Thinking about recycling old Mac system and before that wanting to wipe the entire data from the machine! Thereby wondering how do I wipe my old Mac computer before recycling? Searching for a smart, easy and effective solution for the same? If yes, then continue reading the article because here you will come across a solution that will wipe old Mac computer before recycling.

Macs are mostly reliable machines. But they are not perfect, things could go wrong anytime. And this can happen with any system. However, before thinking of buying a new Mac, try factory reset that wipes the computer and reinstall the clean macOS version. Or make use of any data wiping method that will erase all the necessary files from the old Mac without removing the entire data from the system

So, in the next section we have discussed the factory reset followed by automated solution.

How do I Wipe my Old Mac Computer before Recycling?

Before starting the data erasure process, make sure to perform the necessary steps to prevent yourself from any data loss –

Backup or Transfer Files

It is advised to backup all the important files from old Mac system to any external storage device or upload them on a reliable online platform.

Sign-Out of iTunes

1. Go to menu bar in iTunes, navigate to Account >> choose Authorizations >> click Deauthorize This Computer.
2. Specify Apple ID & Password and tap Deauthorize.

Sign-Out of iCloud

While implementing the steps, users will be asked whether to save the copy of the iCloud data on this Mac. It is fast way to preserve the iCloud database before wiping data from Mac.

For Mac OS Ventura and later –

1. Navigate toward Apple menu and click System Settings.
2. Click Name (Apple ID) appearing in the sidebar.
3. Go towards right, scroll down and tap Sign-out.

For Mac OS Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina versions

1. Click Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Tap Apple ID.
3. Choose Overview in the sidebar.
4. Tap Sign-Out.

For earlier Mac OS Versions

1. Navigate to Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Tap iCloud.
3. Click Sign-Out.

Sign-Out of iMessage

1. Go to the Message app.
2. From the menu bar, go to Messages and click Settings (or Preferences).
3. Tap iMessage.
4. Hit Sign-Out.

Method 1. Wipe Old Mac Computer using Factory Reset

If you have macOS versions Big Sur, Catalina, High Sierra, then follow the below steps –

1. Restart
2. Now, press Command + R keys simultaneously. It will redirect you to macOS Recover.
3. Click Disk Utility.
4. Tap Continue.
5. Click View.
6. Choose Show all Devices.
7. Select Startup Disk (generally appear as “Apple SSD”).
8. Tap Erase.
9. Specify name of a file to wipe.
10. Mac users using HFS+, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the format drop-down menu. If you are using APFS, then select APFS from the list.
11. Choose GUID Partition Map, if Scheme Available.
12. Tap Erase.
13. When the process completes, choose Quick Disk Utility using Disk Utility drop-down menu.

Also Read – How to See MBOX File Email in PDF on Mac?

Method 2. Wipe Old Mac Computer using Automated Solution

MacMister Wipe Data for Mac is a perfect tool to wipe required data files from Mac computer in three simple steps. The tool is user-friendly and provides an intuitive environment which any user can effortlessly use to perform the required task. Even, the working steps are minimum, thus users will be able to save their lot of time and efforts.

Moreover, the application has many features that allow users to wipe Old Mac computer as per specific requirements. Download the free demo right away to know step-by-step process of the software for free.

Step-by-Step Working Steps to Wipe Old Mac Computer using MacMister Data Wipe Tool

Step 1. Run the app on your system.

Step 2. Go to Add File(s)/Add Folder button to load necessary data files on the tool you want to erase. Once the files are loaded, click Next.

Step 3. Verify the files listed and click Next button.

Step 4. Now, select the necessary wiping type from the different wiping options appearing.

Step 5. Apply advanced Filter options such as date range, overwrite data text, and file mask. After this, tap Wipe button.

Step 6. The Live Data Erasure Report will generate that users may take help of to track the current wiping status.

Once the process finishes, users will receive a message on the screen “Process Completed”. Click on OK and the log report will appear which will show the wiping details to users such as processing type, file name, wiping method, etc.

Overall, MacMister Data Wipe is the easy, effective, and time-saving procedure to wipe old Mac computer database.

Conclusion

In the article, we have offered different methods to fix “how do I wipe my old Mac computer before recycling”. The manual method is lengthy and is only suitable for technical users. Novice users will are required to take experts support if they want to perform the process manually. The second method i.e. MacMister Data Wipe is a certified tool that is highly recommended by experts. It is safe and easily manageable. Also, users will get plentiful options such as wiping methods, advanced filters, dual options, batch mode, and more to implement the process as needed. Moreover, the free demo is available which is helpful in experiencing the entire wiping process for free.