How to Wipe Your Mac Remotely

Worried about the security and privacy of your data on a lost or stolen Mac? This article will teach you how to wipe your Mac using features built into the Apple Find My app or the iCloud web interface.

How to Wipe Your Mac Remotely From an iPhone or iPad

This method requires an iPhone or iPad connected to the same iCloud account as the Mac you want to remotely wipe.

1. Search for and open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.

2. You will see a map and a list of devices tied to your iCloud account. Tap your Mac to select it.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the Mac's options and tap Erase This Device.

4. A confirmation screen will appear. Tap Continue.

5. The next screen allows you to enter a recovery message which will appear on the Mac. Enter a message that shows a way to contact you and then tap Erase.

   Remember, anyone who recovers the device will see this message. You may want to provide contact information, but it's wise not to include your full name and address.

6. You'll now need to enter your Apple iCloud password. Do so and tap Erase.

The erase will now be pending. The Find My app will notify you when the erase begins.

How to Wipe Your Mac Remotely From Another Mac

This method requires an additional Mac tied to your iCloud account.

1. Open the Find My app.

2. The Find My app will appear with a map displayed. Open the Devices tab.

3. A list of your devices will appear on the left side of the app. Select the Mac you want to erase.

4. The Mac will appear on the map. Tap the information icon.

5. Select Erase This Device.

6. A confirmation screen will appear. Select Continue.

7. You may be asked to enter a six-digit passcode. Enter a passcode if prompted.

8. The next screen will let you enter a recovery message to be displayed on the Mac. Enter a message that includes a way to contact you and tap Erase.

   Remember, anyone who recovers the device will see this message. You may want to provide contact information, but it's wise not to include your full name and address.

9. You'll be prompted to enter your iCloud password. Do so and select Erase.

The erase will now be pending. The Find My app will notify you when the erase begins.

How to Wipe Your Mac Remotely From Any PC Using iCloud

This method can be used with any PC, Mac, or mobile device can open iCloud.com in a web browser.

1. Open iCloud.com in a web browser and log in.

2. Open Find iPhone.

3. Tap All Devices.

4. Select the Mac you want to wipe from the list of devices.

5. The browser window will now display the Mac with several available options. Select Erase Mac.

6. A confirmation window will appear. Select Erase.

7. You'll be prompted to enter your iCloud password again. Do so.

8. You'll be asked to enter a passcode for the Mac you want to erase. Enter a six-digit code.

9. Next, you'll enter a recovery message that will be displayed on the Mac. Enter a message with information on how to contact you and then tap Done.

   Remember, anyone who recovers the device will see this message. You may want to provide contact information, but it's wise not to include your full name and address.

The erase will now be pending. The Mac's device status will be updated in Find iPhone when the erase begins.

What Happens You Wipe Your Mac Remotely?

The Mac will lock, reset, erase its contents, and display the recovery message your entered.

The Lock Screen will activate almost instantly if the Mac is currently connected to the Internet. If the Mac is not currently connected, it will happen the next time it connects. Your Mac's data will only be wiped if it's connected to the Internet and still tied to your iCloud account.

Apple's security make it difficult to access a Mac and remove the iCloud account. Defeating the Mac's security is not impossible, however, so you should still take precautions like resetting important passwords and forcing devices to log out from services, such as Gmail, used on the Mac.

Does Erasing a Mac Remove iCloud?

Erasing a Mac does not remove iCloud. Anyone who attempts to use the Mac after the wipe will need the iCloud password for the iCloud account it's tied to set up the Mac.