You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can’t log into MacBook, data transfer possible?

I’ve forgotten the password to my MacBook after not using it for 2 years so I can’t log in. I also don’t have my recovery key, so can’t reset my password. Any chance anyone knows if I’d be able to just transfer all the data on it to a harddrive so at least I don’t lose everything?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 9:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 10:37 PM

If the laptop is encrypted using Filevault, then without either a valid password or recovery key you will not be able to access the data on the drive. See here on how to reset the user account password:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860


If the laptop is not encrypted, then you can put the laptop into Target Disk Mode and attach it to another Mac to access your data.



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 22, 2020 10:37 PM in response to tyrun144

If the laptop is encrypted using Filevault, then without either a valid password or recovery key you will not be able to access the data on the drive. See here on how to reset the user account password:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860


If the laptop is not encrypted, then you can put the laptop into Target Disk Mode and attach it to another Mac to access your data.



Can’t log into MacBook, data transfer possible?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.