Force erase disk mac. Learn some safe and effective methods for wiping data.

Force erase disk mac. I tried Fist aid, erase, and restore from disk until, but didn’t work. Once you are in macOS Recovery, verify you are connected to WiFi in the top right corner. Select Erase Mac, then confirm again when prompted. Sep 21, 2023 · This post introduces how to use diskutil commands in Mac Terminal to manage disks/partitions like view, create, unmount, format, resize, repair disk partitions. Within Disk Utility you may need to click "View" and select "Show All Devices" before the physical drives, hidden Containers, and perhaps even the "Fusion Drive" object appears on the left pane of Disk Utility. Follow the below steps to easily format your drive to NTFS on Mac using a terminal. Learn the step-by-step process to perform a hard reset on a MacBook Pro with an M4 chip. From here, you can erase your drive with Disk Utility, and then choose "Reinstall macOS" to begin the reinstallation process. Paragon Disk Wiper for Mac supports all Intel-based Macs, providing How to erase (format) the built-in startup disk of an Intel-based Mac. Using a Mac, restart, and press "Cmd + R" as it's restarting, then click "Disk Utility > Your Drive > Erase. Oct 18, 2024 · The original Mac let you erase disks right on the Desktop, with the feature returning thanks to macOS Sequoia. Oct 3, 2023 · One method to securely erase a USB drive on a Mac is by using the Disk Utility application that comes pre-installed on macOS. Therefore, the Mac users need to use the terminal to format drives to NTFS. It is better to boot your MBP into macOS Recovery while your SSD is protected with FileVault, then wipe the drive and reinstall macOS. And you also can use disk management tool such as Disk Utility, DoYourData Super Eraser for Mac to erase or wipe disk on Mac. You drag files, you click “Empty Trash,” and nothing happens. In Disk Utility on your Mac, you can delete a disk set when you no longer need it or remove a member of a disk set. Set the Format type to MSDOS (FAT32. Apr 25, 2017 · Is there a command for the apple terminal to brute force a wipe of everything including all partitions, master boot records, and data on a usb flash drive? Just a little information about the sit. 21 hours ago · Summary: This article offers solutions to fix "Erase process has failed" on Mac's internal and external drives, including Macintosh HD, external hard drive, SSD, USB flash drive, and SD card. Jun 30, 2024 · Did you receive a secondhand MacBook and want to erase everything? To reset a Mac without the password, you'll need to erase the disk using Recovery Mode. Jun 7, 2017 · A reader preparing their Mac for sale has a well-meaning friend erase the startup volume. Erase your Mac Once Recovery Assistant is open, go to the top of the screen and select Recovery Assistant -> Erase Mac. Here's how to use it. Dec 24, 2024 · You may need to erase the drive in your Mac, or external drives, when you sell your computer or dispose of drives. This will be your Mac’s main internal drive that contains the operating system and your data. Stupidly choosen most secure erase and format option. elated to this matter would be appreciated I think I could perhaps force quit Disk Utility and start all over again with a quicker Unable to delete some corrupted or unresponsive files from Mac? Read this article and learn 6 different methods on how to force delete a file on a Mac. This might happen for a variety of reasons, all of which keep you from erasing or reformatting the drives connected to your Mac. If it's an Intel-based Mac, connect to a supported Wi-Fi network when prompted. In Disk Utility on your Mac, add, delete, erase, or enlarge a partition on a storage device. Use Terminal to force erase hard drive 8. (don't know how this happened, I didn't explicitly create a container). Apr 29, 2023 · Launch Disk Utility from tour Mac's Spotlight search or Utilities folder. Disk Utility can fix certain disk problems—for example, multiple apps quit unexpectedly, a file is corrupted, an external device doesn’t work properly, or your computer won’t start up. And, if your Mac isn't functioning well or is frozen, there's a way to reset it back to factory settings Jul 2, 2025 · Have you ever encountered a situation where your Mac can't mount a disk successfully after formatting? This post will introduce effective ways to solve the 'Could not mount disk after erase' issue without any data loss! Nov 16, 2023 · An easy, step-by-step guide for formatting a drive on macOS, including an introduction to file systems and how to troubleshoot formatting issues. Mar 26, 2025 · Follow the step-by-step guide to fix can't erase a disk due to The Calling Process or User Lacks the Proper Privileges to Perform on Mac. Jan 30, 2025 · Disk Utility can find and repair errors related to the formatting and directory structure of a Mac storage device. Jun 23, 2025 · Learn how to wipe a hard drive on Mac and Windows 10/11. Click Done to continue on Disk Utility Can Jun 14, 2025 · Securely factory reset your Mac before selling or handing it off. May 19, 2016 · How to Format a Drive on a Mac If you want to use a different file system on your USB drive, you'll need to "format" it. Turn on the Mac, and immediately press and hold Option + Command + R until you see a spinning globe. Select the "Fusion Drive" item and erase it as GUID partition and APFS (top option) if installing macOS 10. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to completely erase your Mac and restore it to its original factory settings, with distinct procedures for both Intel-based and Apple silicon 1 day ago · Summary: Disk Utility won't let you erase hard drives? This post includes all possible solutions to fix the "Erase process has failed" error, and the Erase button grayed out in Mac Disk Utility. Fully Erase a Mac Hard Drive Data Directly If none of the above method works, then make use of MacMister Data Wipe for Mac utility. 1 day ago · Guide to completely wiping an external hard drive for Mac, both Mac and PC, and Mac Time Machine. Note: With a solid-state drive (SSD), secure erase options are not available in Disk Utility. May 21, 2025 · Force Empty Your Mac’s Trash – Few things are as frustrating for a Mac user as a Trash can that simply refuses to empty. On Mac, go to “Disk Utility,” find your hard drive, and click “Erase. Erasing a storage device deletes everything on it. Learn how to use Disk Utility on your Mac to manage APFS volumes, test and repair disks, erase disks, and more. Wipe a Mac drive now. A direct, cost-effective, and powerful solution with the help of users can fully erase Mac hard drive data permanently. Learn effective alternatives and ensure your data is securely wiped. Jun 25, 2025 · Learn how to safely erase and reset your Mac to factory default settings with this easy, step-by-step guide to restore peak performance and security. Nov 7, 2017 · should make the partition visible in the Disk Utility application. That's because you can't erase the drive you are currently running from, and you need to boot into Mac Recovery mode to format the Mac startup disk. After booting your Mac with the bootable media you will be able to use Wipe Wizard to irreversibly remove your confidential data. Jun 26, 2025 · Discover step-by-step instructions to force erase disk Mac terminal when Disk Utility fails. A beginner’s guide to use Disk utility on Mac to repair hard drives, restore disk images, add partitions or volumes to disks and erase disks to free space. However, in Mac, the disk utility software does not come with the option for NTFS file format. Aug 15, 2022 · When it comes time to dispose of a Mac, you can destroy the encryption key by opening System Preferences and choosing Erase All Content and Settings from the System Preferences menu. After Disk Utility loads select the USB drive (out-dented entry with the mfgr. Jun 24, 2024 · How to force delete a file on Mac that won’t delete? Try to delete a file/folder with Terminal, keyboard shortcut, BuhoCleaner, etc. This article will provide information on the causes and fixes for erasing issues. Repair a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac Disk Utility can check for and fix errors related to the formatting and directory structure of a Mac storage device. Sep 16, 2022 · Learn how to erase a Mac hard drive in macOS Monterey for both Apple silicon and Intel-based devices in this tutorial. Mar 13, 2023 · Resolving a full disk on your Mac can be an intimidating task, but with the proper steps, you can quickly and easily free up space and delete items from your drive. Jul 21, 2025 · To both erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings, follow the steps in what to do before you sell, give away, or trade in, or recycle your Mac, but disregard the instructions for using Erase All Content and Settings. This article guides you through the process of safely and effectively erasing a Mac hard drive, whether for sale Jan 26, 2023 · Learn how to use the built-in Disk Utility tool or a desktop shortcut to safely format and erase an external drive connected to your Mac. A panel should drop down. May 29, 2024 · Learn how to use terminal tools to erase a disk on your Mac. That option only appears when the target is an actual Hard Drive. This common issue can stem from various causes, from files being actively used to deeper system glitches. Use a third-party utility to erase your MacBook's disk: There are third-party utilities available that can erase your MacBook's disk. Jun 26, 2025 · Have you come across files on your Mac that you are unable to delete? Discover how to force delete Mac in this comprehensive guide. Erase your Mac drive using Disk Utility, Terminal or secure file erasure software. You can use it to partition, repair, completely erase, or reformat a disk. How to Erase and Reset Your Mac Now that you've taken the above precautionary steps and unlinked your purchases and accounts, it's time to erase your Mac's drive and reset the Jan 17, 2025 · Follow this guide to securely and easily delete stubborn files on Mac or from external storage device. Once disk0s4 becomes visible in the Disk Utility application, you can remove the partition and reclaim the space. Check the detailed guide. So we've reached the end of this Mac erase hard drive article. Another option is to find the application using the disk and quit it. Next, click the Erase Volume Group and after Disk Utility does its thing, quit Disk Utility. Disk Utility can partition drives, format partitions, repair file system problems, secure-erase drives, create and manage with DMG files, copy volumes, restore disk images, and set up a RAID on your Mac. Sep 14, 2023 · Hard- & software. Freeware version installation package (dmg) includes executable, being able to run on iMac, MacBook & Mac Pro family and erase all attached disks except the system disk with One Pass Zeros data sanitizing standard. Erase Data and Reinstall macOS With Disk Utility (Credit: Apple) The other option for resetting your Mac is Disk Utility, which is available to all users. Jan 17, 2023 · To only erase your Mac, learn how to erase a Mac with Apple silicon or erase an Intel-based Mac. Dealing with the issue by focusing on particular volumes other than the actual disk will help make the process easier. Click on the Erase tab in the Disk Utility toolbar. How to factory reset a Mac using Erase Assistant If you have any MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini with an Apple Silicon chip (M1 or higher), or if you’re using a MacBook Pro with a T2 security chip (here are all the supported models), you can use the Erase Assistant to safely wipe all the data from your Mac. Disconnect external peripherals 3. Jan 6, 2019 · I used to have a bootcamp partition but somehow while attempting to remove it its changed into a container disk. Jul 2, 2025 · Do you also wonder, Why can't I erase my Mac? Then you've come to the right place. On Windows, open “This PC” in “File Explorer,” right click your hard drive, hit “format,” and select a file system. Here is a step-by-step process to erase a drive using Disk Utility: Apr 23, 2019 · My MacBook Pro froze. It's crucial to permanently wipe your Mac's hard drive. 1 day ago · Getting the Erase Process had Failed Error on Mac while formatting a drive? Here’s an extensive post to help you fix Disk Utility Erase Process has failed issue. Jan 2, 2023 · Hi there, see this steps to erase your old intel based MacBook Use Disk Utility to erase your Mac Start up from macOS Recovery: turn on your Mac, then press and hold Command (⌘) and R immediately until you see an Apple logo or other image. Jun 6, 2025 · Wondering why Disk Utility "Erase" button is greyed out? Come here to learn the reasons and solutions. Been erasing and reformatting external Hard Drive. Wrap Up When you need to ensure your data is really gone: Paragon Disk Wiper for Mac allows to create a bootable USB-flash drive or external hard drive that will help you to completely erase a whole hard disk, a separate partition or just clean free space. This will be the top, non Free Open-Source Data Wiping Software for Personal Use Feb 1, 2025 · If you’re trying to sell an ancient Mac that has a mechanical hard drive instead of a solid-state drive, then choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for Format. Feb 15, 2024 · Formatting an external hard drive for Mac is a simple and straightforward process. Mar 13, 2023 · Partitioning a hard drive is an effective way to manage storage and keep important files safe, but sometimes it’s necessary to delete a partition. While disk utility provides a graphical interface, using Terminal gives you more control and allows you to securely erase data if needed. Then in Disk Utility, select the disk, not the volume, erase/partition (as a single disc), and you are all set. Mar 31, 2022 · Disk Utility is one of the most valuable tools in your Mac’s Utilities folder. The amount of time it will take will depend partially on the specs of your Mac and the size and type of drive you’re erasing, but typically within a few seconds it will be done. Then, using Disk Utility, see if you need to Nov 27, 2020 · You donu2019t need a password if youu2019re just trying to erase a drive. You’ll be able to use your external hard drive effortlessly with any Mac after following these steps. This guide explains the step-by-step process to securely erase your Mac's hard drive, including optional secure erase methods for sensitive data. This is useful when you want to permanently erase all of the contents on a drive before selling or giving away your Mac. Jul 24, 2022 · If you need to erase your disk before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. ” Or, use a disk cleaning software and follow its instructions. Aug 2, 2017 · Drive Partition and Format Open Disk Utility in the Utilities' folder. In the drop down panel set the partition scheme to MBR. Force/permanently delete files on Mac. Apr 22, 2025 · Fortunately, you can do something about it—remove partition on Mac. Apparantly taken hours and hours maybe more then one day or even longer. Container and container child. Select your main hard drive or SSD. Mar 12, 2025 · 💠 1. Dec 5, 2015 · To use this tool from within Mac OS X to wipe an external drive, press Command + Space to open Spotlight search, type "Disk Utility," and press Enter. Jul 22, 2025 · Learn how to use the diskutil command on Mac with verbs including diskutil list, diskutil eraseDisk, diskutil apfs, diskutil mount/unmount, diskutil repair, and diskutil eject. However, from time to time, you may encounter scenarios like being unable to erase the disk on a Mac using Disk Utility. 1 - doing this the traditional way, using the Recovery Tools causes issues (Using Disk Utility to erase or reformat the hard drive and then reinstall the OS). For more security, consider turning on FileVault encryption when you start using your SSD drive. Tell you what to do if won't erase the external drive. Sep 19, 2021 · Format the drive and install a fresh copy of macOS, then use Disk Utility to erase the free space (typically the one-time write-with-zeros option). Jul 18, 2012 · I have a MacPro and 4 drives inside it, one of which I need/want to erase. Jan 29, 2020 · You can’t reformat a drive in macOS Disk Utility when the Erase button is grayed out. Detailed steps are introduced in this post, aiming to help you erase a disk successfully. That could happen because the Disk Utility erase greyed out or unable to complete the task. Select the partition you want to delete on the left hand sidebar. Nov 3, 2021 · For example, if you try to erase or partition your boot disk in Disk Utility, you won’t be able to because macOS won’t unmount the disk. May 24, 2025 · Whether you’re looking for how to erase all content and settings, factory reset your MacBook, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac mini without a password, or erase and reinstall macOS, get the solution here. Whether you want to know how to completely wipe a hard drive because you’re getting rid of your PC, trying to boost performance, or looking to free up storage space, follow the steps below to do so safely and securely. Feb 17, 2024 · Want to wipe your Mac's hard drive clean? Follow our step-by-step guide to securely erase your hard disk and start fresh. It can easily format hard drives, storage devices and permanently erase all the data stored on the device, beyond the scope of data recovery. It's a great option for wiping drives, no matter if it's external storage or your Mac's internal drive. Oct 26, 2023 · Mac computers have a built-in application for managing disks, helpfully called Disk Utility. " Reformat a storage or secondary drive using Disk Management or Disk Utility. ) Click on the Apply button and click on Want to wipe your Mac’s hard drive and reinstall macOS Monterey? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to erase your disk using Terminal and perform a clean macOS installation. When using Erase All Content and Settings, if you see a message explaining that other volumes need to be erased before you can erase all content and settings, you might have used Boot Camp to install Microsoft Windows. Can you please tell me what is command to erase/unmount the disk from Terminal? My Mac is mid 2012. Repair disk with Disk Utility First Aid 4. Mac Mini M1, macOS Ventura Action under way. May 12, 2021 · Let's try this (this will erase all data): Shut down the Mac. Oct 24, 2023 · Force erasing a disk on a Mac completely wipes the hard drive by overwriting all of the existing data with zeroes. It also mentions a file eraser software that helps you erase data from Mac hard drive, beyond the scope recovery. You should probably quit the Disk Utility application before entering this command. Nov 15, 2024 · Find and pick the reliable Mac data erasing tool to help you securely and permanently erase data from HDD/SSD, USB flash drive, digital camera, SD card, etc. How to erase (format) the built-in startup disk of an Intel-based Mac. Apr 17, 2025 · To delete a Mac partition on an HDD or SSD: Navigate to Launchpad → Disk Utility. In this video, we'll show you the steps to securely wipe a disk or hard drive using Terminal commands. Sep 28, 2023 · In Disk Utility, select the drive that you want to erase from the list on the left. 13 Jan 7, 2025 · Click Continue and implement the instructions as discussed. If your MacBook’s Disk Utility won’t let you erase drives, follow the steps below to fix it. This screen should then appear. It involves erasing the current contents of the drive and setting it up with the correct file system for use with a Mac computer. Errors can lead to unexpected behavior when using your Mac, and significant errors might even prevent your Mac from starting up completely. With disk utility, data erasure or erase assistant to wipe a hard drive on Mac. Nov 20, 2024 · Click Sign Out. I tried some commands from google, they weren’t recognized. Whatever the reason is, we’ll show you how to deal Jun 16, 2025 · Need to securely erase your Mac’s drive? Discover the 7 best disk-wiping tools for macOS, featuring free & paid options with military-grade deletion for SSDs/HDDs. Aug 30, 2016 · Some Mac users may require the ability to erase a disk or erase a hard drive from the command line on Mac OS, a task which is typically performed through the Disk Utility application from the GUI. Compatible with macOS Catalina 10. Here's how to do so securely. If you’re erasing your Mac’s startup drive, you’ll need to follow the instructions for booting into the Recovery HD volume, and then use Disk Utility to perform the erase. So I heard the only way to turn on the MacBook again is to erase/unmount disk through Terminal. Jun 26, 2025 · Usually, operating systems come with disk utility software that allows you to format drives. You also can permanently shred files that won't be deleted on Mac. Deleting a partition is a straightforward process—simply select the intended drive in Disk Utility’s side panel, click the Partition tab, select the partition you want to delete from the pie chart, and click the minus icon, followed by Apply and Partition. You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling or giving away your Mac or have an issue that requires you to erase. 4. Apr 23, 2025 · Back up any important data and connect the hard drive to your computer. Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac In Disk Utility on Mac, you can erase and reformat storage devices to use with your Mac. 's ID and size) from the side list. Is there a way to do this in Sequoia Disk Utility that I'm not seeing? Thanks very much. Erase all data, reinstall macOS, and prepare your Mac for a fresh start or a new owner. Jan 31, 2025 · How to erase (format) the built-in startup disk of a Mac with Apple silicon. Jul 4, 2025 · This article will explain in detail what Mac terminal format disk is and what commands it can use to format a disk. Apr 13, 2025 · How do I force my Mac mini M1 to completely erase an SSD? I believe my storage on Mac mini m1 is misconfigured. If asked, select a user you know the password for and enter their administrator password. For an external drive, erase it in Disk Utility like any other drive. Make sure the partition you want to delete is selected in the pie chart. Apr 2, 2024 · You can wipe a hard drive on Windows 10 or Windows 11 without any third-party tools or complicated procedures. To see the physical drive in Disk Utility you will need to click on "View" within Disk Utility and select "Show All Devices". Dec 9, 2024 · This step-by-step guide shows you how to erase an external hard drive, USB drive or SD card by using Terminal commands. You can force your Mac to erase the disk via the Terminal procedure, which requires detailed steps. Nov 1, 2020 · If the drive is to be shared with Windows, then use Disk Utility to erase the physical drive as GUID partition and exFAT. diskutil lis Jul 2, 2025 · Mac users can erase hard drive data in Disk Utility if needed. Learn how to erase a disk on macOS using Terminal with our easy-to-follow guide. After that, you can try to unmount the drive once again. Corrupted File System: If the drive’s file system is corrupted, Disk Utility may be unable to recognize or erase it. Delete the Partition You can delete the partition of your Mac if you wish to resolve the problem of can't erase the USB drive on your Mac. Sometimes, you are unable to erase the disk on Mac using Disk Utility due to various reasons. This article discusses various methods to erase Mac hard drive. Go to Disk Utility. This will allow you to store, transfer, and back up your files easily. Mar 2, 2023 · With an Intel Mac you want to erase the whole Fusion Drive item. It helps prevent personal files or sensitive data from being recovered by someone else. Mar 14, 2025 · Why Disk Utility won't erase hard drive How to fix Disk Utility won't erase hard drive 1. To format a drive on a Mac, you'll need the built-in Disk Utility application. Please help on the next step on how to Jul 6, 2025 · 9. Jul 21, 2025 · Do you know how to securely erase a Mac’s SSD? Use this guide if you need to wipe your SSD before selling it or using it as an external drive. Click the minus (-) button. Disk Utility can’t detect or repair all Nov 17, 2023 · How to format HDD, SSD, USB drive, memory card on Mac? Free download the best 5 disk formatting software for Mac to securely format hard drive or usb external hard disk. Mar 19, 2024 · You can wipe and reset a hard drive to factory settings by going to "Settings > Recovery > Get Started" in Windows. May 27, 2025 · How to wipe a Mac hard drive and clear everything when selling it? 3 Solutions to wipe a hard drive and erase all the data on macOS. Feb 17, 2025 · Different ways to erase deleted files on Mac securely. Check drive permissions and format 2. If you are trying to format the Mac hard drive or its volumes - Macintosh HD and Macintosh HD - Data, you will inevitably see the Erase button grayed out in Disk Utility. To execute this process, follow the guide as featured below: Step 1: You must launch "Disk Utility" from the "Utilities" folder. Jun 29, 2022 · Unmount a disk: diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskX Force Unmount: diskutil unmountDisk /force /dev/diskX Erase (replace FORMAT with format you want and DRIVE_NAME with the new name for your drive): Nov 3, 2020 · Because you have a SSD installed in your MBP, you cannot use the 'secure erase', nor the 'erase free space' options in Disk Utility. Apr 28, 2025 · Erasing a Mac's hard drive using Terminal can be a faster and more flexible option than using Disk Utility. Use Disk Utility on a bootable external drive, or use Internet Recovery. It's also available in recovery mode. Learn some safe and effective methods for wiping data. This guide will explain how to use the Terminal application in order to delete … how do i delete a partition through mac os terminal? Read More » Apr 30, 2023 · Alternatively (and for older Mac models), reboot in Recovery Mode either by holding the power button down on boot or holding Command+R when your Mac starts up. I have backed it up and using DU tried to erase it = by both highlighting the drive identifier and the name - in both cases, whether I try to erase disk or set it to erase to one partition, I get a message saying it can't do it because it can't unmount the disk. Access it from the Applications section across Finder. If you need data on the drive you want to format, use iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac to preview your files for free and recover them. It can rename, format, and wipe any connected drives, as well as create and restore backup images. 15 and earlier versions. Nov 11, 2024 · Before you sell or donate your Mac or external hard drive, follow this guide to wipe the hard drive, macOS Sequoia and other macOS is fully supported. Mar 30, 2023 · Other types of secure erase for hard drives If you're looking for info on how to reformat or erase an external hard drive, check out this support article from Apple. We're going to look at erasing volumes, partitions, and containers. Feb 21, 2025 · Mac systems provide Disk Utility to erase the Mac hard drive if needed. Again, formatting a drive will erase it completely, so make sure you have everything backed up that you want to keep. Fortunately, a range of troubleshooting steps, from simple tricks to more advanced Terminal Jul 16, 2024 · If you’re looking to get rid of all the data on a Mac hard drive or SSD, you need to wipe it fully. Select the external drive, click the "Erase" button, click "Security Options," and you can choose a number of times you want to overwrite it with junk data. You can erase the drive to APFS, ExFAT, HFS+, FAT32 or even NTFS. After the erase Once the erase is complete, your Mac will restart. Feb 28, 2017 · Once the encryption is complete, you can erase the SSD using Disk Utility and the normal erase option. Essentially, the erase process has failed on your Mac. Oct 15, 2023 · When to do a full disk wipe Here are some of the most common situations when performing a full disk wipe is recommended: Before selling or gifting your Mac – Wipe your drive to remove all personal files and information. Follow step-by-step instructions for macOS Monterey or earlier to wipe all personal data. Boot Mac into Recovery Mode to erase the hard drive 5. Some Mac users may require the ability to erase a disk or erase a hard drive from the command line on Mac OS, a task which is typically performed through the Disk Utility application from the GUI. Jul 26, 2015 · Mac OS X has a pretty solid disk utility for scenarios where you might want to create, resize or delete or modify new or existing partitions. Update macOS 7. Dec 9, 2024 · Looking to reset your computer to its factory settings? Apple has made it a little easier since macOS Monterey, but you have options no matter your Mac or OS version. Oct 6, 2023 · Formatting a drive using the Terminal on a Mac provides a simple way to completely erase and reconfigure a disk from the command line. The seven pass proces. Apr 14, 2023 · Once the external drive is erased, you can use it to erase your MacBook's internal drive. You will learn how to format a disk on Mac in two ways. Important: If you have any files you want to save, copy them to another storage device before erasing a device. Here, I suggest you to try BitRaser File Eraser software that will help you erase your drive beyond the scope of any Dec 6, 2024 · How do you securely wipe a hard drive in Sequoia In days gone by when you erased a drive in Disk Utility there were options to securely erase the drive by writing over it. 1 day ago · This post tells how to delete files on a Mac that won't delete and tell you reasons why you can't delete them. This wikiHow will show you how to factory reset a MacBook without the password. If you're curious about cloning your Mac hard drive, then this guide has all the answers. Occasionally, however, Mac users run into a problem: Disk Utility doesn’t let erase a disk. Force formatting in Mac CODE you need for Terminal: Step 1: diskutil list Step 2: diskutil unmountDisk force May 29, 2018 · Securely wiping a drive has long been a feature of Disk Utility and its erase function. Follow these secure methods to erase data permanently including the BIOS options. Dec 27, 2024 · Whether preparing to sell your Mac, troubleshoot persistent software issues, or simply start fresh, a factory reset can be a necessary solution. Select "View" in the toolbar —> "Show All Devices". Feb 6, 2025 · Learn what to do if your Mac startup disk is almost full, or you don't have enough storage space to download, install, or copy. In this video tutorial im showing how to erase hard drive on a mac and fix the problem "Erase Process Has Failed". Home Answer Hard Drive Problems How To Erase a Hard Drive on Mac [4 Proven Ways] Planning to sell or give away your Mac? Simply deleting files isn't enough for data security, as your personal information can still be recovered. Mac OS Terminal offers an easy way to do this without damaging any data on the disk. Aug 3, 2007 · As of Big Sur 11. For the internal Hard Drive, you will need to use the "Secure Erase" option within Disk Utility. Nov 25, 2021 · If you’re trying to erase your startup volume completely—say, to sell it to someone or as a trade-in—you can make use of an easily overlooked option in Disk Utility labeled Erase Volume Group. Use Force Eject to fix an external disk that won’t unmount. Apr 7, 2025 · A simple erase of the physical SSD is sufficient to destroy the data on it due to how SSDs work (especially with TRIM enabled -- which it is for an internal Apple OEM SSD). I noticed my Apple SSD image top level of internal was all the way full I had two children under it. Erase volume 6. DoYourData Super Eraser for Mac Super Eraser for Mac is a very powerful disk format & disk wipe tool to help Mac users permanently erase data from Mac hard drive or external storage media. Jan 22, 2025 · Usually, you will see “can’t unmount disk” on Mac when some application or process is using the drive you are trying to unmount. So, boot into Recovery Mode (Hold Down: [Command + R] upon boot). Jan 31, 2025 · How to erase (format) the built-in startup disk of an Intel-based Mac. Feb 18, 2019 · I am trying to reformat my MAC using Disk Utility but the buttons are grayed out (see image below) SO I tried to use the terminal but not sure on the steps. We’ve selected the partition iGeeksBlog Delete a partition. Errors in Disk Utility can arise from: Drive Permissions: Sometimes, your user account may lack the necessary permissions to modify or erase the drive. Jul 22, 2025 · This article guides you on how to erase a disk using Terminal. 0. In order to access the options for wiping Aug 20, 2021 · cindylk2 Said: " unable to erase disk on my disk utility: I can't erase my disk in disk utility - I am prepping to send my MacBook Pro for trade init is grayed out when I click on mackintosh HD " ------- Mount the Drive: Your drive may no longer be being seen, for what ever reason. This command will erase the contents partition 4. Mar 6, 2024 · You can—and should—reset your Mac back to factory settings before you sell it off. This way is safer, as using Force Eject may damage the drive or data on it. Aug 29, 2022 · As generally, it looks like this: diskutil eraseDisk FORMAT DRIVE_NAME /dev/disk# Hit enter, and the drive should start erasing and show its progress. dmiexy jgxw nfebnjd edt mdufj voqxuzj ujpzcu cnnoden cpq ihlek