Check for the iCloud lock.
When purchasing a used Mac, it’s essential to check whether the seller has disabled the iCloud lock. This prevents unauthorized use of the Mac. You can easily disable this feature by holding down the option key when the Mac starts up. You may have to log into the seller’s account for administrator privileges. You can also start macOS Recovery by holding down Command-R and pressing “O.” When you get the macOS recovery screen, you’ll need to enter the password of the seller’s iCloud account.
First, you should turn off the Find My Mac feature on the Used Apple computers. It would help to separate the Mac from the previous owner’s Apple account to avoid the Activation Lock issue. After doing this, open Finder and click “About this Mac.” In the About This Mac window, select “System Report” and click on “Hardware” in the left-hand column.
This security feature prevents unauthorized users from accessing your data. If you discover a refurbished Mac with an iCloud lock, you must enter the owner’s credentials to unlock it.
The first step is to enable FileVault on all the user accounts. FileVault protects Mac’s entire disk from erasure. Ensure the seller has not signed in with the same name or password. If so, you should change the password on the administrator account.
The second step is to turn off the iCloud lock on the refurbished Mac. This step is essential if you have sensitive data on it. It would help if you never let anyone use your iCloud account without your knowledge.
Check for the iCloud password.
When buying a used Mac, it is essential to check for an iCloud password. iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service, which locks down devices connected to the account. To avoid losing personal files on your secondhand Mac, sign out of the service before you sell it. Additionally, delete the Notes and Reminders apps before you sell them.
Another security feature in Macs is firmware passwords. These passwords lock certain parts of your computer and prevent you from using it without a password. If you find this feature on a used Mac, you need to disable it or change the password on the account that is the administrator.
Check for iCloud Lock Protection.
If you’re considering purchasing a secondhand Mac, look for iCloud lock protection. The previous owner of a secondhand Mac may have disabled the feature which prevents unauthorized access to the Mac. To disable iCloud lock protection, enter System Preferences and find the Apple ID option. Then, uncheck the Find My Mac option.
Another way to ensure that a secondhand Mac does not have an iCloud lock is to check the IMEI number. A secondhand Mac with an iCloud lock is unusable without the previous owner’s Apple ID. Apple previously had a website that enabled users to check for iCloud lock protection, but they have since stopped offering that service.
