A family member recently died and we would like another family member to use his MacBook. Is it possible to reset the MacBook to factory setting without knowing passwords for the machine and iCloud? I understand that it might be good from a security standpoint that this is difficult. Does someone know if this is possible? We have tried to erase the machine but when we try to install the OS via usb the machine wants to start via Internet Recovery and then asks for the iCloud password. Any pointers would be appreciated. (It is an Intel chip Mac if that matters.)
A machine can be reset via Recovery – you’ll need to search for instructions for your particular machine model and OS version.
However, if the machine is associated with an Apple ID account, and you do not have access to that account, there could be problems.
It might be worth a trip to the Genius bar in an Apple Store for expert advice. It would be helpful if you have a copy of the receipt of the original purchase, but even then Apple might be wary of getting involved.
Ok, thank you! Let’s see if we can somehow get a hold of the passwords. If we do, it should be possible to just following the steps when preparing for selling or giving away the machine I guess.
I believe it will depend on if the person used FileVault on their Mac or not. If they did use it, I believe the only way to reset it would be to have the password. If they didn’t, you can always reformat the hard drive wiping out all the old data.
Actually, I looked up the documentation and you can wipe out the hard drive without knowing the FileVault password, instructions are on this page:
So as long as you don’t care about recovering data from the laptop, you should be able to wipe and use it as a new machine.
Thank you for this! I think that having setup a Legacy contact would mean that the contact would have access to the Apple Account and we would be able to prepare the MacBook for the other family member via the route suggested by @jcarucci. I will investigate if anyone knows if this has been done (he was tech-savvy and might have done so but it is not clear if less tech-savvy members of the family knows or remembers.)
) I think that you still need the Apple ID password here?