MacBook Air Activation Lock prevents erase/reinstall

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MacBook Air Activation Lock prevents erase/reinstall

I got a used MacBook Air, version 9,1, 13", 2020, Intel from a family member. I have spent the last several days trying to erase and reinstall the OS and bring it back to factory settings. When I turn it on, I get a spinning globe and a choose network command. I choose my home network and put in the password. I eventually get to the "Activation Lock" screen. However, this family member cannot remember the password, etc, and we can't seem to bypass the activation lock screen. She still has the computer on her, "Find My" List.

However, at this point, I can choose the erase Mac option and I have done this several times, hoping to bypass all the trouble we are having with the activation lock. However, even after trying this several times, it doesn't want to erase the disk and reinstall the OS and I'm really puzzled about that. It goes back to the Activation Lock screen. It was my understanding that the erase Mac command would remove the activation Lock and put the computer back to its factory settings.

So, I am a bit unsure how best to approach this problem of erasing the mac and bringing it back to factory mode? I have tried the shift-R, etc upon start up and other button combinations but it always brings me back to the spinning globe.

Thanks for your help!

MacBook Air (2018 – 2020)

Posted on Jul 20, 2026 6:53 AM

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Answer 1

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Jul 20, 2026 7:13 AM in response to agleue

Of course you cannot bypass the Activation Lock. Of you could any thieff could also do it after stealing your computer and defeats the whole purpose have having it in the first place.

There are 2 ways to remove the Activation Lock.

Enter the required Password. If you don't remember it and are the owner of the account, then reset the passord here. They will be a waiting period in most cases without another Trusted Device or Trusted Phone number previously used for the account.

How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

Supply the proper proof of device ownership to remove the Activation Lock. In most cases this is going to need to be the original purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller, as Apple does not get involve in third party sales. So, this would be something your family member would have to assist with.

https://al-support.apple.com/#/al/agreement

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