I bought a laptop off someone, who’s given me his password to the laptop. But he doesn’t remember his AppleID password.
now the laptop is stuck in recovery mode and he doesn’t remember his previous password.
he also has stopped responding to any requests to reset his password so the reset can proceed.
Is there a way around that at all??
This sounds like Activation Lock and that means the owner needs to login to their web based iCloud.com account and remove the device from the device list. The owner does not need to provide you their password and they can reset their iCloud password if they do not remember it. Once the owner removes the device from their iCloud account prompt to enter the Apple ID/PW should disappear when the Mac is connected to the Internet.
Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature used on Apple mobile devices but is now offered on Macs as well. New M1 Apple Silicon Mac's even have the "Erase all Settings and Content" option to reset to factory just like an iPhone prior to resale or transferring to a new user.
This sounds like Activation Lock and that means the owner needs to login to their web based iCloud.com account and remove the device from the device list. The owner does not need to provide you their password and they can reset their iCloud password if they do not remember it. Once the owner removes the device from their iCloud account prompt to enter the Apple ID/PW should disappear when the Mac is connected to the Internet.
Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature used on Apple mobile devices but is now offered on Macs as well. New M1 Apple Silicon Mac's even have the "Erase all Settings and Content" option to reset to factory just like an iPhone prior to resale or transferring to a new user.
Can you get the model number in tiny print on the bottom of the MacBook Air? Depending on the model, recovery process may vary.
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.
Try these steps: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support.
Jack
mirriam48 wrote:
Unfortunately not, I bought it off someone just last night
I'd contact Apple Support: Get Support. It sounds like this Mac has a hardware issue.
Hello, basically what’s happened is it’s gone to factory reset before signing out of the MacBook Apple ID account.
and the factory reset page isn’t presenting any options. Just stuck on this page
So you don't see this screen?
Jack
Yes! That’s the screen that’s not popping up
mirriam48 wrote:
Yes! That’s the screen that’s not popping up
Do you have access to another Mac?
Unfortunately not, I bought it off someone just last night
Alrighty! Thank you for your help
How to factory reset, without password
