MacBook Air reset without Apple ID Password

Hello…bit of advice!


A family member purchased a brand new Apple MacBook Air at the end of last year. Set it all up but then became unwell and subsequently recently passed away.

my auntie has asked me to factory reset it as she doesn’t use it and wants to sell it.

i have his Apple ID but dont know his password and have tried multiple things to try and reset it but still dont know it.

The telephone number associated to the account is no longer in existence since he passed away and was wondering if there is anyway it can be factory reset without knowing the password. Obviously I can provide Apple with a death certificate but just wondered if there is anything else I can try….

Posted on Sep 18, 2025 12:43 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 18, 2025 6:05 AM

For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support


The above is the formal way of doing this in the case of a deceased person. If you want to try a different method you will have to have the original receipt from Apple or an authorized retailer. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says you need to have "proof of purchase documentation” and “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically absolutely require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.


*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 18, 2025 6:05 AM in response to Hilljf1

For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support


The above is the formal way of doing this in the case of a deceased person. If you want to try a different method you will have to have the original receipt from Apple or an authorized retailer. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says you need to have "proof of purchase documentation” and “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically absolutely require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.


*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


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MacBook Air reset without Apple ID Password

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