How to erase all data on an Apple Mac using Monterey

You are here because you have an Apple Mac device using macOS 11 Monterey and:

• wish to sell it, trade it, or give it away.
• want a fresh start with your device.
• are enrolling it in Apple Business Manager's (ABM) for the first time in order to manage the machine in the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) using Mobile Device Management (MDM).

What does using the System Preferences feature "Erase All Content and Settings" do?

"Erase All Content and Settings" lives up to its name by erasing all files and settings from the entire Mac device. It's important to note all profiles and all user's data across every profile will be deleted. The machine will be returned factory settings just like it's brand new out of the box. This process is a lot faster than using Recovery Mode to erase the partition and reinstall macOS, but the result is exactly the same.

How do I use "Erase All Content and Settings?"

1. If Boot Camp was used to install Microsoft Windows, first use Boot Camp to remove Windows and the partition it resides on. If Windows was installed and this step has not been completed, a message will appear stating "other volumes need to be erased" and will not let you proceed until they are.
   
   
2. Use the Apple menu  in the upper left corner of your screen to open System Preferences.
   
   
3. With System Preferences as the active window, click the System Preferences menu in the upper left corner of your screen followed by "Erase All Content and Settings."
   
   
4. Erase Assistant will open and prompt for administrator credentials. You will not be able to proceed until this step is completed.
   
   
5. If your system hasn't previously been backed up, an external hard disk may be connected in order to complete a Time Machine backup. This step is optional.
   
   
   
   
6. Click Continue to allow your settings, media, data, and the other listed items to be removed.
   
   
7. If prompted, enter your Apple ID and password to sign macOS out of iCloud. This step must be completed in order to proceed. 
   
   
8. Warning: Once this step is completed, it cannot be undone. The only way to recover data past this point is to restore files from backups. Click "Erase All Content & Settings" in order to proceed. 
   
   
9. Your Mac will restart and show a black screen followed by a progress bar.
   
   
10. You may be prompted to optionally reconnect Bluetooth devices. If the device doesn't automatically reconnect, try turning it off and back on again.
    
    
11. If prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi network or attach a network cable. If a network cable isn't available, select a Wi-Fi network using the Wi-Fi menu in the upper-right corner of the screen.
    
    
12. Your Mac will activate. Click Restart.
    
    
13. Once the device boots a Setup Assistant screen will appear as if the device were new out of the box. Press and hold the power button on the Mac until it turns off. (Approximately 10 seconds)