How to unlock a firmware-locked Mac?

You might have a bit of trouble.. here’s what it is and why it’s there:

What is a firmware password on Mac? - Apple Support (CA)

You could try this ;

you could try taking it to an Apple Store with Genius bar or AASP ( apple authorized service provider) but they might need a receipt + proof of ID and you have to be the primary buyer, if you bought it from someone else who bought it from Apple… eg secondary or tertiary buyer, Apple won’t do it officially as far as I l know… find a store, give ‘em a call and ask them, explain your situation, and see what they have to say…

good luck

John B

[Edited by Moderator]

One reason for using a Firmware Password is to prevent anyone from using that Mac to scour it for personal information that could be used for nefarious purposes.

The Firmware Password is working exactly as Apple intended. Put that Mac back where you found it.

The firmware password is there to keep anyone but the person who locked the Mac from using it. It does this, at the risk that should the owner forget that password, even they will be locked out, with no way to recover, short of taking the machine to Apple.

As far as I know, Apple will only reset (clear) a firmware password if you can prove, to their satisfaction, that you are the original purchaser.

Put it back in e-Waste. Apple will not help since you cannot prove ownership (since you're not actually the owner and hence have no purchase receipt) and without Apple's assistance there's no way to get past a firmware password.

Regards.