My Brother has passed away. He has a MacBook Pro that I would like to change the Administrator to my name. How do I go about doing that

My Brother has passed away recently and he has a MacBook Pro. I would like to know how I can change the Administrator name from his to mine. How would I go about doing that.

Posted on Feb 23, 2018 10:29 AM

Reply
4 replies

Feb 23, 2018 10:46 AM in response to Jellyfish49

Do you need access to all of your brother's old files, or would you be OK with just wiping the whole drive and operating it as if it were a factory reset computer? It's pretty easy to just wipe it and start over from scratch, but to gain access you're going to need to get help from Apple.


If it's one of the older MacBook Pro models with a SATA drive, it's easy enough to just remove the drive (to just store as is) and start over with a new drive. The latest models (starting around 2010?) allow formatting and OS installation with just an internet connection and don't even require a working operating system or install discs to do that.

Feb 23, 2018 10:39 AM in response to Jellyfish49

You will need to go to an Apple Store with the following documentation:


1. Your brother's death certificate

2. Proof that you are entitled to the computer. (Typically, a will or other notarized document naming you the executor of his estate)

3. Proof that he owned the computer. (Typically, the original receipt or a statement from the Apple Store where he bought it or from Apple if he purchased it online.)

4. Photo ID proving that you are who you say you are.


If you are able to gain access to the computer, please be aware that you will not be able to access your late brother's Apple ID account. That account and all of its contents will be removed from Apple's servers.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

My Brother has passed away. He has a MacBook Pro that I would like to change the Administrator to my name. How do I go about doing that

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.