How do I add my own Apple ID as main one and remove the previous owner on iMac?

Good morning,


My husband bought me a second hand Imac and the original user still has admin privileges and I am unable to update my apps without their password. How do I bypast this and make my apple id the main one so I can update my apps?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]


MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Aug 28, 2024 12:59 AM

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Posted on Aug 28, 2024 7:08 AM

If the seller is willing to help your husband make the Mac usable, make backups of any of your own data – and then have the seller prepare the Mac as outlined in:

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


If this results in the Mac being reset to an older version of macOS –e.g., the one it originally shipped with – you may then want to upgrade macOS as far as that particular machine supports afterwards.

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support


Then reload your data from your backups.

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 28, 2024 7:08 AM in response to Becki-lou

If the seller is willing to help your husband make the Mac usable, make backups of any of your own data – and then have the seller prepare the Mac as outlined in:

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


If this results in the Mac being reset to an older version of macOS –e.g., the one it originally shipped with – you may then want to upgrade macOS as far as that particular machine supports afterwards.

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support


Then reload your data from your backups.

Aug 28, 2024 5:02 AM in response to Becki-lou

Please have your husband return the computer otherwise it will ALWAYS be associated with the previous owner!!!!!! The computer was not setup correctly for resale and will always be a problem. Please tell him to please buy second hand Macs from a reputable reseller like Macsales.com or from Apples refurbished store. NEVER ever buy buy used Macs from:


  • E-Bay
  • Nextdoor
  • Marketplace
  • Craigslist
  • Friend
  • A friend
  • Local PC repair shop
  • etc…


Why because almost always there will be some major problem such as what you are now experiencing. Ignore ur as s146’s advice , it is wrong!!!!!

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How do I add my own Apple ID as main one and remove the previous owner on iMac?

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