Unable to update Macbook M1. Owner of the mac, only account, secure token disabled

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Level 1

10 points

Unable to update Macbook M1. Owner of the mac, only account, secure token disabled

Hello,

I have encountered a problem where I cannot update the macOS. When trying to update, it prompts a table that asks a password - when typing it, it just shakes and does not accept. In other way to update, it says that in order to update I must be the owner.

I have purchased this computer and I have only one account which is admin. Once Apple support suggested to reset the mac. It helped only to install the latest version at the time. The problem continues.

I have tried to further research the issue, but can't find the solution. What I was able to figure out is that for some reason the account has the "Secure token disabled"

I'm using the MacBook pro M1 2020.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Nov 17, 2024 1:31 AM

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Answer 1

medutis21 Author

Level 1

10 points

Nov 27, 2024 1:16 AM in response to medutis21

Hello, I was able to solve this issue with the help of Apple support. It’s not exactly a solution, but rather complete wipe of the computer.

make sure you do have files saved manually in an external drive. Do not use time machine. Once you do this, go to recovery mode -> disk utility. A bit to the left from center there will be a “view” button. Press it, then it will show more drives. Select the top one, from which Macintosh HD derives and erase it. This will erase everything, all your relations to the mac.

once done, reinstall the macOS. Create new account. Log in, update to the current OS. Once

I did this, my account was finally with the secure token.

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

93,829 points

Nov 17, 2024 6:50 AM in response to medutis21

Sorry you experience this issue outside the 14 Day Return Policy of Apple

Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions

Make an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or call 1 800 MyApple and have them evaluate the computer

Other location Call Centres

Contact Apple for support and service

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Answer 3

ConT3ch

Level 1

62 points

Nov 29, 2024 11:49 AM in response to medutis21

Good to hear that you're issue was resolved. Secure tokens can be tricky. For anyone else running into this type of issue in the future, you could try resetting the user's password in Recovery via the terminal. This has resolved similar Secure Token issues for me in the past. Here is a link with a lot more information.

If you can't reset your Mac login password - Apple Support

Best,

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 4

ConT3ch

Level 1

62 points

Nov 30, 2024 5:35 PM in response to medutis21

Sorry to hear that. Are you able to add another account to the system under System Settings > Users and Groups. My understanding is that if you go through the set up assistant screen after account creating, a Secure Token should be granted. You can check Secure Token status with this command from the Terminal if you feel comfortable using commands.

sysadminctl -secureTokenStatus username

If you use this command, please type it exactly as shown. It is case sensitive. You would replace username with your login username. It should tell you if Secure Token is either ENABLED or DISABLED. If the new account is granted a Secure Token, you could transfer the data from your token-less account to the new one. There is a more complicated way to grant a Secure Token to an account from the Terminal. But this is more advanced and not generally recommended unless it's necessary. Here is a link with more information about this process for those that would like to learn more. This link is especially relevant for MDM deployment scenarios, but there is some good info that can be used outside of that.

Use secure token, bootstrap token, and volume ownership in deployments - Apple Support

Best,

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