How do I securely erase my Mac before selling it?

To securely erase your Mac before selling it, it is crucial to follow a series of steps to ensure that your personal data is completely wiped and cannot be recovered. First, back up any important files you want to keep. You can use Time Machine or any other backup method that suits your needs. Once you have secured your data, you can proceed with the erasure process. Start by signing out of iCloud. Go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences, and then click on Apple ID. Here, you will find the option to sign out. It is also advisable to sign out of iMessage by opening the Messages app, going to Preferences, and then selecting Sign Out. Next, restart your Mac and enter Recovery Mode by holding down the Command and R keys while it boots. Once in Recovery Mode, you will see the macOS Utilities window. From this menu, choose Disk Utility, and select your startup disk, usually named "Macintosh HD." Click on the Erase button. When prompted, choose the format as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) depending on the version of the macOS you have. Be sure to select "Erase Volume Group" if prompted, which will ensure a more thorough wipe of the disk. After the disk has been erased, exit Disk Utility, and you will return to the macOS Utilities window, where you can choose to reinstall macOS. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation, as this will prepare the machine for the new owner. Finally, once the operating system is installed, you can shut down the Mac, and it will be ready for sale, ensuring that your personal information has been securely erased. For further specifics related to this process, it may be helpful to check the current information available on the Macfriends.com site.