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2nd Hand iMac (Mid 2011)

Hi everyone,


Just wondering if someone could clear something up for me.

I've just bought an iMac Mid 2011 from someone and they've wiped it and done a fresh install of High Sierra.

My question is, with future OS updates and updates for the apps that came with the clean install, is it going to ask for the original owners Apple ID to install the updates? or will it allow me to use my Apple ID?

I've seen both yes and no answers, and a lot of unsure answers across several forums including this one.

I just need to know really whether i'm better off just wiping it and reinstalling it myself, or if it's good to go as it is?

Does anyone know?


Thanks in advance! 🙂

iMac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3)

Posted on Mar 12, 2018 5:39 AM

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Posted on Mar 12, 2018 6:24 AM

Shift-Option-Command-R, then erase the entire drive (uppermost, unindented icon). This will install the original OS and you can upgrade from there. The upgrade route will probably be to El Capitan, then High Sierra.

get El Capitan from the App Store

8 replies

Mar 12, 2018 6:04 AM in response to dialabrain

Yeah that's what I thought, I've read that a bunch of times that you should install the original OS and then shut it down so the new owner can set up and update the software with their own Apple ID. Having High Sierra already on it is what made me think it's now attached to his Apple ID. I'll just have to wipe it again and install with my own ID. Tbh, I think the original owner was completely inexperienced with it and it hardly got used which is why they sold it. Thanks for the help.

2nd Hand iMac (Mid 2011)

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