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User profile for user: unxrules
unxrules Author
User level: Level 1
39 points

Trying to revive a Macbook Air A1466.

I had one of my main systems die. Due to financial issues caused by a major health side effect from something that was almost mandatory, I can't in any way buy a new system. I have a Macbook Air A1466 which I haven't used for a long time. I don't remember my login passwd on that system and I'm pretty sure I should be the only account on it. I tried to reset my password from the recovery mode but it wants to connect to Apple to verify my Apple ID and since the laptop doesn't have a network connector, I have to use wifi but I cant connect it to wifi in recovery mode. I tried plugging in a USB network adaptor but it's not recognizing it. Is there a command line way to find my password when booted in recovery mode so I can either change it or just make it blank? NOTE: Evidently my laptop is so old they wont even show the model number to pick for the device type/question.

MacBook Air (2018 – 2020)

Posted on Feb 2, 2024 1:15 PM

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
154,360 points

Posted on Feb 2, 2024 1:58 PM

An A1466 could be a number of MacBook Air models. I listed them, along with the latest version of macOS that they can support, and their support status, as follows:

  • 13-inch Mid 2012 (macOS Catalina) (Obsolete)
  • 13-inch Mid 2013 (macOS Big Sur) (Obsolete)
  • 13-inch Early 2014 (macOS Big Sur) (Obsolete)
  • 13-inch Early 2015 (macOS Monterey) (Vintage)
  • 13-inch 2017 (macOS Monterey) (Supported)


As far as, a command to use in the Terminal app in Recovery Mode, that is: resetpassword


Ref: If you can't reset your Mac login password - Apple Support


Lastly, should that not work, if you have either an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider nearby, you may want to pay them a visit, and they should be able to assist you with this.

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
154,360 points

Feb 2, 2024 1:58 PM in response to unxrules

An A1466 could be a number of MacBook Air models. I listed them, along with the latest version of macOS that they can support, and their support status, as follows:

  • 13-inch Mid 2012 (macOS Catalina) (Obsolete)
  • 13-inch Mid 2013 (macOS Big Sur) (Obsolete)
  • 13-inch Early 2014 (macOS Big Sur) (Obsolete)
  • 13-inch Early 2015 (macOS Monterey) (Vintage)
  • 13-inch 2017 (macOS Monterey) (Supported)


As far as, a command to use in the Terminal app in Recovery Mode, that is: resetpassword


Ref: If you can't reset your Mac login password - Apple Support


Lastly, should that not work, if you have either an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider nearby, you may want to pay them a visit, and they should be able to assist you with this.

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User profile for user: Ruskes
Ruskes
User level: Level 4
1,421 points

Feb 2, 2024 1:57 PM in response to unxrules

The good news is it runs on.


How old is old ?


Follow this procedure to try recover the password


Password


Or try to install MacOS


use Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use.




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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
154,360 points

Feb 4, 2024 5:39 PM in response to unxrules

unxrules wrote:

I was trying to find a thunderbolt network adapter but all I saw online were the new models, like usb-c shaped, not thunderbolt.

Just a note of clarification. When it comes to either USB or Thunderbolt, there are standards, and then, there are port types.


For USB:

  • Standards are designated as: USB 1.x, 2.x, 3.x, & now 4.x. These standards define both the data link and power capacity ratings for a connection.
  • Port Type are designated as: USB-A, -B, -C. These types define the ports physical shape.


For Thunderbolt:

  • Standards are designated as: Thunderbolt 1, 2, 3, & now 4. Like the USB standards, they define the data link and power capacity ratings for a connection.
  • Thunderbolt 1 & 2 use the Mini DisplayPort type ports. Thunderbolt 3 & 4 use USB-C type ports.


I’m going to be looking for a TB rj45 adapter

Don't waste your time looking. Instead they make USB-A Ethernet adapters. You still didn't tell us which exact model MBA you have, but most likely those earlier models came with USB-A ports. I suggest one this this: Apple USB Ethernet Adapter - Apple



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User profile for user: unxrules
unxrules Author
User level: Level 1
39 points

Feb 4, 2024 2:30 PM in response to unxrules

update: I could NOT get it to reset since it wanted to connect to Apple to verify my ID but it only had wifi so I couldn’t connect because there was no option at all to do so. In other words, the fact that it has no ethernet port means I couldn’t reset because it didnt prompt to connect to wifi, it must have assumed I had a magic internet connection. I was trying to find a thunderbolt network adapter but all I saw online were the new models, like usb-c shaped, not thunderbolt. I tried plugging a usb network adapter but it didn't work. HOWEVER I got very lucky. I went into my safe and pulled out anold thumb drive which I used for passwords years ago and I did find my password for that Macbook. I’m going to be looking for a TB rj45 adapter just in case, and I’m going to get an external drive case with a spare pcie so I can clone to it and just swap if needed.

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Trying to revive a Macbook Air A1466.

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