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Reset Apple ID and password on iMac using Monterey

I’m needing to reset my new (used) iMac on Monterey (12.5) to my Apple ID and my name and a password. Any help out there?

iMac, OS X 10.10

Posted on Sep 10, 2023 1:10 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 10, 2023 11:03 PM

You must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner).

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this Mac.

To unlock the Mac, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So have to contact the previous owner.


The previous owner has to read -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the Mac from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support


Then you can sign in with your Apple ID.


See also -> Activation Lock for Mac -> Activation Lock for Mac - Apple Support

⤵️

Other ways to disable Activation Lock


If your previously owned Mac shows an Activation Lock window that asks for someone else's Apple ID, the previous owner may need to remove Activation Lock for you.


You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


See also -> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device – Apple Support (UK)


----- 

Ask your money back if possible, perhaps you have bought a stolen Mac.

If you can't get in touch with the previous owner / seller you can't use the Mac.


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 10, 2023 11:03 PM in response to VoiceMan615

You must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner).

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this Mac.

To unlock the Mac, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So have to contact the previous owner.


The previous owner has to read -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the Mac from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support


Then you can sign in with your Apple ID.


See also -> Activation Lock for Mac -> Activation Lock for Mac - Apple Support

⤵️

Other ways to disable Activation Lock


If your previously owned Mac shows an Activation Lock window that asks for someone else's Apple ID, the previous owner may need to remove Activation Lock for you.


You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


See also -> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device – Apple Support (UK)


----- 

Ask your money back if possible, perhaps you have bought a stolen Mac.

If you can't get in touch with the previous owner / seller you can't use the Mac.


Sep 10, 2023 1:42 PM in response to VoiceMan615

You are sign in here .  .  .  with your Apple ID & Password.

Your Apple ID is the personal account you use with all Apple products and services. It includes the email address and password you use to sign in, as well as the contact, payment, and security details that you use with Apple.

You can’t merge multiple Apple ID accounts.

 

What happens when you use the same Apple ID & Password that you use to sign in here?

 

See the following Apple articles

Sign in with your Apple ID -> Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

Manage and use your Apple ID -> Manage and use your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

 


Reset Apple ID and password on iMac using Monterey

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