Troubleshooting new Mac mini with 24-character recovery key and locked Apple Account

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Level 1

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Troubleshooting new Mac mini with 24-character recovery key and locked Apple Account

Bought a new MacMini to replace my older one and running into all sorts of problems.

It is asking for a 28-character recovery key, but I only have a 24-character key probably from a previous computer. If I click “don’t have key” it says couldn’t reset.

I know have a message “This Mac can’t connect the iCloud because of a problem with “itunes@chuckwhite.com”. “chuckwhite.com” is my domain. My iOS devices are working fine.

It is now saying my Apple Account has been locked for security reasons and is wants me to reset my password, which I can’t do “Because this is a new device, is can’t be used to edit account information.”

Except that I am using my old MacMini, not the one I just bought!

I’ll probably make an appointment at the Genius Bar. They mirrored the new MacMIni from the older one which I am using now for this testing.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Issues with new MacMini

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 5:44 PM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

203,809 points

Feb 3, 2026 7:22 PM in response to CPW

"Troubleshooting new Mac mini with 24-character recovery key and locked Apple Account: [...]My iOS devices are working fine. [...]It is now saying my Apple Account has been locked for security reasons and is wants me to reset my password, which I can’t do 'Because this is a new device, is can’t be used to edit account information.' [...]Except that I am using my old MacMini, not the one I just bought! I’ll probably make an appointment at the Genius Bar. They mirrored the new MacMIni from the older one which I am using now for this testing."

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Getting In your Mac:

A. Are YOU the Original Buyer?

So, it seems to me you are the organ owner and buys of these Macs, Is that correct? Who is "they" who mirrored this device. If "they" performed it with a third-party app, rather than through use of Migration Assistant, then I'd be a bit speculative. If your iOS devices are not locked, then that's because they are their own devices. But, being your Apple Account is NOT locked on those devices, then this is a bit suspicious on your Mac's end. So, to get this unlocked, purring an original proof of purchase with you, as a way to prove that this is YOUR drive, and none others.

B. Viewing your Domain's Info:

Connect to the Internet, and then view your domain info through Terminal. Anything of suspicion?

Boot: into Recovery Mode
Click: Utilities menu
Open: Terminal
Use this Command:

C. Add your Network Back:

So, go into Recovery Mode, and add your network back, removing first. You may need to change the ports and IP Addresses accordingly for the incoming and outgoing servers(Dynamic or Static). Note that if you were to fiddle with this too many times, you might be locked out for good.

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