Recovering 2010 MacBook Pro password without iCloud access

Hello! So I need help. I have my college 2010 MacBook Pro and forgot the password. The iCloud that’s associated with the account is no longer in use. I’ve taken it to a Mac store and an Apple Store and no one can help me. Is there anything I can do? I really want to get access to my old pictures. Thanks!



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: 2010 MacBook Pro password

Posted on Aug 8, 2025 02:07 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 8, 2025 05:35 PM

embidney wrote:
[...]
Is there anything I can do? I really want to get access to my old pictures. Thanks!


You can pull the drive from the computer, place it into an external drive enclosure or use a drive adapter cable to plug it into another computer and access your files that way. You won't need a password to access the files on that drive when it's connected to another Mac in this way.


For example, this SATA to USB drive adapter cable available at Amazon.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 8, 2025 05:35 PM in response to embidney

embidney wrote:
[...]
Is there anything I can do? I really want to get access to my old pictures. Thanks!


You can pull the drive from the computer, place it into an external drive enclosure or use a drive adapter cable to plug it into another computer and access your files that way. You won't need a password to access the files on that drive when it's connected to another Mac in this way.


For example, this SATA to USB drive adapter cable available at Amazon.

Aug 8, 2025 02:19 PM in response to embidney

embidney wrote:

Hello! So I need help. I have my college 2010 MacBook Pro and forgot the password. The iCloud that’s associated with the account is no longer in use. I’ve taken it to a Mac store and an Apple Store and no one can help me. Is there anything I can do? I really want to get access to my old pictures. Thanks!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: 2010 MacBook Pro password

IF the people (genius bar) at the Apple store can't help you, then there isn't much us users can provide to help you.

Aug 8, 2025 04:26 PM in response to embidney

embidney wrote:

Hello! So I need help. I have my college 2010 MacBook Pro and forgot the password. The iCloud that’s associated with the account is no longer in use. I’ve taken it to a Mac store and an Apple Store and no one can help me. Is there anything I can do? I really want to get access to my old pictures. Thanks!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: 2010 MacBook Pro password


did you try to erase all content and start over...?


What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support


Recovering 2010 MacBook Pro password without iCloud access

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.