If you’re ready to sell or trade your macOS for something newer, you’re probably thinking about wiping all your hard drive data. After all, securely erasing data ensures that no personal information or private files are transferred to anyone.
The process for deleting and reformatting your Mac is slightly less complicated in macOS Mojave or earlier as there isn't the second Data volume to delete first. As above, start up in Recovery.
10.7-10.8 recent Mac's have Internet Recovery, is downloaded from Apple's servers for whole drive repair/format; 10.7-10.8 upgraded Mac's with no Internet Recovery can use This Method their own or matching OS X version machine. Wireless keyboards may not work with at boot key commands. Use a wired USB one and PC keyboards may work.
Apr 08, 2019 Wait for the macOS Utilities screen to appear, then click Disk Utility. Choose your Mac's system drive, usually named Macintosh HD, then click Erase. Select the Format option Mac Extended.
If you think that deleting your stuff & then emptying the Trash, would permanently erase your data, then you’re mistaken! Today we’ll talk about How To Erase Hard Drive On Mac Securely before tossing it out!
How To Erase Hard Drive Without Losing Data?
You can manually back up all your files and apps by copying everything to an external drive or iCloud. However, the faster & more secure way to do so is through a third-party tool like Right Backup. It is one of the easiest, safest & most protected online storage platforms that keeps all your important photos, videos, documents, and other data in one place.
The backup service supports all versions of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android & iOS. Since Right Backup works on AES-256 encryption, so it ensures the highest level of security for your files. It also offers a 12-hour automatic backup option that can be customized according to your preferences for taking a backup of all your data on a scheduled date and time.
How To Erase Hard Drive On Mac: Recommended Way
For some users, formatting hard drives manually on Mac can be an annoying process. Blue pelican java answer key. Also, reinstalling the macOS can be a time-taking process. So, if you’re in a hurry & don’t want to follow the whole process, there’s a shortcut to secure delete data on mac with the help of a Shredder Utility like TuneUpMyMac.
It’s an effective & power-packed utility designed to keep your macOS cleaned, optimized and protected. It features a plethora of tools to make your computer run faster than ever. Its Shredder module can be of great help to keep the privacy and security of your mac intact. It securely removes all the private information and makes them unrecoverable.
Hence, no dedicated Mac Recovery Software would be able to recover the data!
To erase the hard drive on Mac with TuneUpMyMac follow the steps below:
Install & launch TuneUpMyMac
On the main dashboard > Under Security module > choose Shredder
You’ll be presented with Shredder window > Add files & folders you wish to remove permanently from your mac.
Click on the Shred icon to wipe hard drive data on mac securely!
Are There Any Additional Features Of TuneUpMyMac?
Of course, TuneUpMyMac Is A Robust Cleaning & Optimizing Utility designed for macOS. It allows you to get rid of unwanted files, duplicates, junks, caches, logs, and other useless apps. You can try using its One-Click Cleaning feature that makes the process of performing multiple cleaning easy and time-saving. It also features modules like Uninstaller, Startup Manager & other Privacy features which makes it one of the must-have software for macOS. To Clean Your Mac Effectively With TuneUpMyMac:
Download & Install TuneUpMyMac using the button below.
Click on One Click Cleaning option followed by Start System Scan. The scan will let you know about how much Junk your computer has.
Once the scanning gets completed, click on the Clean Now button.
Allow TuneUpMyMac to complete the cleaning process!
You Might Want To Read About:Best Antivirus Software For macOS
How To Erase Hard Drive On Mac: Manual Way
It’s time to give your macOS a fresh start. Go step by step to wipe hard drive data:
STEP 1 – Restart Your Mac In Recovery Mode
Go to the Apple Menu located at the top-left corner of your screen & restart your machine. As soon as the Mac begins to restart > press & hold Command + R keys altogether to get into Recovery Mode.
STEP 2 – Erase Hard Drive On Mac Via Disk Utility
From the macOS Utilities Window > Access Disk Utility > Continue > Choose the Startup Disk > Select Erase button from the footer of the window > Next, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) > Click Erase!
When the wiping gets completed > head towards the Disk Utility & choose to Quit Disk Utility!
That was easy right? You’ve successfully formatted your hard drive & now you can reinstall the new OS to make it a new one. Reinstalling macOS is super-easy, boot into Recovery Mode and select the option to Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities application > select Continue to begin the installation process!
Things To Keep In Mind While Wiping Hard Drive on Mac
There are certain things that should be kept in mind before you securely delete data on Mac:
1. Deauthorize Your iTunes Account
Chances are that your iTunes account is connected to your machine. If yes, then the new owner would be able to access it. Here’s how you can sign out of iTunes:
Launch iTunes on your macOS.
Click on Account
Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer
Enter your Apple ID & Password to proceed
Confirm Deauthorize
2. Sign Out Of iMessage & iCloud
Similar to iTunes, you are required to sign out of your iCloud account too. If you aren’t signed out, then the new owner will somehow be able to access it. To disable iCloud and sign out from iMessage, follow the instructions below:
To turn off iCloud:
Apple Menu
System Preferences > Choose iCloud
Click Sign Out
Confirm to remove data from your Mac
To sign out of iMessage:
Launch Messages
Click Messages located at the top-left corner > Preferences
Choose your iMessage account
Click to Sign Out
3. Turn Off FileVault
You must be aware of how Filevault encrypts your important data & prevents your hard drive from unauthorized access. But now that you’re all set to erase the hard drive on mac, it would be a great idea to turn off FileVault.
To disable FileVault on macOS, follow the steps below:
Go to Apple Menu
Click on System Preferences
Under Security & Privacy > click on FileVault > Click on the Lock icon to Unlock FileVault
Type & Enter Administrator Name & Password to turn off FileVault
4. Remove Touch Bar Data
Make sure that your Touch Bar has no data stored, to erase those files & information, follow the steps below:
Right after your macOS restarts, press & hold Command + R keys altogether
Select Utilities > Terminal from Utilities window
Execute the following command in Terminal: xartutil – -erase-all
Hit Return & type Yes when asked about confirmation
Hit Return button again
Choose Terminal > Quit Terminal
How To Format Mac Hard Drive
All your Touch Bar Data would be successfully erased!
Now that you’ve fruitfully signed out of all the services and backed up all your important stuff. You’re all set to permanently delete data on mac.
You Might Want To Read About:Best Mac Apps & Utilities For Better Productivity
Wiping Your Hard Drive On Mac Is Dead Simple!
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Erasing hard drive on mac might sound confusing at first place. But with powerful yet simple tool like TuneUpMyMac, you can shred all your data securely without any hassles!
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