If you need to reset a MacBook Air to its original factory settings but do not have the password it can feel like an impossible task. Whether you have forgotten your password bought a second-hand device or need to wipe it before handing it on there are secure ways to perform a factory reset without signing in.
In this guide you will learn how to reset a MacBook Air without a password by using macOS recovery tools. This method is safe and effective provided the device is not locked by Activation Lock.
Check for Activation Lock
Before you begin it is important to understand whether Activation Lock is enabled. This feature is part of Apple’s Find My Mac service and prevents unauthorised use of lost or stolen devices.
To check if Activation Lock is on restart the MacBook Air and enter macOS Recovery by holding down Command and R immediately after pressing the power button. If you see a screen asking for the Apple ID of the previous user then Activation Lock is enabled. You cannot bypass this screen without that Apple ID and password.
If the MacBook Air is yours and you forgot your Apple ID details you can try recovering your credentials at the Apple ID website or by contacting Apple Support. If the device belongs to someone else they will need to remove Activation Lock remotely through iCloud.
Enter macOS Recovery Mode
Once you have confirmed that Activation Lock is not active or has been removed you can start the reset process. Begin by turning off the MacBook Air. Press the power button then immediately hold Command and R until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears. This opens macOS Recovery.
If you are using an Apple Silicon Mac hold the power button until Loading startup options appears then choose Options and click Continue.
Erase the Mac Using Disk Utility
In macOS Recovery you will see the Utilities window. Choose Disk Utility and click Continue. In the sidebar select Macintosh HD or whatever your startup disk is called. Click Erase at the top of the window.
Set the format to APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) depending on your macOS version. Name the drive as Macintosh HD and confirm the erase. This will wipe all data and prepare the Mac for a clean installation.
Once complete close Disk Utility to return to the Utilities window.
Reinstall macOS
Next select Reinstall macOS and click Continue. Follow the on-screen instructions to install a fresh copy of macOS on the MacBook Air. This process may take some time and will require an internet connection.
After installation the MacBook will restart and display the welcome screen as if it were new. You can now set it up as a new user or shut it down ready for its next owner.
What if FileVault Is Enabled
If FileVault disk encryption is enabled you may not be able to erase the disk without the user password. In that case you will need to boot into macOS Recovery with internet and use the Erase Mac option if available.
On Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Monterey or later the Erase Mac option is located under System Settings > Erase All Content and Settings if you are logged in. If not logged in and you still cannot access Disk Utility the only solution may be contacting the original owner or Apple Support for help unlocking the device.
Summary
Resetting a MacBook Air without a password is possible as long as Activation Lock and FileVault are not preventing access. Using macOS Recovery and Disk Utility you can erase the device and reinstall macOS from scratch. Always ensure you have permission to reset the device especially if it was previously owned.
If you encounter a locked screen requiring an Apple ID then the MacBook is protected and you will not be able to reset it without those credentials.