How to access an iMac which is still locked to previous owner?

We get your type of question almost daily and it's very common for the poster to have nothing more than a boat anchor because the original owner did NOT setup the computer per Apple's directions in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac. Contact the seller, send them the link and see if they followed the exact steps described.

I can say almost for sure by your description that your seller did not and the computer should be returned for a full refund.

If you do not want to buy a new Mac then please only purchase from a reputable reseller such as Macsales.com. NEVER EVER buy a used Mac from:

• E-Bay
• Marketplace
• Nextdoor
• Craigslist
• Neighborhood PC shop
• someone you may know or someone you don't know.

Why, simple! You will find yourself in the situation your are in now because the computer was not setup correctly or you are simply inheriting someone else's problems.

Another option is to buy Apple refurbished Macs directly from Apple. These have ZERO downside, they are identical to new, offer the same warranty as new, are eligible for AppleCare and can save hundreds of $$. You can find them at www.apple.com, scroll to the page's bottom and select Certified Refurbished.

Sunflower_05 wrote:

Thank you for your reply. I did contact the seller and she’s insisting that she did everything correctly. She even said “ do the smart thing and take to a professional “

If she is telling you that, then she has confirmed that she is not and did not properly prepare this Mac for resale. As such, I concur with rkaufmann87 and return it for a full refund.

Another "tell" is how willing are they to refund your money. Good luck!

This is really VERY simple, if the seller had done everything correctly the Mac would be up and running now. Because it is not that is the evidence that proves she did not do everything correctly. Hopefully she will refund your money and hopefully you did not pay much.

Best of luck!