How To Factory Reset MacBook Pro Without Password

Regardless of the reason why you found this page, it is because you need to reset your MacBook but can’t remember your password. You might be wondering whether it is even possible. Yes, you can reset the MacBook Pro without a password. However, resetting a MacBook without the password requires accessing macOS Recovery Mode and erasing the system’s data and settings, which results in the permanent loss of all files stored on the device. This makes it essential to understand the risks involved and to proceed carefully. Without the password, you cannot back up your data through standard methods like Time Machine or iCloud.

Pro tip: You can securely follow the steps below to factory reset your MacBook, but if you have important data you can’t afford to lose, consult Apple data recovery professionals to analyze your case and assist you.

Reasons you might need to factory reset without a password

• Acquiring a Pre-Owned MacBook: If you purchased or inherited a second-hand MacBook with active user accounts, resetting it allows you to start fresh.
• Preparing for Resale or Donation: Resetting ensures all personal data is erased for privacy protection before selling or giving away your MacBook.
• Forgotten Password: Resetting might be the only option if you’ve lost access to your admin account and cannot recover it.
• Troubleshooting Persistent Issues: A factory reset can resolve stubborn software problems or malware infections that compromise system performance.
• Corporate Requirements: Some organizations mandate employees to reset work devices before returning them to ensure data confidentiality.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process in simple terms, ensuring even those with little technical knowledge can successfully reset their MacBook while understanding the implications of each action.

Important considerations:

• A factory reset will erase all data on your MacBook. If possible, try to recover or back up important files before proceeding.
• Without proper authentication, sensitive data may remain recoverable, posing privacy risks.

Step 1: Preparing for the reset

Without a password, resetting the MacBook is challenging, and preventing data loss or other issues is important to ensure you can restore your data and access the device. Before proceeding, consider the following:

• If possible, try to back up any important files using Target Disk Mode or macOS Recovery. 
• If you can’t create a new backup, check if you have any recent backups of your MacBook.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection for reinstalling macOS.

Step 2: Boot into recovery mode

Mac Recovery Mode is a built-in feature that allows users to troubleshoot and resolve various system issues, even when the operating system cannot boot normally. It operates from a hidden partition on your Mac’s internal drive or through Apple’s Internet Recovery, providing access to essential tools for repairing, reinstalling, or restoring macOS. These tools include Disk Utility for repairing or erasing drives, the option to reinstall macOS, and features for restoring data from a Time Machine backup.

Recovery Mode is particularly useful in situations where your Mac is experiencing serious issues, such as frequent crashes, startup failures, or persistent software bugs. It also plays an important role in preparing a Mac for resale or transfer by enabling users to erase personal data securely.

The steps to boot into Recovery Mode depend on your MacBook Pro’s processor:

• Intel-based MacBook Pro:
  1. Turn off your MacBook.
  2. Press and hold the Command (⌘) + R keys.                         
  3. Press the power button.
  4. Release the Command + R keys when you see the Apple logo or hear a chime.

• Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.):
  1. Turn off your MacBook.
  2. Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen.
  3. Click Options and then Continue.

Step 3: Erase the startup disk

The startup disk on a MacBook is the primary internal drive where the operating system (macOS), applications, and all your personal files are stored. When you reset your MacBook, erasing the startup disk is necessary because it completely removes all your data, settings, and installed programs, ensuring that none of your personal information remains on the device. This step is crucial if you’re preparing the MacBook for a new user or trying to fix serious software problems, as it returns the computer to its original, factory-fresh state and helps protect your privacy by wiping everything clean.

1. In the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.    
2. Choose your startup disk (usually named Macintosh HD) from the sidebar. If you renamed it, select the correct disk.
3. Click Erase.                                                                                               
4. For macOS Ventura and later, format as APFS; for earlier versions, use Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
5. Quit Disk Utility after erasing.

Step 4: Reinstall macOS

Erasing the disk completely wipes the operating system and all system files from your MacBook. Without an operating system, your MacBook can’t function, so reinstalling macOS puts a fresh, working system back on the drive, allowing the computer to start up and be used again.

1. Back in the macOS Utilities window, select Reinstall macOS.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install macOS.
3. Ensure your MacBook is connected to the internet during this process.