your Mac Mini to factory settings, there are a few things you need perform. Although not all of these processes will apply to everyone, you should go through them all to ensure that your computer is properly prepared for a reset. You should not only remove any personal information and data on your Mac, but you should also unlink the apps from your Apple ID.

Conduct a Backup of All Data

To begin with, backing up data is an essential step in resetting a Mac Mini or any computer. There are alternative options for storing your data, including as backing it up with Time Machine and uploading it to iCloud. Another alternative is to transfer all data from your old Mac to your new Mac. This will copy all of your existing data and settings to your new Mac. Whatever option you choose, having files stored in various locations is usually a good idea.

Unpair Bluetooth Devices

It is also advised to unpair any and all Bluetooth devices currently linked to your PC. Bluetooth is used to connect devices such as mice, AirPods, and keyboards. To unpair a device, go to the Apple logo, then System Preferences, and finally Bluetooth. To unpair a device, select it and then click Disconnect. Do this for every Bluetooth-enabled device that is connected to your Mac Mini.

Sign Out of All Accounts

Before conducting a factory reset, Apple recommends signing out of each app individually. To begin, pick the Messages application and select Messages, followed by Preferences, iMessage, and Sign Out. You should also sign out of your iCloud account. Click on the Apple logo at the top of the screen, then enter System Settings, choose the Apple ID, and then click Sign Out, which will be somewhere at the bottom of the screen.

Check and Deauthorize iTunes

Deauthorizing your iTunes account is not the same as signing out of your accounts. This will disable the computer’s access and Apple account purchasing capability. Open the iTunes app and select Account, then Authorizations, and finally Deauthorize. As a result, the Apple TV and Apple Music applications will be deactivated.

Cancel AppleCare Subscription

If your Mac Mini has AppleCare, you should cancel it. Paying for coverage on a device you no longer own or use makes no sense. Instead, if you want to sell or give the Mac Mini away, you can transfer the warranty to a new owner.

Reset NVRAM

Apple recommends that you reset the NVRAM to safeguard any data saved in the system’s memory. This will also restore the original security settings. It is critical to wait until the reset is finished before resetting your NVRAM. To reset the NVRAM on your Mac Mini, turn it off and then on while holding the Command, Option, R, and P keys. You will immediately trigger the NVRAM reset, and when you reach the setup screen, you can shut down the machine.

Summary

Factory resetting your Mac Mini M2 may appear to be a difficult task at first, but with these precise instructions, anyone can do it successfully. This procedure is not only important for data protection when selling or gifting your device, but it is also an important troubleshooting step if you are experiencing persistent system issues.

You can reset your Mac Mini M2 to its original condition by carefully following this guide, effectively deleting all data and leaving it as good as new. And, while it may appear to be a daunting process at first, remember that planning is the key to a good reset. Back up your data, take a big breath, and proceed with caution and technique. Know that each step puts you closer to a new, clean start for your Mac Mini M2, whether it’s with you or a new user.