Mac Return "homework"

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Level 1

4 points

Mac Return "homework"

Preparing to send my MacBook Pro back for repairs/replacement. Written instructions that came with the box say "3. Turn off your Firmware password". I know I have an Apple ID, and an Apple Password, also another password to just enter the computer. Are any of these the "Firmware Password"? I don't recall ever setting up any "Firmware" password. Is this an instruction I should skip over? What is a Firmware password used for?

Thanks very much.

A confused old man!

PS: I have a 2021 MacBook Pro 16" with M1 chip. This model is not one of those presented below.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Mar 28, 2022 8:01 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Encryptor5000

Level 5

7,568 points

Mar 28, 2022 7:31 PM in response to BoonvilleNY

Hi BoonvilleNY,

A firmware password is a special and different kind of password that can only be set on Intel-based Macs. When a firmware password is set, you can't access macOS Recovery without the password.

To check if this password is set on your Intel-based Mac, restart your Mac while holding down the Option key:

If you see a selection of startup disks, a firmware password isn't set.

If a grey padlock and a password field appear, a firmware password is set. You can clear the firmware password by starting up in macOS Recovery and using Startup Security Utility.

EDIT: Since your Mac has an Apple silicon chip inside, and not an Intel processor, your Mac doesn't support using a firmware password, and it is not set on your Mac.

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Answer 2

BoonvilleNY Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 28, 2022 11:03 AM in response to ku4hx

Thanks for your note. The problem is I just don't know if it applies. I need to know what a "firmware password" is vis a vis the other passwords I have. IE: Is it one of them? Does the computer come with one or do you have to create one?

If the computer does not come loaded with a "firmware password" then, since I never created one, then that will surely be a "does not apply" situation.

Thanks for your efforts.

BoonvilleNY

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Answer 3

BoonvilleNY Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 5, 2022 2:17 PM in response to Encryptor5000

To Encryptor5000

Sir, I apologize that my computer went down right after you sent me your answer and that has delayed my reply.

Your answer is a masterpiece! A perfect combination of information and brevity. You hit all the points of my concern.

I hope and trust that your have the opportunity to apply your communication skills for the benefit of many who are confused and must ask questions. Thank you, Sir, and best of luck to you.

BoonvilleNY

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Answer 4

ku4hx

Level 7

23,586 points

Mar 28, 2022 10:53 AM in response to BoonvilleNY

The instructions are generic hopefully to cover all situations. If 3. doesn't apply then you can safely skip over it.

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Mac Return "homework"

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