Reset iMac and now it says incorrect appleid

Hi guys, I reinstalled macOS and reset my 2013 iMac before giving it to my girlfriend but now it says both mine and her Apple IDs are incorrect. I have tried removing the activation lock on icloud.com/find but it still says incorrect appleid. What do I do?

Posted on Mar 23, 2025 9:35 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 23, 2025 10:02 AM

Are you trying to log into AppleID after having reinstalled macOS as though this was a "new" Mac being set up for the first time? If so, I have often found that doesn't work.


I would recommend skipping the log in with Apple ID, get the computer account established and the computer fully to the desktop - then log into Apple ID from System Preferences.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 23, 2025 10:02 AM in response to Incorrectappleid

Are you trying to log into AppleID after having reinstalled macOS as though this was a "new" Mac being set up for the first time? If so, I have often found that doesn't work.


I would recommend skipping the log in with Apple ID, get the computer account established and the computer fully to the desktop - then log into Apple ID from System Preferences.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Reset iMac and now it says incorrect appleid

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.