My dad passed away 2 weeks ago and my mum and I have been trying to get into his 2020 MacBook Pro but sadly we don’t know the password. We’re trying to get in because there are documents on it like our mortgage, bills etc. does anyone know anything I can do?!
MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
Yes, thanks for noting that. While Apple would most likely do everything in their power to unlock the relevant devices, they don't have a known backdoor to the encryption systems (Secure Enclave, FileVault, etc.) that safeguard the data on said devices. As the article itself notes:
"We have great sympathy for surviving family members. Once the court order is received, we will help as much as possible to grant access to the personal information or devices you are requesting. Please note that devices locked with a passcode are protected by passcode encryption, and unless the next of kin knows the device passcode, Apple will not be able to remove the passcode lock on the device without erasing it."
In terms of gaining access to a deceased person's devices, one thing that Apple could do is remove Activation Lock on those devices. That would open access to the devices themselves (it would be usable again after an erase), but unfortunately not the data inside. This is because the Activation Lock system is fully controlled by Apple servers, but the encryption on the devices is not.
EDIT: On a Mac, you'd have to enable FileVault in order to get the same level of protection that you get when setting a passcode on an iOS device. Apple or a third party could reset the login password if FileVault is disabled.
Yes, thanks for noting that. While Apple would most likely do everything in their power to unlock the relevant devices, they don't have a known backdoor to the encryption systems (Secure Enclave, FileVault, etc.) that safeguard the data on said devices. As the article itself notes:
"We have great sympathy for surviving family members. Once the court order is received, we will help as much as possible to grant access to the personal information or devices you are requesting. Please note that devices locked with a passcode are protected by passcode encryption, and unless the next of kin knows the device passcode, Apple will not be able to remove the passcode lock on the device without erasing it."
In terms of gaining access to a deceased person's devices, one thing that Apple could do is remove Activation Lock on those devices. That would open access to the devices themselves (it would be usable again after an erase), but unfortunately not the data inside. This is because the Activation Lock system is fully controlled by Apple servers, but the encryption on the devices is not.
EDIT: On a Mac, you'd have to enable FileVault in order to get the same level of protection that you get when setting a passcode on an iOS device. Apple or a third party could reset the login password if FileVault is disabled.
Hi Gmck02,
Sorry about your loss.
Try these steps to reset the login password for the 2020 MacBook Pro: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860
If those steps don't work, try these steps: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT212190
Sorry about your loss.
Here are the instructions: How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support
Encryptor5000 wrote:
That would help recover access to the deceased's Apple ID, but unfortunately not the Mac itself.
Here is what the article I linked to does:
"This article explains how to request access to a customer's accounts and devices after they have passed away. "
That would help recover access to the deceased's Apple ID, but unfortunately not the Mac itself.
How can I access my dead dads MacBook?
