Resetting Mac Os Firmware Password With Out the Os 2012
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. That’s known equally the
firmware password or EFI
(Extensible Firmware Interface) lock, which volition as well cake the user’due south ability to utilize all startup key combinations, except the NVRAM or PRAM reset combinations. This command (Option + Command + P + R), however, will initiate the machine from macOS Recovery instead.
The
Lost Mode feature
of Observe My Mac volition remotely lock the Mac with a firmware password for one-time utilize. The user’s Mac receives the lock teaching from iCloud, restarts, and asks for the system lock Pin lawmaking that they ready. After entering the passcode the Mac starts up from the designated startup deejay and disables the passcode.
A
firmware countersign is not the same equally the ambassador password
or login countersign. Information technology’s a divide countersign that appears immediately subsequently boot and must be entered into the system lock screen, which appears as a lock symbol on either a blackness or a greyness background.
Firmware Passcode Security
Low-level passwords are quite secure, which as well means there is potentially a headache
if the countersign is forgotten. If y’all or any of your users tin’t remember the firmware countersign or passcode, know that Apple tree doesn’t let for any workarounds, but instead recommends scheduling a service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. The procedure requires the original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.
Earlier versions of macOS required transmission installation of the firmware simply, starting in 2015,
Apple began bundling EFI updates with the macOS updates
in order to deliver security patches to all users. But as security firm Duo Labs discovered in late 2017,
some Macs aren’t getting the correct firmware, which makes them vulnerable to hackers. They recommend
checking the firmware version and updating if needed.
Firmware Passcode Location
On Intel-based Macs shipped before 2011, the
firmware password was stored in the PRAM
and read by the organisation EFI firmware earlier other
PRAM variables. That lead to a serious security result, allowing the firmware to exist revealed in a native macOS app and weakening the enhanced security Apple tree had hoped to introduce with the addition of the firmware password.
In 2011, nevertheless, Apple added an of import modify to the system: the
firmware countersign was moved to a separate programmable controller
from Atmel. This component contains lockable flash retention to store the password and requires special programming with identifier numbers for both the Mac’s motherboard and the Atmel chip to access and reset it.
Since the controller is an independent component, the
but way to featherbed it
is to manually remove it from the motherboard, but this requires highly precise reflow soldering tools and techniques.
Bypassing the Mac Firmware Countersign on MacBooks With Upgradeable RAM
This hardware hack works on both Intel- and Motorola-based MacBooks and requires users to remove the RAM and reinstall it. You tin check our
guide on how to upgrade the RAM on Macs
for further reading.
- Shut downwardly your computer and
remove the battery. - Locate your RAM,
remove one of the RAM modules
and put it aside. - Put the battery in, and kicking your calculator while holding the
Control + Option + P + R
keys to reset the parameter RAM. - Expect for the chime to sound three times.
- Release the keys and shut down the calculator.
- Remove the battery over again, and
reinsert the RAM module. - Put the battery back in.
- Boot up your Mac, and you should non see the firmware lock again.
Disable the Password With Firmware Countersign Utility
- Restart your Mac while holding downward the Command + R keys to
enter Recovery Mode. - When the Utilities screen appears, go the Utilities menu bar, and select “Firmware Countersign Utility”.
- Choose to
turn the Firmware Password off.
If none of the above methods worked, there are still two more options to attempt: either take
Apple tree do it for y’all, and so long as you have the original receipt or invoice, or alternatively apply any of the
EFI lock bypass hardware
kits available for sale on diverse sites. In using one of these EFI lock hardware featherbed methods you’ll near certainly void your warranty, and then it is downwards to you whether you lot desire to risk the procedure.
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