The Dreaded Firmware Password

[Bray93]

If my 2012 MBP had not developed its display issue, I wouldn’t have made this purchase. What I paid for this problematic Mac is not a great deal more than what I was quoted to repair my 9 year old machine. I didn’t want to spend thousands on a new Mac at this point, I’m waiting for the larger Apple Silicon models to drop. I just wanted something to get me through.

I would still go out and buy a secondhand Mac after this experience, I just have a couple of things to add to my checklist before I hand any money over.

 

[KaliYoni]

I just have a couple of things to add to my checklist before I hand any money over.

If you don't already know about the built-in diagnostics test, you might find these articles useful for your checklist:

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

Apple Diagnostics, formerly known as Apple Hardware Test, can check your Mac for hardware issues.

support.apple.com

Apple Diagnostics reference codes - Apple Support

Get more information about the reference codes shown in Apple Diagnostics test results.

support.apple.com

 

[Macbookprodude]

To remove firmware password one just has to remove the memory - I did this as a test with my 2012 MBP and it worked..

 

[Macbookprodude]

Solution I followed

Forgot a Mac Firmware Password? Don’t Panic, Here’s What To Do

Users who require higher than usual security measures often set a firmware password on a Mac, which requires that a password be entered before the typical OS X boot sequence begins. While these low…

osxdaily.com

 

[Bray93]

To remove firmware password one just has to remove the memory - I did this as a test with my 2012 MBP and it worked..

Thanks for the input, unfortunately this model has the 'onboard' memory so it cannot be removed.

I managed to pick up another MBP quite cheap this week which had a broken display and the battery not holding charge - Fortunately my firmware-locked one has a healthy battery and relatively good display. Being extra cautious I tested and purchased. All in all, spent more than I wanted to but with a bit of handy work I've got myself a slightly newer, working and 'unlocked' MBP to get me by.

 

[0924487]

Thank you for replying - Unfortunately I bought it from a local buy/sell app (Gumtree) and paid cash, the owner isn't willing to refund me. I don't think I have a leg to stand on. I guess I've learnt an expensive lesson!

He probably stole it from someone.

 

[Macbookprodude]

Thanks for the input, unfortunately this model has the 'onboard' memory so it cannot be removed.

I managed to pick up another MBP quite cheap this week which had a broken display and the battery not holding charge - Fortunately my firmware-locked one has a healthy battery and relatively good display. Being extra cautious I tested and purchased. All in all, spent more than I wanted to but with a bit of handy work I've got myself a slightly newer, working and 'unlocked' MBP to get me by.

Ah, the retina model ! Yep, the above is the best procedure for resetting the firmware password.

 

[cerebralvision]

Hi Everyone.

I've got myself into a not-so-great situation and I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me out. I went out and bought myself a replacement secondhand MacBook recently, so that I could retire my dying 2012 MBP (display issues, can't justify fixing). I thought I was relatively cautious, ensuring that it wasn't signed in with an Apple ID etc. I even ran a stress test just for the sake of it. Everything looked good so I decided to grab it.

Long story short, I got it home and created a bootable USB installer (My 'new' MBP has MacOS Catalina installed, and I want to downgrade it to Mojave to use some old 32-bit apps that I have) only to discover that it's locked with a firmware password. I've been in contact with the previous owner and they have given me a few things to try, but they haven't unlocked it. I've also taken the appropriate avenues to ensure it wasn't stolen (or at least reported stolen) in my state by taking it to my local Police Station and having them check the serial # etc.

So, now I am in talks with my local Authorised Apple Service Provider to try and work out what my options are - I know their 'standard practice' to remove the password is to have proof of purchase supplied, but I'm hoping that since the laptop is older (2013) there might be some leniency or another way that I can go about it. The device isn't iCloud locked or anything like that, it just has this firmware password set.

So, my question for the forum is simply whether I can somehow 'get around' this firmware password and downgrade the OS. I've considered a VM and may take that avenue if I have to, but would much prefer to just install the older OS on the MBP itself.

I apologise if this has been asked/answered before - I did some searching before making this post but there wasn't anything that answered my question specifically. I know the Firmware password cannot be removed and I've accepted that, hopefully Apple can help me out with that!

For the sake of including it (not that I think it will be of much help) my 'new' laptop is a 2013 MBP 15".

Thanks in advance!

If you just want to boot into that external drive here's another way you can do it:

While in MacOS:
1. Make sure the external drive is plugged in
2. Go to System Preferences
3. Click on Startup Disk
4. Choose the drive you want to boot into (not in target disk mode)