Cannot access purchased MacBook Air A2179

I purchased a used MacBook Air A2179 at a local chain store that sells used books,DVDs, instruments, computers, etc. I got a good deal on a nice computer. However, when I get it home- it’s password protected. I tried to do the erase Mac thing, start Internet recovery but in the end it just wants a password. They said it wasn’t locked, but here it is. They don’t have the password and they have no way to contact who sold it to them. What can I do? I need MY computer that I legitimately purchased to open up. Please help.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Nov 23, 2025 2:06 AM

Reply
8 replies

Nov 23, 2025 8:12 AM in response to presley207

presley207 wrote:

Ok, well would’ve should’ve could’ve. That doesn’t help me now. I am not the seller nor the store.


This Mac is indistinguishable from a lost or stolen Mac, if it is not actually lost or stolen.


You bought a brick.


You can potentially return it for a refund, if the seller misrepresented it.


But otherwise, this Mac is not and will not be useful.


The following references iPad and iPhone, but basically also applies to Mac:


https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250001038?commentId=250007271025


Nov 23, 2025 8:05 AM in response to presley207

presley207 wrote:

Ok, well would’ve should’ve could’ve. That doesn’t help me now. I am not the seller nor the store.

we understand that. but if the Mac was not prepared for sale properly, there is nothing we can do to help you. and unfortunately, if you cannot prove ownership of the Mac with the original proof of purchase that accompanied the Mac when first bought, apple will not help you either. sorry, but you basically bought a paperweight.

Nov 23, 2025 2:12 AM in response to presley207

"Cannot access purchased MacBook Air A2179: I purchased a used MacBook Air A2179 at a local chain store that sells used books,DVDs, instruments, computers, etc. I got a good deal on a nice computer. However, when I get it home- it’s password protected. I tried to do the erase Mac thing, start Internet recovery but in the end it just wants a password. They said it wasn’t locked, but here it is. They don’t have the password and they have no way to contact who sold it to them. What can I do? I need MY computer that I legitimately purchased to open up. Please help."

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Getting Into Anther's Device:

This is the site the seller/donator should have used priror to handing it in: What to do Before you Sell, Give Away, Trade in, or Recycle your Mac - Apple Support. They should have known better.

Nov 23, 2025 8:30 AM in response to presley207

If you can't return it for a refund, turn it over to the police. There is a very real chance that the device is stolen.


There is no way for you to use that machine. Full stop.


If the store is refusing a refund, explain to them politely that you will be turning it over to the police who will most likely be investigating whether they are selling stolen goods...

Cannot access purchased MacBook Air A2179

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