I'm planning on selling my 2013 MBA. I don't even remember what OS it came preloaded with. I currently use El Capitan. I want to wipe the hard drive and do a factory reset, but also would like to advertise the computer as running El Capitan. Is that possible without having to use my Apple Store account info? Or should I just concede that new owner will have to do the update themselves?
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Can I factory reset 2013 MBA and install El Capitan without using my apple store account?
- Thread starter SheridanMac
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Here are some instructions on what to do before selling a computer (they still apply for El Capitan):
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065
You could also download the full El Capitan install file and make a USB thumb drive installer of El Capitan:
http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/0...able-os-x-10-11-el-capitan-usb-install-drive/
Unless you want to use Internet recovery to go back to the factory OS, then you will need to use your AppleID with a regular command-r recovery to get El Capitan. Thing is, there is no problem doing that. It does not tie the AppleID to your machine in any way. It just allows the El Capitan download because your AppleID was used to "purchase" El Capitan.
If you do that, you should tell the new owner to right away login to the App Store with their AppleID and purchase El Capitan then just stop the download. That way if they ever need to reinstall it will be available for them.
i did this before i sold my 2011 macbook pro (because i wanted all my apps, app support stuff, etc gone, ie a virgin setup):
i did internet recovery (signed in), which gave me 10.7 (lol); then i updated to 10.11. THEN i created a new admin account, logged into that, and deleted my original account. so, new OS, and all my stuff gone (be sure to change the name in the Shared system preference window). done.
i did internet recovery (signed in), which gave me 10.7 (lol); then i updated to 10.11. THEN i created a new admin account, logged into that, and deleted my original account. so, new OS, and all my stuff gone (be sure to change the name in the Shared system preference window). done.
It is best to return it to its original condition because the setup assistant will make it easier for the next user. If they do not download El Capitan themselves it will not be in thier previous purchases which may prove to be a problem after the next OS upgrade.
IMHO that's the long way to do it. The USB installer and clean wipe is the easiest of the options listed. BTW, I hope the person who inherited your machine was trustworthy. Because, if you had a HDD in the device, even though you deleted your user data, it would still be recoverable in the right hands.
Just saying...
the internet recovery, and the 10.11 update did not take long at all; simple, really. as far as the drive...true of anyone ever, selling a used computer or drive. am pretty sure i'm not the first person to sell a used mac (anyway, it went to my brother...)
