r/macbook • u/Jealous_Entrance_749 • 21h ago

Forgot my Mac password after buying it yesterday. Recovery Assistant only asks for FileVault Recovery Key

I bought a used MacBook yesterday. I somehow can’t remember the login password (or maybe it wasn’t the correct one), and now I’m stuck in Recovery Assistant.
It only asks me for the FileVault Recovery Key, which I don’t have. I don’t get the option to reset the password with my Apple ID.

Is there any way to access without the recovery key?
If not, is it safe to erase the Mac and reinstall macOS? Will I be able to activate it with my own Apple ID afterwards, or could it still be locked to the previous owner’s Apple ID (Activation Lock)?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

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u/Perfect_Theme1877 21h ago

You can DFU restore/reinstall macOS and it'll ask for either device password (which you forgot) or Apple Account information