Clearing SSD / data for resale of Intel chip Macbook (2016)

[Eggtastic]

I did research this topic as best I could. Google gave me the official apple support page and to follow the steps. It seems pretty straight forward. I've done this before with my 2011 MBA and sold it to a local person's daughter. Now that I recently sold to a complete stranger on Swappa I want to ensure this person isn't up to no good to retrieve my data if not cleared properly.

As I began to dig deeper on other websites, reddit, etc. people have been sharing slightly different methods to ensure any data cannot be recovered at all.

I decided to post here to put my mind at ease. I don't hold any nuclear launch codes or millions in BTC, but I would like peace of mind that the person receiving my mac cannot dig deep enough to recover my data for whatever reason.

Thanks

(edit: spelling)

 

[Fishrrman]

Boot to INTERNET recovery (NOT to the recovery partition):
Command-OPTION-R
at boot.

(you'll need your wifi password, and be patient while the utilities load)

Next, open disk utility.
IMPORTANT STEP: go to the view menu and choose "show all devices"

Now, look at the list on the left.
The topmost item should be the physical drive inside.
Click on it and click erase.
Erase to APFS, GUID partition format.

Close disk utility and open the OS installer.
Start "clicking through".
The Mac will reboot one or more times, and the screen will go dark now and then with no other indication of activity. BE PATIENT.

When the install is done, you'll see the initial startup screen (choose your language).
DO NOT PROCEED FURTHER.
Either quit the setup or press the power on button and HOLD IT DOWN CONTINUOUSLY until the display goes dark.

It's now ready to hand over to the next owner.
When they boot it, THEY will see the initial startup screen, just as if it were new...

 

[NoBoMac]

What vintage of Mac? If a M Mac or Intel with T chip, Erase all Content and Settings should do the trick, as everything is encrypted on the drive. New encryption keys will be generated and old one lost forever.

If "plain" Intel, if had FileVault turned on, follow below. If FileVault was not turned on, take the time to turn on FileVault (might run a while) then follow below: you've encrypted all the storage and wiped the keys on the erase and reinstall making it unreadable.

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

Reset your Mac to factory settings to prepare it for a new owner.

support.apple.com