Don’t have FileVault code to reset MacBook
Need file vault to reset Mac book
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FileVault is full volume encryption. Everything, including macOS itself, is scrambled in such a way that you either need your password or your recovery key in order to unscramble it. Without either of these, unfortunately your data might not be recoverable.
When you first set up FileVault, did you store the recovery key in iCloud? You can find out via these steps:
- Power on your Mac, and wait at the login window for at least one minute.
- When a message appears at the bottom of the screen, press and hold the power button (or Touch ID) until your Mac shuts off. Then, press the power button (or Touch ID) again.
- Your Mac will start up to the Reset Password Assistant. Select "I forgot my password".
If you then see the option to sign in with your Apple ID, follow the onscreen prompts. Your recovery key is stored in iCloud, and your Apple ID can be used to unlock your Mac and reset your user account password.
If you're asked to enter a recovery key instead, unfortunately your data might not be recoverable unless you made a backup of your Mac before forgetting your password.
My advice for now would be to keep your encrypted data intact. Take some time to think about the situation; revisit some previous memories, and try to recall the login password. When you're certain, try entering it.
If your MacBook Pro was made in 2018 or later, use your attempts carefully. The T2 Security Chip will start imposing time-based delays after 15 attempts, and will lock out after 30 attempts. 10 more attempts are available in macOS Recovery before having to rely on the recovery key.
You can erase and reset the MacBook without the fire vault recovery key if you are willing to lose any data stored on the device.
For intel (core i5, core i7) Based Macs Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support
OR
For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M2 Pro) based Macs Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon – Apple Support (AU)
Remember for this if you are asked for the Macs password when entering recovery mode you can select recovery assistant to continue and erase the encrypted disk.
