Sell my MacBook: how to wipe and sell a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

MacBooks hold their value better than most laptops, which makes them well worth selling when you upgrade. The important thing is to identify exactly what you have and to wipe it properly so it's ready for the next owner.

Find your exact model

Click the Apple menu > About This Mac. You'll see:

• The model name and year, for example "MacBook Air (M2, 2022)" or "MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)".
• The chip or processor: Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3 and later, plus Pro and Max variants) or Intel.
• Memory (RAM).
• Storage: click More Info or System Report to see the storage capacity.

Make a note of all of these — they're what determine value. The serial number can also be used on Apple's website to confirm the model.

What affects what your MacBook is worth

• Chip. Apple silicon MacBooks are generally worth much more than Intel models of a similar age, because they're faster, more efficient and will be supported for longer.
• RAM and storage. These can't be upgraded on most modern MacBooks, so higher specs carry real value.
• Screen size: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch or 16-inch.
• Condition. Dents on the case, scratches, marks on the screen (including keyboard imprints and coating wear on some models), worn keys.
• Battery. Check under System Settings > Battery > Battery Health (or System Information > Power for the cycle count).
• Charger. Including the correct Apple charger and cable helps.

Common issues to check

• Screen: look for dead pixels, backlight bleeding, and wear on the anti-reflective coating on some older Retina models.
• Keyboard: butterfly keyboards on some 2016–2019 models were prone to sticking keys. Test every key.
• Ports: test each USB-C/Thunderbolt port, MagSafe, headphone jack and SD card slot where present.
• Trackpad: check clicks and Force Touch work across the surface.
• Camera, microphone and speakers: a quick video call test covers all three.

Step 1: Back up

Use Time Machine with an external drive, or make sure everything is in iCloud Drive. Don't forget files stored only on the desktop or in downloads.

Step 2: Sign out of everything

1. Apple ID / iCloud: System Settings > [your name] > Sign Out. This turns off Find My Mac and Activation Lock.
2. Messages: open Messages > Settings > iMessage > Sign Out.
3. Music and TV: Account > Authorisations > Deauthorise This Computer.
4. Bluetooth devices you're keeping, such as a mouse or keyboard: unpair them so they don't reconnect to the old Mac.

Step 3: Erase the MacBook

Apple silicon or Intel with T2 chip on macOS Monterey or later: System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes your data, accounts and settings, and turns off Activation Lock.

Older Intel MacBooks:

1. Restart into macOS Recovery (hold Command + R while starting up).
2. Open Disk Utility and erase the main drive (Macintosh HD).
3. Quit Disk Utility and choose Reinstall macOS.
4. When the set-up assistant appears after reinstallation, press Command + Q to shut down without setting it up.

Step 4: Check Activation Lock is off

Sign in at icloud.com, open Find My, and make sure the MacBook isn't listed under your devices. If it is, remove it. Activation-locked Macs can't be accepted.

Step 5: Clean it

Wipe the screen with a dry microfibre cloth (Apple says a lightly dampened one is fine for stubborn marks; don't spray liquid directly). Clean the keyboard with a soft brush, and wipe the case.

Selling your MacBook

With SendForCash, describe your MacBook — model, year, chip, RAM, storage, condition and charger — and you'll get an instant cash offer. Accept, and we email a free postage label. Pack it up, drop it off, and we pay the same day we inspect. We also securely wipe every device we receive.

Packing a MacBook

Close the lid with nothing on the keyboard. Wrap it in bubble wrap, then place it in a sturdy box with padding all round. Pack the charger separately so it can't press against the lid or screen. A padded envelope is not enough for a laptop. See our packing guide.

FAQ

Can I sell a MacBook with a cracked screen?

No — we only buy items that work properly, and a cracked screen counts as damage. Light scratches on the case are fine.

Do you buy MacBooks with a battery that says "Service Recommended"?

If the battery still holds a reasonable charge and the MacBook works normally, describe the battery status when you get your offer. If it won't run without being plugged in, it's not fully working.

Should I remove the SSD?

No. On most modern MacBooks, storage is built in. Erase it instead.

Do you buy iMacs and Mac minis too?

Yes, if they work properly and are within 30kg and 1.5m. Wipe them the same way.

What if I've forgotten my Apple ID password?

Reset it at Apple's iForgot site before you erase the Mac. Without it, you can't remove Activation Lock.