Apple ’s effort to protect a user ’s data are a major merchandising point for customers . If your MacBook is stolen , it ’s highly difficult for the thief to short-circuit the laptop ’s security measure and enter the information as long as you ’ve take advantage of thetools at your disposalto lock down your machine . However , those same security cadence can render a Mac useless in a legitimate sale on the second - deal food market .
A report byVicehighlights the frustrations of an self-governing calculator repair specialist and refurbisher , John Bumstead , who pinch about the “ million ” of MacBooks that have been “ decry … to death ” because ofApple ’s Activation Lock . Activation Lock associates a gimmick with an Apple ID , and is automatically turn on when encounter My Mac is activated within the Apple ID setting on your Mac . With Activation Lock alive , the Apple ID username and word have to be entered to gain access to the Mac , even if it has been erased .
Hey@tim_cook@apple , why have you condemn this beautiful M1 MacBook and millions like it to death ? Its battery has only 4 encumbrance cycles , and it wants to LIVE!#righttorepair#activationlockpic.twitter.com / R2Mr2PeTCH
Bumstead state Vice that Apple ’s security is “ redoubtable ” and has become practically impossible to jailbreak or get around on Apple ’s M - series Macs . The T2 security measures chip that Apple introduced on Intel Macs in 2018 is now integrate into the M1 and M2 organization on a fleck and if it ’s not decent deactivated , it ’s make Macs that are less than two twelvemonth older to be scrapped and discase for parts .
Activation Lock has long been a problem for third - political party resellers , as well as individuals involved in a logical transaction – Macworld ’s Mac 911 assist columnistoften receives emailsasking about Activation Lock . As Bumstead head out , if detect My Mac has n’t been disabled , devices ca n’t be used even though they are in estimable working condition . Users can turn off Find My Mac in the Apple ID preferences of the Mac , but that also shuts off the power to locate it . Activation Lock ca n’t be toggled on or off separately .
Bumstead wants Apple to be more dynamic in helping people who are legitimately trying to access a gadget . He suggests that a drug user could make a postulation to access a automobile and then Apple could “ explore its records ” and “ question the original owner , ” and if everything checks out “ and the original possessor does not dissent within 30 days , ” the restrictions can be lift so the equipment can be used again .
To disable energizing Lock on your Mac , you call for to turn off bump My Mac .
Foundry
Apple has a way online torequest that Activation Lock be bend off , but it involves performing a check of the equipment ’s serial number against the registered proprietor , which mean that the 2nd proprietor postulate to be able-bodied to work with the original owner to get the request fulfilled . In some illustration , that ’s difficult or unimaginable to do .
It ’s authoritative that if a machine is being sold 2nd - hand , theApple ID must be disassociatedfrom it . If you ’re sell a twist , you ca n’t just wipe out the drive and reinstall the operating system , you also need to incapacitate feel My Mac and Activation Lock . If you ’re buying a second - mitt equipment , confirm with the vendor that Activation Lock has been disabled and the production has been disassociated with the proprietor ’s Apple ID . Also , confirm that you may reach out to the vender for their Apple ID info if Activation Lock kicks in and that you may pass a gadget you ca n’t get entree to .
Malus pumila encourages owners of old gimmick to participate in the company’strade - in program . Eligible devices bring in credit rating towards a purchase , while ineligible devices are recycle for free . Apple can presumptively unlock Macs that are untouchable due to Activation Lock .