macOS Sequoia Clean Install [Step-By-Step Guide]

Rather than upgrading to macOS Sequoia directly, you might prefer a clean install. A macOS clean install is a process of erasing all your previous macOS settings and content and installing the new macOS update.

Compared to upgrading directly, a clean install can make your Mac run at a higher speed with the newly installed macOS.

This post will provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean install macOS Sequoia. Let’s get started!

How to Clean Install macOS Sequoia

Before you begin, make sure your Mac is compatible with macOS Sequoia first:

In total, there are mainly 5 vital steps for a successful macOS Sequoia clean install. Let's delve into each step.

Step 1: Back Up Your Mac

The first and most important step is to back up your Mac. Clean install macOS will erase all content and settings of your Mac. So it's essential to back up important data before you erase your current macOS.

The more files you back up, the longer it will take. Therefore, it is recommended to clean up your Mac before you make the backup to speed up the backup process. BuhoCleaner - a Mac cleaner that offers you a quick way to delete junk files and duplicate files, uninstall apps completely, etc., contributing a lot to free up your Mac space.

For more details about back up Mac: [Full Guide] How to Back Up Mac with/without Time Machine

Step 2: Download the macOS Sequoia Installer

After cleaning up and backing up your macOS, you can start to download the macOS Sequoia Installer.

1. Download macOS Sequoia installer
2. Find the .pkg file in the Finder's Downloads folder and move it to the Applications folder.
3. Double-click InstallAssistant.pkg to open it.
4. Click Continue > Install > Enter the password > Click Install Software > Close.

   

5. Make sure the install software "Install macOS Sequoia" is in the Finder‘s Applications folder.

   

Step 3: Create a Bootable Installer

Now that you have already downloaded the macOS Sequoia installer, let's create a bootable installer with a USB drive.

1. Prepare a bootable USB drive (more than 15 GB) and connect it to your Mac.
2. Format it to macOS Extended (Journaled).
3. Open the Terminal, then copy and paste the following command:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

4. Hit the Return key.
5. Enter the password if asked and press the Return key.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Erase Your Mac

The final step before performing a clean install of macOS Sequoia is to erase your Mac.

• For a Mac with Apple silicon or an Intel-based Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General.
2. Click Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process.

• For other Macs:

Start up your Mac from recovery mode and erase your startup disk with the Disk Utility according to the on-screen instructions.

Step 5: Clean Install macOS Sequoia

Be patient! We've already come to the last part - clean install macOS Sequoia. Here's what to do:

• For Mac with Apple silicon

1. Shut down or turn off your Mac.
2. Connect the bootable installer to your Mac.
3. Press and hold the Power button until you see the startup option.
4. Click the bootable installer > Continue.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

• For Other Macs

1. Shut down or turn off your Mac.
2. Connect the bootable installer to your Mac.
3. Turn on your Mac > Press and hold the Option(Alt) key until you see the bootable installer.
4. Click your bootable installer > Click the on-screen arrow or press Return.
5. Click Install macOS from the macOS Utility window.
6. Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have gone through all the steps for a macOS Sequoia clean install. Go and experience the new macOS 15 Sequoia feature now!