macOS Mojave Factory Reset

Before you execute a macOS Mojave factory reset, our team of Apple experts encourages you to always back up your data first. Then, you can proceed to restarting your Mac, just make sure to hold down Command + R to open macOS Recovery.. In the Disk Utility menu, erase your internal drive and then select Reinstall macOS Mojave for fresh operating software.

What is factory reset for Mac?

In case you’re unsure how to factory reset a MacBook, or what that even entails, imagine it being your Apple iMac or laptop’s chance of a fresh start. It’ll erase Mac Mojave, including all your other saved files, settings, and apps, which is why our Apple experts encourage you to back up all your data first. A reset shouldn’t be used as a regular solution, but only as a drastic measure to restore your Mac to like-new condition.

Reasons to factory reset macOS Mojave

We’ve heard many MacBook users discuss the reasons behind factory resetting macOS Mojave–many saying the reason is to fix software glitches, boost performance, or erase saved data to give the Mac away. A wipe of Macbook Mojave ensures a fresh, clean start.

Preparation steps before erasing macOS Mojave

Before you erase macOS Mojave, it’s essential to prepare your device first. Not sure how? You’ll need to back up your drive files, sign out of all your iCloud accounts, and have access to macOS Recovery. Careful preparation will secure your data and make the factory reset risk-free.

Attention: 

 

If you want to use a plugin disk to transfer your data, but you’re unsure how to format an external hard drive for Mac be sure to check out the help in our supporting blog–it’s full of handy formatting tips to help you avoid any data loss.

Preparation steps before erasing macOS Mojave:

1. Open Time Machine to back up your data or plug in an external USB drive.
2. In System Settings, log out of your Apple ID.
3. When you restart your Mac, make sure you can enter Recovery by holding Command + R.  

A note from our experts: 

 

If your Mac’s running slow on macOS Mojave, a quick digital declutter can work wonders. But let’s be honest—digging through files manually is a chore. Our Safe Cleanup tool can do it for you, automatically clearing old clutter so you can free up space and prep your Mac for a smooth factory reset. MacKeeper’s software supports macOS, so you won't run into any hurdles when using our Mac optimization tools.

 

Here’s a reminder of how our Safe Cleanup tool works:

1. Download and open MacKeeper.
2. Go to Safe Cleanup.
3. Click Start Scan.
4. Once done, tick all the Logs, Cache, and Trash you want to remove.
5. Press Clean Junk Files, and Remove.

How to factory reset macOS Mojave?

In case you’re unsure how to factory reset a MacBook to support macOS Mojave, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds. Be sure to follow our preparation steps first to protect your data. Then, restart your Mac while holding Command + R to open macOS Recovery. Erase your startup disk, and Reinstall macOS Mojave.

Let us show you how to correctly factory reset macOS Mojave below:

1. Entering Recovery mode
2. Wipe Startup Disk
3. Reinstalling macOS Mojave
4. Initial setup post-reinstall

1. Entering Recovery mode

To initiate a macOS Mojave factory reset, entering Recovery Mode is your first step, as this is where you’ll erase your disk and reinstall the system. Good news, Recovery Mode is built into your Mac, so there’s no need to download any external software.

Here’s how you can access it quickly and safely:

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Upon startup, immediately hold down Command + R.
3. Release the keys once you see the Apple logo.
4. Wait for your Mac to load into the macOS Utilities window, also known as Recovery Mode.

2. Wipe Startup Disk

Next, we’ll show you how to wipe your startup disk to boost your Mac’s stability and prevent glitches when it’s time to reinstall your new operating software.

Here’s how we recommend erasing your Startup Disk safely:

1. Once in Recovery Mode, you’ll see different macOS Utilities options.
2. Select Disk Utility and click Continue.
3. Choose Macintosh HD.
4. Select Erase.
5. In the pop-up menu, ensure the Format is APFS and press Erase again.

A helping hand from us: 

 

Factory resetting your device is only part of the process, as knowing how to clear system data on Mac is equally important to maintaining a stable macOS version, especially if you’re downgrading from Catalina to Mojave. Our blog will show you how to clear unwanted system logs, cache, and optimize storage features to allow you to get the most out of your Mac.

3. Reinstalling macOS Mojave

Once your startup disk is erased clean, it’s time to reinstall macOS Mojave to give your MacBook or iMac a fresh start.

Here’s how to reinstall macOS Mojave from macOS Utilities while in Recovery Mode:

1. In the macOS Utilities window, it’s now time to press Reinstall macOS.
2. Click Continue.
3. Allow your Mac to reinstall Mojave, and follow any on-screen instructions.

4. Initial setup post-reinstall

When you power your Mac back on, you’ll be greeted by a fresh, newly reinstalled version of macOS Mojave, just like the day you first unboxed it. You’ll know the reset worked when Setup Assistant appears, ready to help you set up your device from scratch.

Extra support from our team: 

 

If you’re still having no luck with refreshing your device, our supporting blog has alternative solutions to show you how to speed up macOS Mojave–especially handy if factory resetting isn’t feasible due to your device being shared with someone else.

Post-reset configuration for macOS Mojave

What’s next after wiping your device? After you restore Mac to factory settings with macOS Mojave, your laptop or iMac startup will trigger Setup Assistant. You’ll be asked to choose your region, language, and Wi-Fi. Then sign in to your Apple ID. If you made a Time Machine backup, you can restore your files. Finally, you can customize your settings and preferences.

Factory reset your macOS Mojave with care

Now that we’ve shown you how to safely perform a macOS Mojave factory reset, your sluggish system or software troubles should soon be behind you—a fresh start for your Mac. Our Clario Tech experts want to remind you of the importance of backing up your data first and carefully following each recovery step we’ve outlined above to avoid any hiccups.

But before you begin, set some time aside to thoroughly tidy up your drive. Don’t want to manually declutter your device? MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool can automatically erase junk files and free up valuable space, helping your MacBook run smoothly both before and after a factory reset.