Im not able to update my iMac i recently bought it off of a flea market here on west broad street and i shouldve figured it would give me some issues.. i just want to know what can i do ? I’m not even sure which iMac it is to be completely honest
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
Welcome!
As iMacs have been in continuous production since 1998 in four broad families and hundreds of variants, it is hard to answer this without the context of sub-model model information.
The serial number is the first step. Look on the outside of the case for the serial number. If the iMac has a metal "foot" that supports it, the serial number is on the bottom of that foot.
On older models the number can be screened onto the case or on a sticker, possible requiring you turn the computer upside down to find.
Once you find a serial number, go to this Apple support page and enter the serial number:
Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support
Although you do not likely have support coverage, the info return should report the important sub-model:
We need is the bit in parentheses; in the example image, "27-inch Mid 2010"
The Apple lookup may not work for very old Macs. In that case, you can use this third-party lookup function:
https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/
Our knowing the iMac sub-model is key to your getting useful, problem-specific advice here. Without out it we either give overly-broad information or, worse, bad information. Neither makes you quest easier.
Even with a proper model designator, if the original owner did not properly follow the steps in this article before selling it on, you may never have full use of the computer:
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support
Allan
Welcome!
As iMacs have been in continuous production since 1998 in four broad families and hundreds of variants, it is hard to answer this without the context of sub-model model information.
The serial number is the first step. Look on the outside of the case for the serial number. If the iMac has a metal "foot" that supports it, the serial number is on the bottom of that foot.
On older models the number can be screened onto the case or on a sticker, possible requiring you turn the computer upside down to find.
Once you find a serial number, go to this Apple support page and enter the serial number:
Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support
Although you do not likely have support coverage, the info return should report the important sub-model:
We need is the bit in parentheses; in the example image, "27-inch Mid 2010"
The Apple lookup may not work for very old Macs. In that case, you can use this third-party lookup function:
https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/
Our knowing the iMac sub-model is key to your getting useful, problem-specific advice here. Without out it we either give overly-broad information or, worse, bad information. Neither makes you quest easier.
Even with a proper model designator, if the original owner did not properly follow the steps in this article before selling it on, you may never have full use of the computer:
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support
Allan
Updating my iMac
