You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Disk Utility Question

I have disabled my iCloud for the 2012 MacBook Pro that I plan on trading in. When I went to Disk Utility to erase the Macintosh HD the function was idle and not clickable. Do I need to do that process if I have erased/disabled iCloud?

Posted on Mar 20, 2021 5:26 PM

Reply
3 replies

Apr 3, 2021 10:05 AM in response to Bill727

Hi Bill,


Disk Utility greys out the Erase option if you're trying to erase the disk you're started up from. This is done in order to avoid system corruption.


To erase your Mac, follow these steps:


  1. Make sure you have a fast and stable Internet connection, and plenty of time.
  2. Start up in macOS Recovery: Hold down Command-R as you restart your Mac, and release the keys when the Apple logo and a progress bar appears. You might see a spinning globe instead.
  3. If you're prompted to enter your administrator password, do so to continue.
  4. You should now see the macOS Utilities window. Select Disk Utility and click Continue.
  5. Click View -> Show All Devices.
  6. Select the top level of the internal drive (APPLE SSD/HDD) and click Erase. Choose these options, then click Erase:
    1. Name: Macintosh HD
    2. Format: Use the format pre-selected by Disk Utility. It should be either Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS.
    3. Scheme: GUID Partition Table/Map
  7. When done, quit Disk Utility, and select Install macOS.
  8. Follow the onscreen instructions to start installing macOS.
  9. When the macOS Setup Assistant appears, press Command-Q to shut down your Mac. It is now ready to be traded.

Disk Utility Question

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.