I got a Mac mini (M1) that was a former savant device from a friend (had to buy it), however now I do not know what to do with it as he says the license expired for the savant stuff and do not know if I can use it as a computer again. The unit apparently can't be restored or i. disk option.
I know that apparently savant has a system on top the normal os, so I assume I need to reinstall everything. That would work out?
The transfer of ownership and the associated reset — the “What to do” linked earlier — will clear off whatever else is installed on the Mac here, as well as enabling the transfer of ownership to your Apple Account.
In this case, they can unlink and remove it from their Apple Account remotely, by logging into iCloud. This if they remember their Apple Account and password:
Check your Apple Account device list to find where you’re signed in - Apple Support
Once they remove their ownership, you can then follow the erasure and re-install procedures, booting recovery and such:
Erase and reinstall macOS - Apple Support
If your friend is unable or unwilling to unlink it from their Apple Account, it’s a brick.
The transfer of ownership and the associated reset — the “What to do” linked earlier — will clear off whatever else is installed on the Mac here, as well as enabling the transfer of ownership to your Apple Account.
In this case, they can unlink and remove it from their Apple Account remotely, by logging into iCloud. This if they remember their Apple Account and password:
Check your Apple Account device list to find where you’re signed in - Apple Support
Once they remove their ownership, you can then follow the erasure and re-install procedures, booting recovery and such:
Erase and reinstall macOS - Apple Support
If your friend is unable or unwilling to unlink it from their Apple Account, it’s a brick.
You need to have your friend properly prepare the Mac mini or return it and get your money back.
see > What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
How to restore a savant Mini, M1 device.
