recently I was given a iMac from a relative and I proceeded to reset it as I don't want their personal info on there. But I ended up activation locking it, I tried logging in with their email and password but it says account locked for security reasons and it asked for their phone number which we no longer have access to as this is a old iCloud account, what do I do?
iMac (M1, 2021)
It sounds like it wasn't reset fully: What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
You or the owner will need the account information to remove the lock, or one of you will have to submit a lock removal request along with proof of ownership.
If the old owner can still If you can still sign into their account on another device you can investigate adding more ways to get a code such as multiple telephone numbers where you can receive a text or a phone call. This is based on the section "About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices" in the article: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers use one of these methods:
● On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Next to Trusted Phone Number, tap Edit.
● On a Mac computer choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Password & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.
● Using a web browser:
1) Go to https://appleid.apple.com and sign in.
2) Follow security options until you find one letting you change trusted numbers,
3) Click "+" to add a new number (you may be required to verify this number).
4) If you wish to remove an old number, click "-" next to the number.
Similar information for the iPhone can be found here --> Use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID on iPhone - Apple Support
If you had set up an Account Recovery Contact ( Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support ) you can also get a code that way.
In a situation where a non-functioning device with cellular service was the only trusted device, transfer the cellular service to another device so you can receive a verification code on the other device instead.
If you can’t sign in, access a trusted device, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. This article explains how to recover your Apple ID after a waiting period - How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support One tip to using account recovery it to look for options in small blue letters beneath the normal log-in items if you cannot complete the requested information. The post by shoeluvr13 at this link provides additional detail about the account recovery process: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community
You should consider making sure you have multiple trusted devices and telephone numbers (ask a friend or a relative).
You may also wish to read the articles 'Two-factor authentication for Apple ID' ( Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support ) and 'Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication' ( Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support ). Various sections contain information that is useful in understanding about the trusted devices (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that Apple knows is yours) system, and how to get a verification code on a trusted device or at a telephone number.
It sounds like it wasn't reset fully: What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
You or the owner will need the account information to remove the lock, or one of you will have to submit a lock removal request along with proof of ownership.
If the old owner can still If you can still sign into their account on another device you can investigate adding more ways to get a code such as multiple telephone numbers where you can receive a text or a phone call. This is based on the section "About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices" in the article: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers use one of these methods:
● On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Next to Trusted Phone Number, tap Edit.
● On a Mac computer choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Password & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.
● Using a web browser:
1) Go to https://appleid.apple.com and sign in.
2) Follow security options until you find one letting you change trusted numbers,
3) Click "+" to add a new number (you may be required to verify this number).
4) If you wish to remove an old number, click "-" next to the number.
Similar information for the iPhone can be found here --> Use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID on iPhone - Apple Support
If you had set up an Account Recovery Contact ( Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support ) you can also get a code that way.
In a situation where a non-functioning device with cellular service was the only trusted device, transfer the cellular service to another device so you can receive a verification code on the other device instead.
If you can’t sign in, access a trusted device, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. This article explains how to recover your Apple ID after a waiting period - How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support One tip to using account recovery it to look for options in small blue letters beneath the normal log-in items if you cannot complete the requested information. The post by shoeluvr13 at this link provides additional detail about the account recovery process: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community
You should consider making sure you have multiple trusted devices and telephone numbers (ask a friend or a relative).
You may also wish to read the articles 'Two-factor authentication for Apple ID' ( Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support ) and 'Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication' ( Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support ). Various sections contain information that is useful in understanding about the trusted devices (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that Apple knows is yours) system, and how to get a verification code on a trusted device or at a telephone number.
Continued...
● Read this article to learn how to remove Activation Lock either on the device itself or on the web --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
or this one for disabling Find My if activation lock has not yet engaged --> Turn off Find My on your iPhone or other devices - Apple Support
or if the owner no longer has access to a device it can can be removed from Find My on iCloud.com. as described in this support article Remove a device from Find Devices on iCloud.com - Apple Support --> "You can use Find Devices on iCloud.com to temporarily remove a device from the Devices list or turn off Activation Lock on a device you already gave away or sold."
● Help with a lost Apple ID or password:
• For help with a forgotten Apple ID (this is likely an active email address or one used in the past), click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support
• For help with a forgotten Apple ID password, click here --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
● Reset device if you can prove to Apple's satisfaction you are the owner:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online* at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt** issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer). Note that while this will let you get use of the device again, it will not help you with lost access to an account.
* There is a special link for this service. To save time you should use it instead of https://getsupport.apple.com/ .
**Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
need help removing activation lock from a imac
