Before trying to reset your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, there are few things that need to be checked to prevent errors. To avoid conflicts while logging into the applications and programs after the MacBook has been reset, below mentioned are some of the steps that need to be done. You should log out of iCloud on your Mac if you plan on getting it serviced or letting someone else borrow it. The words 'Business Insider'. Macbook Pro (From $1,299 at Best Buy). Force restarting a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro is generally considered a last resort, but if the worst happens and your machine freezes up, it's the quickest way of getting things running. Click on the Apple menu. Open the “System preference”. Open “Security and Privacy”. Select the “General” Tab and open “Advanced”. Uncheck the box “Logout after XX minutes of inactivity” or keep it enabled but set to a longer time. (Gives more security for your Mac).
A few months ago, macOS Mojave gets launched to the delight of many Mac users. It comes with an interface overhaul that needs to be initiated by the user, involving the popular Dark Mode. New features also include the Desktop Stacks, the reinvented Finder, and the new Gallery view, to name a few.
As far as issues go, however, a Mojave upgrade isn’t really immune to errors. One issue that keeps bugging a number of users is when their MacBook Pro randomly goes back to login screen. Here’s a specific case that demonstrates this problem.
A user updates his MacBook Pro to Mojave the previous day. After the installation process, he clicks on a user and tries to log in. Within just 30 seconds, the screen flickers, taking him back to the login screen.
The glitch happens for all accounts on his machine. He has tried repairing the disk as well as exhausting all other repair processes. But the error manages to persist on his laptop, which admittedly is an old one but should still work fairly well.
Let’s get to the bottom of things with this quick article.
MacBook Pro Returns to Login Screen Randomly
The difficulty here is that there appears to be no clear pattern or trigger for the misbehavior. The computer seems to return to login screen randomly and without any exact reason to do so, other than it happens following a Mojave update.
We’ve connected with our in-house experts and scraped the web for viable solutions to this post-Mojave update issue. Before performing these fixes, though, try to check everything from your hardware connections to your system’s stability via running a Mac repair tool that you trust. Sometimes, junk files that have accumulated over time can interfere with normal systems and processes, in turn ruining your Mac’s performance.
If your MacBook still randomly goes back to the login screen, try these solutions:
Making Basic Checks on Your MacBook
You can try to download iStat Pro and check on your actual RAM usage. It is recommended that you check how full your hard drive is, as you may already be using up your RAM. As a result, your hard drive may have insufficient space to create enough virtual memory.
Make sure, too, that your laptop is not overheating. This can happen while you are playing videos, gaming, or working on intensive processes for a long period of time. Rule out this reason for why your laptop is crashing and randomly returning to the login screen.
Creating a New User Profile
If it appears that the problem is occurring due to your user profile, then you might want to consider creating a new one. Log out of your existing user profile and then log back in with the new one, checking if the issue is finally resolved.
Add a user by following these steps:
- On your Mac, click Apple menu > System Preferences. Next, proceed to Users & Groups.
- Click the lock icon in order to unlock it. Enter an administrator name as well as password.
- Afterwards, click the Add button located below the list of users.
- Click the New Account pop-up menu. From here, select a type of user. An Administrator can add and manage other users, install apps, and change settings. A Standard user is set up by an administrator, while users with Managed with Parental Controls type can access only the content specified by the admin. Sharing Only users, on the other hand, can access shared files remotely, but they cannot log in to or change settings.
- Input a full name for the new user. Then, an account name is automatically generated. Use a different account name by entering it now. Note that you cannot change this later.
- Enter a password for the user. Re-enter it to verify. Enter a password hint as well.
- Hit Create User.
- Depending on the type of user you create, you can perform different steps. For an administrator, choose Allow user to administer this computer. For a managed user, choose Enable parental controls.
Performing an SMS and PRAM/NVRAM Reset
System Management Controller (SMC) is a chip embedded in Intel-based Mac devices. Best sound recording software for pc. It is responsible for the workings of most Mac parts, including keyboard and peripherals. It also figures in the operation of your hard drive and power supply. Reset the SMC of your MacBook with these steps:
MacBooks with Apple T2 security chip:
- Shut down your laptop.
- Press and hold the Power button for some 10 seconds. Restart afterwards. If you are having trouble upon startup, switch off your machine again.
- Press and hold the Power + Shift + left Control + left Option keys for a few seconds.
- Release all the keys and wait a few more seconds.
- Reboot your MacBook.
MacBooks with non-removable battery:
- Shut down your laptop.
- Press and hold the left Option + Control +Shift keys while you press the Power button for around 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys at once and wait for a number of seconds.
- Switch on your MacBook.
MacBook released before 2015:
- Shut down your laptop.
- Remove the battery.
- Press and hold Power for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Put back the battery again.
- Switch on your MacBook.
Older Mac models have Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM), while modern Intel-based ones have Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). You can reset your PRAM or NVRAM when there are software-related issues, the computer forgot specific settings, or there are connectivity problems.
Follow these instructions to reset the PRAM or NVRAM:
- Turn off your MacBook.
- Press Power.
- Before reaching the grey screen, press the R + P + Command + Option keys all at once. Hold them down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound.
- Release the keys together.
Using Terminal
This method comes directly from Apple support, with guidance from their engineers. Here are the steps to follow closely:
- Boot into Recovery. Do this by holding the Command + R keys down and turning on your computer.
- Open Disk Utility. Next, choose the startup volume.
- Take note of the name of the volume, which is typically Macintosh HD. If the name is dimmed, hit the Mount button. Enter the password of a user who can unlock the disk.
- Take note of the number that is shown next to Available.
- It’s time to quit Disk Utility.
- Next, choose Utilities > Terminal. Replace the bolded hard drive name with the name your drive is called. Enter this command: cd “/Volumes/Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL”
- If this command gets accepted, input this on the next line: mv *.plugin .
- It the system takes the command, quit Terminal.
- Reboot your computer in normal mode and log in as usual.
Final Notes
It can be incredibly disruptive for your MacBook Pro to randomly return to the login screen following a Mojave update. Since it’s hard to figure out how long this issue will last and what is actually causing it, the solutions above are worth a try. Don’t think twice about getting help from Apple support if the issue persists!
If you’re running into errors and your system is suspiciously slow, your computer needs some maintenance work. Download Outbyte PC Repair for Windows, Outbyte Antivirus for Windows, or Outbyte MacRepair for macOS to resolve common computer performance issues. Fix computer troubles by downloading the compatible tool for your device.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.
If you wonder how to factory reset MacBook Pro, you may be planning to sell your old MacBook to get a new now. Well, if you are thinking about getting a new one and you are considering what to do with the piece that you have now, then you are doing a great thing. After all, you need to upgrade your Mac with the latest edition to get super-fast and smooth performance. However, if you are planning to sell it, then you must rest the system. This will help you to keep your private information protected.
Apart from selling, you may also want to reset your Mac for some other reasons. There is no doubt that the Macs are quite reliable, but just like other computers, your MacBook can also encounter some issues related to software or hardware. Before spending a huge amount, you can try to solve the issue by factory resetting which will reinstall a clean version of macOS.
How to factory reset MacBook pro, understand what it means?
Before learning How to factory reset MacBook Pro, let’s know what it means. Well, on iOS, you will get a reset option by visiting Setting and then General. But on your Mac, you won’t get such an option. Whether you are using the Mac OS or iOS, this term means is setting all the things back to the way it was when your Mac was a brand-new piece.
Mac os x 10 6 8 software download. In simple words, this is all about removing all your personal information, clearing the drive completely, and setting the system up for a new user or a fresh start. Now, let’s get into the process
Learn how to reset MacBook pro to factory settings
Before we dive deep into the process of how to reset MacBook Pro to factory settings, there are certain things that you will have to do. Even though the primary purpose of this guide is to teach you about how to factory reset MacBook Pro, but there are certain recommended actions to take. With this, you can make sure that you don’t lose any apps, photos, or personal data or files while moving to a new MacBook.
Backup all your data
Before doing a factory reset, it is advisable to copy all the files, the system, and components. For this task, you can use a time machine that will be there in your Mac. If you find this service, then there is no need to import your files to any physical drive. When you have your new Mac system, you can easily restore the data with a few simple clicks.
iTunes account deauthorization
Before resetting, you should deauthorize the Mac system from the iTunes Store. That means your account will be delinked from the iTunes account. Well, this is quite important as you will be only allowed to use five Macs to play movies and music that are linked to the iTunes account. The method for deauthorization will depend on the version you are using.
For macOS Catalina
If you are on Mac OS Catalina, then on that OS, you will not be able to use iTunes as a standalone app. So, here you need to use the iTunes Store through the Music app. Open your Music app and choose Music and then go to Preferences located on the Menu bar. Now you need to visit the General tab and click on iTunes Stores. Now, you can easily access your account. After getting access, click on deauthorize the computer.
For iTunes 12
If you are using a Mac system with iTunes 12, then follow these steps. First, open your iTunes and click Account. Then you need to click on Authorizations. After that, choose De-authorize This Computer. Now, give your Apple ID and password and press De-authorize. The job is now done.
iTunes 11and below version
For the older version, you can click on “Store” and then choose “Deauthorize.”
Disable your File Vault
While learning how to factory reset MacBook Pro, you also need to know how to turn off the File Vault. This encrypts all the files on the hard drive. If you are using this, it is advisable to disable it before going any further. To turn it off, start by opening System Preferences. Then you need to click on Security & Privacy. After that, choose the FileVault tab and Check that it shows ‘FileVault is turned off for the disc.
If it is showing “off,” then there is nothing to do more. However, if it is active, click on the padlock icon located in the bottom left, and enter your user name and password. Then you need to click on Unlock. After that, choose Turn Off FileVault. Then, you will again have to put your user ID and password to initiate the decryption process.
Turn off the iCloud
Now, the next thing that you need to turn off is the iCloud. Remember that if your system has any iCloud files, all those files will be automatically archived into the home folder. So, back up the folder.
For macOS Catalina
Click the “Apple logo” and choose the “System Preferences.” Now you need to click on “Apple ID.” After that, on the sidebar, you need to select “Overview” and click “Sign Out.”
For macOS Mojave
Click the “Apple logo” and choose “System Preferences.” Then you need to click on “iCloud” and no click “Sign Out.”
Sign out of iMessage
For this, you need to open the “Messages app.” Now you need to choose “Messages” located next to the Apple logo. Now choose “Preferences.” After that, click “iMessage” and then choose “Sign Out.”
Unpair the Bluetooth devices
If you plan to sell your Mac system and want to keep the wireless keyboard or mouse with you, then it is a good idea to unpair them from the Mac to prevent any inconvenience. When the devices come in range, they try to connect to the old Mac system and will get disconnected from yours. So, to unpair them from your system, first, you need to click on the Apple logo and then choose the System Preferences. Now, you need to go to the Bluetooth tab. Then choose the name of the device and choose the “X” button. Now, you have successfully removed the devices.
Reset the NVRAM
NVRAM stands for Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory. When you reset it, it will erase certain configurations, for example, display & startup-disk configurations, recent kernel panic information, sound setting, time zone, and more. Besides, it will bring back the security features to the default setting. To reset it, first, you need to click on “Apple logo” and then choose “Shut down.” Now, press the Option + Command (⌘) + P + R keys while turning on your Mac system. Hold them for around 15 to 20 seconds.
Now, you have a complete idea about what you need to do before factory resetting your Mac. Now, it’s time to know how to factory reset MacBook Pro.
Resetting MacBook Pro
Once you are done with the steps mentioned above, you are now ready to completely erase your system. Here you will know the methods for Catalina and Mojave macOS. First, let’s start with Catalina.
How to clear your Mac running on Catalina macOS?
Apple introduced macOS Cataline in the year 2019, and on that, it added a red-only volume which houses the OS. That is called Macintosh HD. Well, you can change the name. With this, you will also get a Macintosh HD Data Volume that houses your data. So, while resetting the Mac, you need to wipe both these volumes. First, you need to delete the Macintosh HD Data Volume, and then go for the Macintosh HD.
- Start you, Mac, in the Recover mode by pressing Command + R button while booting up.
- Hold the buttons for a few seconds to load the Recovery mode. Once done, you need to choose the Disk Utility option.
- Now you will see those two volumes. Choose the Macintosh HD Data volume.
- After that, go to Menu, click on Edit and choose Delete APFS volume option.
- A warning message will be displayed. Click on delete. Don’t click on “Delete Volume Group.”
- Once done, go back to the Disk Utility and deleted the Macintosh HD. You have to delete them both, as you can’t reinstall the macOS over another macOS. After choosing the drive, give a name to it and choose the format, for example, APFS.
- Now click on Erase and put your ID, if asked. Wait for a few minutes to complete the process.
How to clear your Mac running on Mojave?
- Startup the system into Recovery.
- Choose the Disk Utility and then choose Continue.
- Now, you need to choose the main hard drive (Macintosh HD).
- To wipe, click on Erase option.
It may be noted that this process will erase all the data permanently. So, make sure that you have backed up your data. When it is done, exit the program by selecting Quit Disk Utility from Menu.
Reinstallation of macOS
Just by erasing all the contents, you can’t sell or reuse your Mac. So, after erasing all the volumes, you need to reinstall the macOS on the system. So, here are the steps to get it done.
- First of all, make sure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. If not, then click on the Wi-Fi icon located on the top right-hand corner.
- You should be in the macOS Utilities.
- From the available options, selected Reinstall macOS to reinstall a fresh copy of macOS.
- Now, click on Continue. Then, a pop-up will appear on your screen showing, “To set up the installation of macOS sierra, click Continue.” So, choose “Continue.”
- Go through the software license agreement and then click on “Agree.”
- Choose the volume, i.e., Macintosh HD. Now, click on “Install.”
Now the setup will continue to install a fresh OS on your Mac. Your computer may restart several times, but this is normal. Once done, you will be presented with a Welcome screen. You have factory successfully reset the Mac.
How to reset MacBook pro to factory settings without password?
Some Mac users might be looking for a way to How to reset MacBook pro to factory settings without password as they have lost the password. Well, this is not that much difficult. Because, before doing a factory reset, you can easily recover your password. Your Mac comes with built-in Recovery mode, using which you can reset the password to do a factory reset. For password reset using another account, follow the below steps.
Macbook Pro Logout
- Click on the “Apple logo” and click on “Log Out.”
- Now choose the account for which you have the password.
- Now, out the password for that particular account.
- Now, you need to go to the “System Preference” and then “Users & Groups.”
- You will see a lock icon located in the bottom left corner. Click on that and put your password.
- Now, you need to choose the account you have lost the password to.
- Choose the “Reset Password” option.
- Now, put the “New Password” and complete the “Verify and Password” options.
- Select “Change Password.”
How To Log Out Of A Macbook Pro
Now, you can use your old account ID and password to factory reset the Mac system. Besides, you erase the volumes using Disk Utility and reinstall a fresh macOS to complete the factory reset process.
While reinstalling a fresh macOS, you may get an error message like you can’t install the OS on the disk, or the installer cannot detect the disk. To solve such issues, then erase the drive again. This will work.
How To Logout Of Facebook
On the other hand, if you want to install other versions of the OS, you can press Shift + Option or Alt + R instead or pressing Command + R. This method supports Sierra 10 and above. So, go on and reset your Mac system now.