I start my mac from an external SSD HD, but when I start with the key 'Option' or 'Command-R', I come on a black window with a closed padlock, but with my password of my account I can not log in.
The only way to change startup disk is log into my account and go to systemsettings - startup disk.
How can I use again with the key 'Option' or 'Command-R', without to lose my apps and data?
iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 13.2
That screen indicates you have a firmware password set.
"f your Mac is using a firmware password, the lock icon appears when you try to start up from another disk or volume, such as an external drive or macOS Recovery. Enter the firmware password to continue."
From: If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support
Thanks, I have CCC to clone my SSD to another external HD, then erase the SSD and clone the backup again to the SSD.
Or can I start the mac from my internal Macintosh HD (is now used as backup drive for the SSD), erase the internal HD to reset the firmware password with disconnected external SSD?
Afterwards reconnect the external SSD again and use it again as startup drive, because I think the firmware is on the machine and not to a specific drive.
I found the solution by using Terminal, see here: https://macosx-faq.com/remove-firmware-password-terminal/ and here: https://www.manpagez.com/man/8/firmwarepasswd/.
Because I did know the firmware password, I first set a new password (sudo firmwarepasswd -setpasswd) and tested it, afterwards I delete this (sudo firmwarepasswd -delete).
Boot the mac with 'Option' and 'Command-R' are possible again without firmwarepassword.
Thanks.
Good. 😎
See this page: Set a firmware password on your Mac
How to reset that firmware password?
Sorry. I don't use CCC so I don't know what it does or doesn't do. Hopefully someone else will reply.
Recovery mode.
