Firmware Password Frizzle!

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Level 1

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Firmware Password Frizzle!

So, I inherited this iMac late 2012 and used it until this happened… Something wanted me to set a EFI boot password so I did and it doesn’t work anymore. Another forum said the keyboard changed to US but alas that’s where I live! I swear I remember what I typed in but it doesn’t work anymore! I need this to be able to boot into a usb or recovery (witch asks for password when recovery is started) because I am a tamper monkey and love to develop on Mac. I have tried all the boot-combos and ram removing but it seems the mac ignored the boot combos! I have called Apple and took it in but they said I need a receipt but I don’t have it! (I SWEAR I DIDN’T STEAL IT BTW) This is the ONLY Mac I have and I NEED IT TO WORK!!!!! Please help me I can’t stress more than I am! This is my last resort!

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 5, 2023 08:13 PM

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Answer 1

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John Galt

Level 10

153,568 points

Feb 6, 2023 04:51 PM in response to Wicorn29

Wicorn29 wrote:

It was a gift from a friend who got divorced with the original buyer.

Sounds like the original buyer got the last laugh.

Doesn't change the answer: The /decedent/ divorcee may have had reason for protecting that Mac's contents with the Firmware Password, in which case it is fulfilling its purpose as designed.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

153,568 points

Feb 6, 2023 05:22 AM in response to Wicorn29

Inherited implies the death of a family member. If that describes your circumstances How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support may be worth reading.

Be advised that an Apple Account has nothing to do with an inability to remove a Mac's Firmware Password, and the Apple Store representatives correctly described their policy: Set a firmware password on your Mac - Apple Support. Expect them to be unyielding on the matter. The decedent may have had reason for protecting that Mac's contents with the Firmware Password, in which case it is fulfilling its purpose as designed.

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