how to unlock a macbook pro without password

In 2011, however, Apple added an important change to the system: the firmware password was moved to a separate programmable controller from Atmel.

That lead to a serious security issue, allowing the firmware to be revealed in a native macOS app and weakening the enhanced security Apple had hoped to introduce with the addition of the firmware password. On Intel-based Macs shipped before 2011, the firmware password was stored in the PRAM and read by the system EFI firmware before other PRAM variables. They recommend checking the firmware version and updating if needed. But as security firm Duo Labs discovered in late 2017, some Macs aren't getting the right firmware, which makes them vulnerable to hackers. The process requires the original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.Įarlier versions of macOS required manual installation of the firmware but, starting in 2015, Apple began bundling EFI updates with the macOS updates in order to deliver security patches to all users. If you or any of your users can't remember the firmware password or passcode, know that Apple doesn’t allow for any workarounds, but instead recommends scheduling a service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Low-level passwords are quite secure, which also means there is potentially a headache if the password is forgotten. It's a separate password that appears immediately after boot and must be entered into the system lock screen, which appears as a lock symbol on either a black or a gray background. After entering the passcode the Mac starts up from the designated startup disk and disables the passcode.Ī firmware password is not the same as the administrator password or login password. The user's Mac receives the lock instruction from iCloud, restarts, and asks for the system lock PIN code that they set up. The Lost Mode feature of Find My Mac will remotely lock the Mac with a firmware password for one-time use. This command (Option + Command + P + R), however, will initiate the machine from macOS Recovery instead.

That's known as the firmware password or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) lock, which will also block the user's ability to use all startup key combinations, except the NVRAM or PRAM reset combinations.

MacOS provides multiple methods to protect the data on a Mac: a user account password, encryption via FileVault, and optional low-level security measure that prevents starting up from storage devices other than the selected startup disk.

How to unlock a macbook pro without password