How to Reset a Mac Mini M2 in 8 Steps

Key Points

• Resetting your Mac Mini M2 to factory settings is essential for protecting your personal information and identity.
• The process of resetting a Mac Mini M2 to factory settings can be done in 8 steps.
• Before resetting your Mac Mini M2, it is important to back up your data, unpair Bluetooth devices, sign out of all accounts, deauthorize iTunes, cancel AppleCare subscription, and reset NVRAM.

Resetting your Mac Mini M2 to factory settings is essential for protecting both your personal information and identity. That is how to ensure that all your data is removed from the computer once it is unfortunately no longer of use to you. You may also wish to do this to reset your Mac mini’s settings and wipe its hard disk. Doing a reset of your factory settings on a Mac Mini is a lot easier than you may think, and we’ll go over how to accomplish it in 8 steps in this article!

How to Reset a Mac Mini M2

It is necessary to do a factory reset before disposing of your computer. Whatever your purpose for executing a reset to factory settings, these straightforward instructions will walk you along this critical procedure. At the close of this guide, we will have your Mac in the exact condition it was in when bought brand new.

Step 1: Turn off the Computer

Turn off your Mac when you’re ready to begin the reset procedure. The quickest method to accomplish this is to go to the top left Apple logo and then click it to unearth the dropdown menu. Next, pick “Shut Down” from this dropdown menu to force the computer to turn off.

Step 2: Hold Down Commands

Press and hold down both the R and Command keys after the computer has been turned off. Hold down the two buttons before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Switch the Computer Back On

Turn on your Mac Mini while you’re holding the above-stated two keys. Push the power button as you hold the keyboard’s command keys. It will likely be difficult to press both the keys and hit the power button together, so you may either ask for assistance or try tapping the power button before immediately returning to pressing the command keys down.

Step 4: Select the Disk Utility Panel

If everything goes well, your Mac computer will reboot to the utility panel of the macOS system. When the utility panel appears, choose “Disk Utility” within the list of options.

Step 5: Choose the Hard Drive 

Choose the “Macintosh HD” option for the hard disk in the new window.

Step 6: Erase the Hard Drive

After you’ve decided on a hard disk, it’s time to delete it. You must validate the format and the name of your new hard disk. It is better to not do anything here and leave the options as they are. After you’re finished, select the “Erase” option.

Step 7: Reinstall the macOS System

You will next have to reinstall the macOS operating system on your computer now that your hard drive has been deleted. If disk utility is open still, begin by shutting it down. Next, under the macOS tools, choose “Reinstall macOS” before clicking “Continue.”

Step 8: Setting up Your Mac

After reinstalling macOS, you then need to finish the whole setup procedure. Do not proceed if you want to sell or give the computer away. The new Mac owner must configure it with their personal data.

Should you choose not to give away the computer, you must follow the instructions provided on-screen to configure it with your personal Apple profile and the settings. Remember that after you complete this information, in the future a second factory reset will be necessary to remove it.

Mac Mini M2 Factory Reset: Must Do’s Before

There are some things you should do before you reset your Mac Mini to factory settings. Although not every one of these procedures will be applicable to everybody, you should run through them all to ensure that your computer is suitably set for a reset. Not only should you delete any personal information and data on your Mac, but you should also unlink the apps from your Apple account’s ID.

Conduct a Backup of All Data

First and foremost, backing up data is a critical step in resetting a Mac Mini or resetting any computer. There are other ways to store your data, including backing it up with the Time Machine feature and saving it to iCloud. Another option is to copy all data stored on your old Mac to your new Mac. This will transfer all of your existing data and configured settings to your new Mac. Whichever choice you make, it is always a great idea to have files kept in multiple locations.

Unpair Bluetooth Devices

It’s also recommended to unpair any and all Bluetooth devices that are currently connected to your PC. Bluetooth is used to link devices like mouses, AirPods, and keyboards. To unpair a device, go to the Apple logo, then “System Preferences,” and then choose the Bluetooth icon. Unpair a device by selecting it and then clicking “Disconnect.” Do this for each Bluetooth-enabled item connected to your Mac Mini.

Sign Out of All Accounts

Before performing a reset to factory settings, Apple suggests logging out of each app separately. To begin, exit the Messages application by selecting it and hitting “Messages,” followed by “Preferences,” “iMessage,” and “Sign Out.” Additionally, you should sign out from your iCloud account. Do so by clicking on the Apple logo at the top, before entering “System Settings,” selecting the Apple ID, and finally clicking “Sign Out” which will be somewhere toward the lower part of the screen.

Check and Deauthorize iTunes

Deauthorizing iTunes is not the same as signing out from your accounts. By doing this, it will deactivate the computer’s access and Apple account buying capabilities. Open the iTunes app and choose “Account,” before “Authorizations,” then lastly “Deauthorize.” The Apple TV and the Apple Music application will also be logged out as a result of this.

Cancel AppleCare Subscription

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

Reset NVRAM

It is suggested by Apple that you should reset the NVRAM to secure any data saved in the system’s memory. This will also restore security settings to their original state. It’s important to wait until the reset has completed before resetting your NVRAM. To reset the NVRAM on your Mac Mini, turn it off and then hold the Command, Option, R, and P keys while switching it on. By doing so, you will automatically trigger the NVRAM reset, and when you arrive at the setup screen, you may shut off the machine.

Summary

Factory resetting your Mac Mini M2 might initially seem like a daunting task, but with these detailed steps, anyone can successfully perform it. This process is not only critical for data security when you’re selling or gifting your device, but also a valuable troubleshooting step when you’re facing persistent system issues.

By meticulously following this guide, you can reset your Mac Mini M2 to its original state, effectively erasing all the data and leaving it as good as new. And, while it might seem like a daunting task at first, remember the key to a successful reset is preparation. Back up your data, take a deep breath, and follow each step calmly and methodically. Know that each step brings you closer to a fresh, clean start for your Mac Mini M2, ready for its next chapter, be it with you or a new user.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Djordje Novakov/Shutterstock.com.