MacBook Pro 2018 (Intel) stuck on activation lock during internet recovery

Briljan wrote:

The previous owner indicates that there is no longer any iCloud connection.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Try a PRAM Reset. Hold for two chimes if possible.....usually with a T2 Mac you may need to quickly release & press the keys again if the Mac doesn't go to the second chime or start the boot process.

FYI, after a device is removed from an AppleID/FindMy, a PRAM Reset may be necessary.

Otherwise, return the laptop for a full refund since there is absolutely nothing else you can do about it. Let the previous owner figure it out and once resolved you can offer to go through with the sale again....besides only the original owner can work with Apple to resolve the issue since the original owner will need to provide valid acceptable proof of ownership through a receipt & personal ID.

Briljan wrote:

1. I was attempting to update my MacBook Pro (2018, Intel model) to macOS Sequoia 15.6, but I encountered an Activation Lock error during the process. The message:

"The operation couldn't be completed. Activation Lock status could not be determined because the activation lock server cannot be reached. Try again in a few minutes."

Restarted multiple times (both normal and force restart)

2. Attempted the update on different networks (Wi-Fi and Ethernet via USB-C adapter)

3. Reset NVRAM (Cmd+Option+P+R)

4. Tried both standard Recovery (Cmd+R) and Internet Recovery (Cmd+Option+R)

5. Verified Apple's servers are operational via System Status page

After many attempts it still did not solve the problem - I received the same message on and on.

Then I decided to erase the hard disk and got into the proces of "Starting Internet Recovery. This may take a while".

And again I got the activation lock message. The install process won't proceed past this point, and I can't access macOS utilities.

What can I do?

Activation Lock is designed to prevent others from using your Mac if it's lost or stolen.

Find My includes a feature called Activation Lock, which is turned on automatically when you set up Find My on your Mac. Activation Lock helps prevent anyone else from using your Mac if itʼs ever lost or stolen.

Log onto iCloud.com and see if you can turn off Find My there...

you can turn off Find My by visiting iCloud.com/find

Find My User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

Briljan wrote:

Okay, thanks. I will try to contact the former owner because Find My is not turned on in my iCloud. In fact, the MacBook isn't listed at all.

worth reviewing the necessities here if you are acquiring/buying a used Mac

ref: What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle ...

Running a VPN by chance?