Used Macbook. Find My associated with another account.

Hi,


I've tried looking at past posts and haven't found the answer. I bought a used laptop from a reputable refurbished Macbook seller online. When I go through the initial setup process I come across the Find My screen and it says...


"Find My will use the Apple ID "m***d@gmail.com" This is not my apple ID and it allows this ID to remotely lock or erase my Macbook.


Is there anyway to disassociate this account from my laptop? I've erased, reformatted, and installed a fresh copy of Catalina on my Macbook to no avail. Do you think the Apple store can disassociate my device from this stranger's apple ID? Or is this Macbook associated with this ID forever unless I identify this stranger? Any thoughts would be appreciated!





Posted on Jan 3, 2020 11:26 AM

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Posted on Jan 3, 2020 11:34 AM

And who is this "reputable refurbished Macbook seller online" ?


They obviously did a very poor job of prepping the machine—it makes one suspect.


You can follow the protocol to claim ownership of your Mac

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac ...


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Jan 3, 2020 11:34 AM in response to rhocks

And who is this "reputable refurbished Macbook seller online" ?


They obviously did a very poor job of prepping the machine—it makes one suspect.


You can follow the protocol to claim ownership of your Mac

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac ...


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Jan 3, 2020 11:59 AM in response to rhocks

rhocks wrote:
However, I'm now the recipient of this laptop that was not disassociated with the device. I went through all the steps already but it still does not help my issue. My Macbook is associated with another Find My account and I'm trying to figure out how to disassociate it.

Maybe Kurt Lang is correct—useless.


Otherwise In your case—maybe trust to your luck at some point, the previous owner disassociates from that Mac.

As long as you can get it up and running: ie AppleStore, itunes etc.


You would be at risk getting locked out or data wiped. Having a good backup plan.


Have you talked to the "reputable seller" loosely as they have 1000s of positive reviews" and ask them?


If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support

About Activation Lock on your Mac - Apple Support

Add your Mac to Find My - Apple Support

View and manage your Apple ID trusted devices on Mac ...


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Jan 3, 2020 11:38 AM in response to leroydouglas

@leroydouglas Thanks for your reply but I'm actually on the opposite end of your posted advice. The seller should've done this before sending it to me.


I guess I used the term "reputable seller" loosely as they have 1000s of positive reviews.


However, I'm now the recipient of this laptop that was not disassociated with the device. I went through all the steps already but it still does not help my issue. My Macbook is associated with another Find My account and I'm trying to figure out how to disassociate it.

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Jan 3, 2020 11:41 AM in response to rhocks

The seller should've done this before sending it to me.

That's exactly what leroydouglas said - They obviously did a very poor job of prepping the machine…


Without the necessary Apple ID and password, the device is useless. Return it for a refund.

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Jan 3, 2020 11:58 AM in response to Kurt Lang

Thanks for the reply! I assume this would be a very common issue among private party sellers/buyers which would leave many laptops/owners in a vulnerable position. Was hoping there was some other option as I'm in a tight bind and need a laptop asap.

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Jan 3, 2020 12:05 PM in response to leroydouglas

Wow thanks so much for posting all helpful info and links!


Yes...I've actually returned 2 laptops already with the same issue and am on my 3rd laptop being sent out to me. It's looking like returning for a refund may be my only option but hopefully someone has some obscure solution for this.

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Jan 3, 2020 12:10 PM in response to rhocks

As a "reputable" seller, I'm very surprised they didn't check for this before putting the item up for sale. But then, you never know what they're going to do with used equipment.


I bought a used 2010 Mac Mini a few years back since I needed a Mac that can run PowerPC software to drive a high end, prepress scanner. It came from an Amazon seller (who likely bought it from a local owner). They had lots of high praise and remarks for the items they sold. Got it, works fine, but no one had wiped the Mac back to factory condition. The former owner's life was on it. Family photos, tax returns, bank statements, and lots of other information that would have allowed a criminal to take over his life.


Fortunately for the previous owner, I'm not that kind of person. I stuck a Snow Leopard DVD in the Mini and erased the drive.

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Used Macbook. Find My associated with another account.

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