EFI locked randomly

Set a firmware password on your Mac

When you set a firmware password, users who don't have the password can't start up from any disk other than the designated startup disk.

This feature requires a Mac with an Intel processor. For the equivalent level of security on a Mac with Apple silicon, simply turn on FileVault.

How to turn on a firmware password

1. Start up from macOS Recovery.
2. When the utilities window appears, click Utilities in the menu bar, then choose Startup Security Utility or Firmware Password Utility.
3. Click Turn On Firmware Password.
4. Enter a firmware password in the fields provided, then click Set Password. Remember this password.
5. Quit the utility, then choose Apple menu  > Restart.

Your Mac asks for the firmware password only when attempting to start up from a storage device other than the one selected in Startup Disk preferences, or when starting up from macOS Recovery. Enter the firmware password when you see the lock and password field:

How to turn off a firmware password

1. Start up from macOS Recovery. During startup, you will be prompted to enter the firmware password.
2. When the utilities window appears, click Utilities in the menu bar, then choose Startup Security Utility or Firmware Password Utility.
3. Click Turn Off Firmware Password.
4. Enter the firmware password again when prompted.
5. Quit the utility, then choose Apple menu  > Restart.

If you forgot your firmware password

If you can't remember your firmware password, schedule an in-person service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Bring your Mac to the appointment, and bring your original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.

zarrar195 wrote:

Hey everybody

so i was using my macbook the other day, (keep in mind that im the only one who uses it)

then it randomly locked the efi the next day! I dont remember setting up a firmware password and since it was originally my dads he didnt know either.

You need proof of purchase for Apples intervention...Firmware psswd is to prevent unauthorized access.

If you can't remember your firmware password, schedule an in-person service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Bring your Mac to the appointment, and bring your original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208510

You can call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

There is one method that Mr. Macintosh discovered, but it only works on Macs that have the T2 Security Chip. Also, you need a second Mac for this, and all of your data will be erased on the locked Mac.

If you restore (not revive) the firmware for the T2 Security Chip on the locked Mac, that should clear the firmware password entirely.

zarrar195, sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately the Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider is likely your best bet - they have a backdoor to remove the firmware password while preserving all of your data.

Sorry about that.

There is no information available to circumvent this Firmware Lock - AFAIK