User profile for user: squidman
squidman Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Erase the SSD


How to erase the SSD in my older iMac




iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Dec 11, 2022 11:55 AM

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
88,618 points

Posted on Dec 11, 2022 12:11 PM

What are your plans for the older iMac?


If you want to erase, reinstall and keep it for yourself,

see > Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support

and > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


If you are selling it, giving it away, trading it in or recycling it,

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

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
88,618 points

Dec 11, 2022 12:11 PM in response to squidman

What are your plans for the older iMac?


If you want to erase, reinstall and keep it for yourself,

see > Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support

and > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


If you are selling it, giving it away, trading it in or recycling it,

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

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User profile for user: squidman
squidman Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Dec 11, 2022 03:34 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks den.thed and Mal-S for your solution. After rummaging around the web I came to the same methodology. Somehow I missed the instructions for what to do what is different for an Apple M1 chip. I hadn't had the need to erase the the SSD chip in an M1 equipped Mac. The computer is to be disposed somewhere. I was posed the question for its owner, who is a total novice and didn't know about Disk Utility! Thanks all. Once again the Community has answered my questions speedily and correctly.


Squidman

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Erase the SSD

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