When it comes to cleaning up your old MacBook before handing it down or selling it, there are several important steps to take to ensure that all of your personal data is removed and the machine returns to its default factory settings. One crucial step in this process is cleaning the startup disk.

To clean your Mac's startup disk, you'll need to start by clearing out any stored NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) settings. This memory stores information that your Mac needs before loading MacOS, such as screen resolution, time zone, volume level, and startup-disk selection.

First, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth and locate the device you want to unpair. Click the X button to the right of its name and then click Remove. If you're handing down your old Mac to someone else in your household, this step is especially important to prevent interference with their own devices.

Next, open the Messages app and go to Messages > Preferences. Click on the iMessage tab and then click Sign Out. You'll also need to sign out of Find My Mac by going to System Preferences > Apple ID and unchecking Find My Mac.

In addition to these steps, you'll also need to sign out of iCloud by going to System Preferences > Apple ID and clicking on iCloud in the left panel. Then, check the box next to 'Find My Mac' and click Sign Out.

Finally, you'll need to deauthorize any apps that were linked to your Apple ID. To do this, go to the App Store and sign out of your account. You can also sign out of individual apps such as Music, TV, and Books by going to Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.

By following these steps, you'll be able to remove all traces of yourself from your old MacBook and return it to its default factory settings. This is an important security measure to ensure that any sensitive information stored on the machine remains protected and can't be accessed by others.

Remember to always erase your hard drive before selling or giving away an old MacBook, as this will help prevent any malware from being transferred to the new owner's device. With these simple steps, you'll be able to clean up your startup disk and give your old MacBook a fresh start.

How to clean startup disk on macbook