You erased, bought or were given a MacBook, and during setup a screen appears: this Mac is linked to an Apple Account, enter the password. That is Activation Lock, also called iCloud lock on a MacBook. It protects a Mac against theft, but can also block an honest buyer or heir. This article explains what Activation Lock is, how it is removed and why no repairer can bypass it.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. We regularly see MacBooks with Activation Lock; below you read what is and is not possible.
What is Activation Lock?
On Macs with an Apple chip or T2 chip, Activation Lock is turned on automatically when Find My Mac is on. The Mac is then linked to the owner's Apple Account. If the Mac is erased, setup asks for that account's password. Without it nobody can use the Mac. See Find My Mac.
It is your own account
Enter your own Apple Account and password. If you have forgotten the password, reset it via the Apple Account website or on your iPhone. Then you can set up the Mac normally.
It is the previous owner's account
- Contact the seller or previous owner.
- Ask them to remove the Mac from their account: in the Find My app or on the Apple Account website under Devices, with Remove This Device.
- Restart the Mac and continue setup. The lock is then gone.
The previous owner does not need to be with the Mac; it can be done remotely.
The previous owner cannot be reached
If you have the original receipt for the Mac, in the name of whoever bought it new, Apple can in some cases help remove the lock. There are also procedures through Apple for a deceased family member. Without proof of ownership it is not possible.
A MacBook from a deceased family member
If the owner has died, gather the receipt, a death certificate and proof that you are the heir. Apple has a separate procedure for this. If the deceased set up a Legacy Contact, that person can get access to data in the account. Wait before erasing until you know what should happen to the data.
Can a repairer bypass it?
No. Activation Lock is part of the chip's security and is checked by Apple. Even a new logic board does not make a stolen Mac usable. Anyone who promises they can is better not trusted.
Activation Lock or Remote Management?
If you see a screen saying the Mac is managed by an organisation (Remote Management), it is a company or school Mac enrolled in a management system. Only that organisation can lift it. See MacBooks and businesses.
Prevention when buying
- Preferably buy a used MacBook when it is already at the welcome screen, and set it up with the seller present.
- Ask for the receipt.
- Check in System Settings, General, About that there is no management profile.
See buying a refurbished MacBook.
Prevention when selling
If you sell a MacBook yourself, erase it with Erase All Content and Settings; it turns off Find My and Activation Lock. See erasing a MacBook before selling.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We repair MacBooks for their owners and help you set them up again. Only the owner or Apple can remove Activation Lock. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Do older Intel MacBooks have Activation Lock too?
Only Intel Macs with a T2 chip. Older Macs can have a firmware password or a Find My lock.
Can I still sell a MacBook with Activation Lock for parts?
Only if you are the owner. Always tell the buyer honestly.
Does the lock disappear after reinstalling macOS?
No. The lock stays until the owner removes it.
