How to unlock a firmware-locked Mac?

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Level 1

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How to unlock a firmware-locked Mac?

I have found one Mac computer in a E-waste container around 3 weeks ago, it's in a good state and it was with a charger. There were other devices but I was just interested in the Mac, so I took it with me when I try to turn it on it didn't turn on so I opened and cleaned it. Then it works it is lock firmware and has an user name with password, still no more info appears on the screen, isn't a new model but it's still a cute laptop. What can I do do unlock and start using it ? Will I have a trouble if I take it to any store ?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 12, 2024 11:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

varjak paw

Level 10

182,798 points

Oct 16, 2024 3:14 PM in response to Manuelbub96

Put it back in e-Waste. Apple will not help since you cannot prove ownership (since you're not actually the owner and hence have no purchase receipt) and without Apple's assistance there's no way to get past a firmware password.

Regards.

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Answer 2

Oct 13, 2024 12:04 PM in response to Manuelbub96

The firmware password is there to keep anyone but the person who locked the Mac from using it. It does this, at the risk that should the owner forget that password, even they will be locked out, with no way to recover, short of taking the machine to Apple.

As far as I know, Apple will only reset (clear) a firmware password if you can prove, to their satisfaction, that you are the original purchaser.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

157,532 points

Oct 13, 2024 10:16 AM in response to Manuelbub96

One reason for using a Firmware Password is to prevent anyone from using that Mac to scour it for personal information that could be used for nefarious purposes.

The Firmware Password is working exactly as Apple intended. Put that Mac back where you found it.

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How to unlock a firmware-locked Mac?

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