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Activation lock during Command+R startup.

Previous owner has factory reset iMac and has removed iMac device from his «Find my», but I still get Activation Lock Screen during Command+R startup? Why? Are there some delay or other steps that need to be taken to free up the device? I have other Apple-ID that I will use during setup/install.

Posted on Feb 22, 2022 2:29 PM

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Question marked as Best answer

This issue was finally resolved by previous owner from remote. He realized it was his wife's Apple-ID locking the device :-) She remove the iMac device from her Apple-ID by using the  icloud.com/find Then, I did a restart of the iMac and then the Activation lock was gone, and setup could successfully be done using mye Apple-ID.

Posted on Feb 24, 2022 2:36 PM

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Question marked as Apple recommended

Feb 22, 2022 2:37 PM in response to bjornjoh

The computer was not set up correctly, my advice is to return it for refund or to have the seller follow the steps in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support your Mac.


Buying a used computer from a private party is a gamble at best. I normally recommend that folks that want to buy a used Mac to only buy from a reputable reseller such as Macsales.com or to buy Apple Refurbished Macs.


Good luck.

Question marked as Best answer

Feb 24, 2022 2:36 PM in response to rkaufmann87

This issue was finally resolved by previous owner from remote. He realized it was his wife's Apple-ID locking the device :-) She remove the iMac device from her Apple-ID by using the  icloud.com/find Then, I did a restart of the iMac and then the Activation lock was gone, and setup could successfully be done using mye Apple-ID.

Feb 24, 2022 3:21 PM in response to bjornjoh

Glad to hear. You were lucky you were able to get the previous owners wife to remove the device from her Apple ID. The lesson learned here is whenever you are considering a used Mac the first question to ask the seller is "Has the device been setup per the directions in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support your Mac.?" If the answer is no, ensure the seller executes those instructions or pass on the purchase.

Activation lock during Command+R startup.

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