MacBook Activation Lock stuck with old Apple ID

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Activation Lock stuck with old Apple ID

I’m facing an activation-lock issue on my old MacBook that seems to come from an Apple system limitation, not from user error.

The MacBook was originally set up in India with an Apple ID that used my Indian phone number.
After moving to the UK, I updated my Apple ID to my UK number.
Somehow, the MacBook is still tied to the old Apple ID (with the old phone number), which no longer exists.
When I tried to format the Mac, it got stuck on: “Enter password to turn Find My off…” — the old Apple ID prompt.
I cannot access that account because the number it was created with no longer exists.

Apple Support told me I need to upload a proof of purchase, wait for approval, and possibly wait up to 30 days for the Activation Lock removal.

My confusion is:

If Apple allows changing the phone number on the same Apple ID, why does the Mac still remain linked to the old identity? Why am I being penalised 30 days for something that seems like an internal sync issue?

I’m not asking for anything unusual — just to reset my own device.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Is this expected behaviour, or should Apple be handling this differently?

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 7:39 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

427,355 points

Nov 17, 2025 7:48 AM in response to D_atul

To me it sounds like you didn't simply change the number on the old account, you created a brand new Apple Account. If you create a new Account then you have to completely sign out of Find My with the old one on all your equipment.

Refer to How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support There are only two ways to remove a lock:

#1 If you have the necessary information you or the signed in owner can do this yourself by simply signing in with the owner account and password information. If you do not have the required information then you can try method 2 —>

#2 Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says you need to have "proof of purchase documentation” and “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” User reports on this community indicate that typically Apple will ONLY accept an original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Presumably this is the only kind Apple can authenticate against fraud since Apple is not involved in third party sales. Apple recommends that you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.

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