Using some command-line trickery, we can do just this without having to erase and reinstall OS X. Under certain circumstances, it can be advantageous to re-run the Setup Assistant. Should only take a couple of days at most.When you first start using a brand-new Mac or performed a clean install of OS X, you are presented with Setup Assistant, allowing you to create the first user account and specify some initial information, such as keyboard layout and locale. I believe it's 12 characters max, but don't quote me on it. If it was locked from a computer or non-Apple mobile device, it's a 6-digit pin, and if it was locked manually, it is a password. If it was locked from iOS, (app or online) it's 4-digits. Most likely its a 4-digit pin, 6-digit pin, or 4-8 character password. The program will ask for the previous password over and over until you get it right, without any delay. Then start disk.app and change to the USB, then reinstall OS X.Īfter you reinstall, open Terminal and write a shell command to use the Unix setregproptool (it's inside the firmware password utility.app contents located in the installer image and also on the recovery partition) and remove the password by calling the remove password command. dmg file to desktop, burn it to a USB stick in Disk Utility. Mavericks is free from the App Store and you just need to download the installer, mount it or show package contents, copy the. If you have admin access to the computer's OS X install, just change the startup volume to an external USB with the full OS X installer on it. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, please make a reservation at the Genius Bar using (available in some countries only).Īs a side note you will need the original proof of purchase.ĭon't reset it. If you cannot remember the firmware password for your Mac, schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Only Apple retail stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers can unlock these computers protected by a firmware password. Learn what to do if you no longer remember the firmware password that you've set or if you see a password dialog when you try to select a startup volume on a MacBook Air (Late 2010) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, iMac (Mid 2011) and later, or Mac mini (Mid 2011) computer. To reset the firmware password it looks like you have to take it in for service at your nearest Apple Support location as noted in the following Apple Support Article MacBook Air (Late 2010) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, iMac (Mid 2011) and later, Mac mini (Mid 2011): Recovering a lost firmware password

Open terminal reset mac password