Using the built in recovery assistant to Erase and Install macOS on a FileVault enabled Mac

Owned by Neil Love
Last updated: Oct 07, 2021 by Steve Maser
2 min read

  1. It is highly recommended to use a boot stick to wipe-and-reload a Mac according to this document. If you can’t do that, then continue on…

  2. Boot into the recovery assistant:

    1. For Apple Silicon systems: While turning on, press and hold power button to see the Options screen.

    2. For Intel systems: Connect to a wired network and hold Command + Option + r and tap the power button. Continue to hold Command + Option + r to boot into internet recovery.

  3. When Recovery Assistant appears , Using the top menu bar, select Recovery Assistant → Erase Mac…

  4. In the window that appears, click the blue text Erase Mac…

  5. Click Next and confirm to Erase Mac

  6. After erasing, the Mac will automatically restart. Connect to WiFi or a wired network to activate the Mac. Click Next to continue

  7. When activation is complete, select Reinstall macOs Big Sur to complete the erase and install of macOS.