Unable to update iMac due to previous owner's Apple Account

I was gifted an iMac a little over 2 years ago. It still has the owners Apple ID attached so I’m unable to update as that’s the primary account on the device. How do I fix this so I can use it?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Unable to update

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 9:47 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 9:59 AM

Sounds like the previous owner did not properly prepare it before gifting it to you.

See > What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support


What you need to do now, is contact the previous owner and have them follow thru with those steps.

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Unable to update iMac due to previous owner's Apple Account

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