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anouar256 Author

Level 1

4 points

About Apple Id

Hello,

We are contacting you to inquire about a problem we faced while repairing one of our clients Macbook Air

We want to reset its system (rebooting the whole system and deleting all the information in it). Whereas, when we want to do it, we receive a message regarding the activation lock. The message is as the following: "This Mac is linked to an Apple ID. Enter the Apple ID and password that was previously used with this Mac (Email)"

The problem resides in the fact that we do not have the Apple ID, nor does our client.

We would like to know if it is possible to unlock it without the ID, or in the opposite case, send you the serial number or any information regarding the Macbook. We are prepared to provide you with the necessary information to unlock it in the earliest time possible.

Thank you for your time and we are looking forward to hear back from you regarding our issue.

All the best,

Mediacash

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Mar 8, 2022 3:00 AM

Top-ranking reply

Eric Root

Level 10

684,603 points

Posted on Mar 8, 2022 1:29 PM

You need the Apple ID and password that was used when the device was first set up. If you don’t know that, you can’t remove the Activation Lock.

If this is a used device, the previous owner needs to go to https://www.icloud.com/find/ and erase the device, then remove it from their account. If they won't do that, the device is useless. Apple won't unlock it.

Turn off Activation Lock - Apple Support. *

If your client is the original owner, have them contact Apple. Apple can remove the ID if provided the required paperwork to include the original purchase receipt with the serial number on it.

Request additional support for unlocking your device. -

You used to be able to take the device, the original purchase receipt with the serial number, and a photo ID to the nearest Apple Store (if it has reopened) and have them remove the ID. This may have changed, so call the store before going to make sure they can help.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple. -

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About Apple Id

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