If you click on the "Recovery Assistant" menu in the top left, there should be an option for "Erase Mac". Alternatively, if you click "Forgot all passwords" this will do the same thing. It'll erase the drive. Then it'll reboot back into Recovery, go to the Activation check, and then once that Activation check is passed, it'll pass you, still in Recovery Assistant, to a place where you can download and install Sonoma (or Ventura, depending on the age of the Mac). Answer from damienbarrett on reddit.com
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102633
If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support
3 days ago - Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold the Touch ID button. When your Mac starts up and shows the login window, enter the password that you use to log in to your Mac user account.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › erase macbook air without a password
r/applehelp on Reddit: Erase MacBook Air without a password
September 17, 2024 -
I have a MacBook Air, a new one I believe (probably M2 or M3), that I do not know the password for. I have tried to erase the Mac, but as soon as I press options in the recovery mode it wants me to “select a user you know the password for”.
As I said, I do not know the password to the previous user, so I tried to sign in with my own Apple-ID. However, it does not allow me to sign in. It says I use the wrong ID or password, even though I know for sure that I have typed everything correctly.
In all the guides I have seen, no one has included this step. The former user worked with cybersecurity, so maybe it has something to do with that.
I would really appreciate some help :)
FYI, it was my dead uncle’s computer, I’m not a thief 😅
Top answer 1 of 8
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If you click on the "Recovery Assistant" menu in the top left, there should be an option for "Erase Mac". Alternatively, if you click "Forgot all passwords" this will do the same thing. It'll erase the drive. Then it'll reboot back into Recovery, go to the Activation check, and then once that Activation check is passed, it'll pass you, still in Recovery Assistant, to a place where you can download and install Sonoma (or Ventura, depending on the age of the Mac).
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There used to be an option to immediately erase it by clicking recovery assistant at the top left. Try clicking it. https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102673
Locked out of new Macbook Air - Apple Community
If you set up your Apple ID during ... your password ... For M1/M2/M3/M4 MacBook Air models: Completely power off, then press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears ... If you continue to have issues, an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider can help verify your ownership and assist with unlocking ... More on discussions.apple.com
Unlock Mac without Password - Apple Community
Use your Apple ID: Type the wrong ... select password recovery options, and sign in to your Apple ID. Touch ID: If your Mac came with a Touch ID and you set it up, you can use it to unlock your Mac. Use your Recovery Key: If you have FileVault enabled, enter the recovery key when prompted during the ... More on discussions.apple.com
Erase MacBook Air without a password
If you click on the "Recovery Assistant" menu in the top left, there should be an option for "Erase Mac". Alternatively, if you click "Forgot all passwords" this will do the same thing. It'll erase the drive. Then it'll reboot back into Recovery, go to the Activation check, and then once that Activation check is passed, it'll pass you, still in Recovery Assistant, to a place where you can download and install Sonoma (or Ventura, depending on the age of the Mac). More on reddit.com
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September 17, 2024I lost the password for this early 2009 macbook pro. How do I reset my password from here?
boot to Single User mode by holding down CMD and S keys together during boot. type "mount -uw" or "/sbin/mount -uw /" (without quotes) and press Return. type "ls /users". type "passwd ". enter new password More on reddit.com
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102656
If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support
Click [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your password.
Published 1 month ago
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255996245
Locked out of new Macbook Air - Apple Community
March 5, 2025 - For M1/M2/M3/M4 MacBook Air models: Completely power off, then press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears ... If you continue to have issues, an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider can help verify your ownership and assist with unlocking it.
Quora
quora.com › Is-there-any-way-I-can-open-my-MacBook-without-my-passcode
Is there any way I can open my MacBook without my passcode? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): Yes. Nothing stops the hinge from functioning without a passcode; you can open and close it as much as you want. You can also decide not to set a passcode or account password,such that you can boot without it, or once booted, ...
CharJenPro
charjenpro.com › home › news › news
How to Unlock MacBook Pro Without Password or Apple ID – CharJenPro
November 21, 2023 - Follow Prompts: Enter your Apple ID details and follow the prompts to reset the password. Boot into Single User Mode: Restart your MacBook and hold Command + S as it boots. Mount the Drive: Type '/sbin/mount -uw /' in the command line. Remove Apple Setup Done File: Type 'rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone' and press enter. Reboot: Type 'reboot' and press enter. You'll be guided to set up a new user account. There are various third-party software options available for unlocking a MacBook Pro.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › computing › laptops › forgot your mac password? here are 4 easy ways to regain access
Forgot Your Mac Password? Here are 4 Easy Ways to Regain Access - CNET
April 11, 2025 - Hold Command+R until you see a progress bar show up below the Apple logo. You can also get into Recovery Mode by restarting your Mac and trying to time the keyboard combo of Command+R, but in my experience, starting with your Mac turned off ...
LastPass
blog.lastpass.com › posts › forgot-mac-password
Forgot Mac Password? Here's How to Reset It Easily - The LastPass Blog
December 4, 2024 - Yes, you can use your Apple ID or run Recovery Mode to create a new password and unlock your Mac. Note: If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, recovering with this option won’t be possible.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › mac-computers › jqbjj-unlock-macbook-pro-without-password-no-don-t.html
How to Unlock MacBook Pro Without Password - Expert Q&A
July 7, 2022 - MacBook Pro users often forget passwords or get locked out after multiple failed attempts. To unlock a MacBook Pro without a password, restart and enter Recovery Mode by holding Command + R. Use the Terminal to reset the password with the ...
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255859838
Unlock Mac without Password - Apple Community
November 25, 2024 - Use your Apple ID: Type the wrong password three times, select password recovery options, and sign in to your Apple ID. Touch ID: If your Mac came with a Touch ID and you set it up, you can use it to unlock your Mac. Use your Recovery Key: If you have FileVault enabled, enter the recovery key ...
CM Alliance
cm-alliance.com › cybersecurity-blog › factory-reset-guide-how-to-secure-your-macbook-pro-without-a-password
Factory Reset Guide: How to Secure Your MacBook Pro Without a Password
Tap the Apple logo on your screen on the left side to restart your device. Simultaneously, press the Commands + R keys until a spinning globe or Apple logo appears. Wait for some time.
One World Rental
oneworldrental.com › home › how to factory reset macbook pro without password
How to Factory Reset MacBook Pro Without Password | Blog
March 24, 2025 - Be cautious of third-party tools or services claiming to unlock iCloud—they’re often scams or violate Apple’s terms. Resetting a MacBook Pro without a password is possible through macOS Recovery Mode.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › computer › o2j8e-open-macbook-pro-without-password.html
How to Open and Reset Your MacBook Pro Without a Password - Expert Q&A
February 2, 2024 - If you associated your user account with your Apple ID, you can use your Apple ID to reset your login password. Please enter an incorrect password ***** times. It should then show a bubble under the password ***** that says “Reset using your ...
PowerMax
powermax.com › home › blog › how to › how to unlock macbook pro without password or apple id: ultimate guide
How to Unlock MacBook Pro Without Password or Apple ID: Ultimate Guide – PowerMax
October 5, 2023 - Click on the “Utilities” ... where you can enter commands to reset your password. Reset your password: In the Terminal window, type “resetpassword” (without quotes) and press Enter....
TechToro
techtoro.io › home › blog › how to unlock macbook without password: 7 ways
How to Unlock Macbook without password: 7 Ways - TechToro
August 23, 2024 - You can bypass the password on your MacBook by using the built-in macOS Recovery tool, which allows you to regain access to your system without a password. ... To remove the password from a locked Mac, boot through macOS Recovery, select the ...
Quora
quora.com › I-found-a-locked-Apple-Mac-Can-I-unlock-it-or-reset-it-to-factory
I found a locked Apple Mac. Can I unlock it or reset it to factory? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): If you have access to the Apple ID login into the Mac, you can try resetting the password through Apple’s Account Recovery option and then use it to regain access. If the Mac is Activation Locked, then only Apple technicians can help, but only if you provide them a accurate proof...
iMobie
imobie.com › home › iphone unlocker › 6 proven ways to unlock macbook pro without password or apple id
How to Unlock Macbook Pro without Password or Apple ID [Solved]
August 12, 2024 - You can access your Mac through their admin account. It’s one of the straightforward methods to unlock the MacBook Pro without an Apple ID or Password. Here is how you can unlock your MacBook Pro via another admin account:
LinkedIn
linkedin.com › pulse › how-unlock-macbook-without-password-complete-guide-robiul-hossain-qtqjc
How to Unlock a MacBook Without a Password: Complete ...
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iBoysoft
iboysoft.com › home › how to tips › how to unlock macbook pro without password or apple id
How to Unlock MacBook Pro Without Password Or Apple ID
August 5, 2025 - If you are a guest user of the MacBook who forgets both your password and your Apple ID (or recovery key), you can use another account (that is the admin account) to unlock your MacBook Pro. Here's how to unlock MacBook Pro without a password and Apple ID by using another account:
EaseUS
easeus.com › computer instruction › how to unlock macbook pro without password | forget my password
How to Unlock MacBook Pro Without Password | Forget My Password
September 17, 2025 - Without knowing the password, factory reset Mac without password by entering Recovery Mode and deleting the startup volume. The next step is a clean installation of macOS on your Mac.