Unlocking a deceased relative's MacBook without Apple ID password

My uncle who passed away 1 year ago had an MacBook and we want to unlock it but I can’t bec I don’t have the Apple ID password I’m trying to help my grandma but can’t seem to get it open, we just want to open it at this point no need to recover anything


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Mac locked

Posted on Nov 1, 2025 2:13 AM

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Posted on Nov 1, 2025 8:03 AM

if he didn't set up a firmware password, you can boot into recovery and use disk utility to erase the Mac. and then use recovery to reinstall macOS. please see About macOS Recovery on Intel-based Mac computers - Apple Support and / or Erase and reinstall macOS


if that doesn't work, or there is a firmware password, then please see How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 1, 2025 8:03 AM in response to Jamesss066

if he didn't set up a firmware password, you can boot into recovery and use disk utility to erase the Mac. and then use recovery to reinstall macOS. please see About macOS Recovery on Intel-based Mac computers - Apple Support and / or Erase and reinstall macOS


if that doesn't work, or there is a firmware password, then please see How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support

Unlocking a deceased relative's MacBook without Apple ID password

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