Plugged the IMac but it doesn't boot up. It shows a blinking folder with a ? and a text - support.apple.com/mac/startup
iMac (2017 – 2020)
Follow each of the steps at > If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support
Follow each of the steps at > If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support
Is this a used iMac that you just purchased..?
If so, then there is nothing more that you can do except return it to the seller.
see > What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
If you are sure that it is a 2019 model, then this iMac would NOT have a T2 chip and can only be locked if the original owner enabled either FileVault and/or Find My on it. Both would require knowing the Apple ID credentials to unlock it. Erasing the system drive and installing macOS will not remove the lock. This is an anti-theft mechanism provided by Apple.
Is it still possible to contact the original owner? Is so, then the link that den.thed has provided to you, can be provided to them to remove the lock.
Which exact model is this iMac? If it requires the previous owner's Apple ID, then that owner did not properly prepare it to be sold. That is, the Mac is still Activation Locked. If this is the case, then it will be useless to you.
You don't need to bring the Mac to them. Just provide them with the link, and they can go through the proper steps to remove this Mac from their Apple ID. This will remove the Activation Lock so that you use it.
Appreciate prompt response!
You're welcome.
Hi again, I was able to follow the steps from the link above. But would there be a way to reset the entire system without logging in using the apple id of the previous user?
iMac 2019
Yes, this is used but I didn't purchase it but was handed down.
I can still get in contact with the previous owner. Can they remotely remove the lock or do they need to physically have the device to remove the lock?
Thank you!
IMac won't start up
