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Four Steps to Reset Your MacBook and Get a Trade-In Price

April 19, 2021 *

Trading in old devices is a great way to offset some of the cost of new tech. However, as far as laptops go, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Chief among these, perhaps, is resetting them to factory defaults beforehand to protect your personal data.

Are you looking to trade in your old MacBook? If so, there’s some good news. That’s because Apple has made the reset process as straightforward as possible.

How to Reset a MacBook Before Trading It In

To reset your MacBook before trading it in, there are just three or four steps to follow. The process of physically resetting the device should only take a few minutes. That said, allow yourself extra time if you need to create a backup.

Step 1: Backup Your MacBook

If you haven’t already done so, create a physical backup of your data. Copy all of your important files to an external hard drive for safekeeping. Time Machine (built into MacOS) works well for this step.

Step 2: Sign Out of iMessage, iTunes and iCloud

First, sign out of iMessage. This will only apply if you’re running OS X Mountain Lion or later. Assuming that’s the case, open up the Messages app. From here, choose Messages > Preferences. Then, click iMessage and select Sign Out.

Next, you’ll want to sign out of iTunes and iCloud. What’s required here depends on the operating system version that’s running on your MacBook.

MacBooks Running macOS Mojave or Earlier

If you’re running macOS Mojave or earlier, first sign out of iTunes. Do this by opening iTunes and, from the menu, selecting Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer. To complete the process, enter your Apple ID, password, and click Deauthorize.

Next, sign out of iCloud. You can sign out of iCloud via the main Apple menu. From there, enter System Preferences before clicking iCloud and, finally, Sign Out.

MacBooks Running macOS Catalina or Later

On macOS Catalina or later, there’s no need to sign out of iTunes. It’s simply a case of signing out of iCloud. Doing so involves much the same process as it does on older operating systems. Start by entering the main Apple menu. Head to System Preferences and select Apple ID. From the sidebar, click Overview, followed by Sign Out.

Step 3: Reset Your MacBook’s Memory

A third crucial step involves resetting your MacBook’s memory. There’s no going back from here, so make sure all necessary backups are in place before proceeding. To reset the memory on your MacBook—or NVRAM—first shut down your laptop. Then, turn it back on, and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys together. Keep them held for approximately 20 seconds.

Resetting your MacBook’s NVRAM first clears any changes that you’ve made to its options. It also returns various security settings to their original state.

Step 4: Erase Your MacBook’s Hard Drive

Last but not least, and with its memory wiped, you’ll also want to completely erase your MacBook’s hard drive before trading it in.

Restart your MacBook for a final time. As it powers back up, hold the Command and R keys together. Keep these keys held until the Apple logo appears. Follow any on-screen instructions until the option to enter your laptop’s Disk Utility appears.

Now, from the sidebar, select Macintosh HD > Erase. Then, click Erase Volume Group. If that’s not an option, simply hit Erase instead. A fresh operating system installation will now occur, after which a prompt will appear to choose a country or region. Ignore this to leave your MacBook in its factory state. Instead, simply press the Command and Q keys together to power down.

With that taken care of, your MacBook is now ready and waiting for a new owner. As it stands, it’s in its out-of-box form, just as you originally received it.

Trading in a MacBook

Any laptop owner can, of course, trade their device in for an upgrade wherever permitted. However, MacBook owners are in the unique position of being able to benefit from Apple Trade In. While MacBook owners can trade in their laptops anywhere—including Best Buy and via services such as Trademore and BuyBackWorld—Apple’s own service boasts a number of benefits.

Apple Store customers can trade in eligible devices for credit against a future purchase or swap them for an Apple Gift Card. What’s more, Apple is currently offering a maximum estimated trade-in price for customers’ MacBook Pros of up to $1,530.

The number one way to secure the best possible trade-in price for your MacBook is to keep it in tip-top condition. A great way to do this is by protecting it with an extended laptop warranty.

Upsie offers comprehensive extended warranty protection against battery, power, and mechanical failures, plus drops, spills, cracked screens, and more.

This means that when Upsie customers come to trade in their devices, they’re in the best possible condition. With that, they’re able to command some of the strongest trade-in prices around.

How to Get the Best Trade-In Price

A device’s age and condition will ultimately dictate its trade-in price. Newer tech will almost always be worth more. It goes without saying that any device must be in complete working order. Beyond that, its overall condition is also extremely important.

To ensure the best future trade-in value, avoid applying stickers or other graphics. Also, help to keep your tech in as-new condition by using a protective case. For laptops, this is especially relevant when transporting them to and from work or school.

A crack in a laptop’s screen or any other part of its construction will significantly impact what it’s worth. Those damaged by liquid or with any non-functioning components may not be worth anything at all. An extended laptop warranty is always advisable to safeguard against this and protect from all manner of other possible eventualities.

Upsie to the Rescue

With Upsie, your tech stays in great shape, even if the worst happens. Full accidental damage insurance protects against drops, spills, and cracked screens. Meanwhile, battery, power, and mechanical failures are also covered. If your MacBook becomes damaged and can’t be repaired, Upsie will replace it for you at no extra cost.

At the same time, it’s possible to save significantly on the cost of an extended MacBook warranty by cutting out the middleman. Upsie customers can save up to 70% compared to the price of a AppleCare+ or big-box retailer’s extended warranty. Furthermore, deductibles are low, and there are never hidden charges or fees.

Comprehensive coverage is available on either a two or three-year basis for both new and used or refurbished MacBooks. As an Apple owner, you’ll also receive full access to Genius Bar repairs. Prices start from just $121.99 for a $999 laptop, and you can lock in complete protection at any point for up to 60 days after purchasing your MacBook.