What does the padlock symbol on my MacBook Pro mean?

I have had this old MacBook in my closet that has just been sitting there and have decided to turn it on today and a screen with a padlock and a text bubble underneath it pops up. Idk the password or how this happend.




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Dec 8, 2024 11:13 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 8, 2024 11:35 AM

that padlock indicates the Mac has a firmware password.


please see Set a firmware password on your Mac - Apple Support


if you don't remember the firmware password, the only way to get past it would be to bring the Mac to your local Apple Store and have them remove it. but please note, you will need your original proof of purchase that must be in your name, otherwise they likely will not help you remove the firmware password.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 8, 2024 11:35 AM in response to brody_downs

that padlock indicates the Mac has a firmware password.


please see Set a firmware password on your Mac - Apple Support


if you don't remember the firmware password, the only way to get past it would be to bring the Mac to your local Apple Store and have them remove it. but please note, you will need your original proof of purchase that must be in your name, otherwise they likely will not help you remove the firmware password.

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What does the padlock symbol on my MacBook Pro mean?

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