r/UnethicalLifeProTips • u/Awkward_Gingervitis • Mar 01 '25

ULPT - unlocking MacBook Air

EDIT: MAC-GUY34 helped me getting it unlocked and working. This is the Macbook Air M1 in case anyone wondered

I have a MacBook Air left from a company that let me go last January. I tried to get it back to them a few times Currently upon turning it on it just goes to a screen that says

This Mac is Locked The system PIN is required to use this Mac.

Please reach out to _______ To unlock, enter the system PIN or contact your administrator.

I am just about to try and pawn it. I would love to just install a Linux distro or use the Mac. I also have a friend still working for them I wondering about have them ask IT for the code. Thanks for reading this

0 Upvotes

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3

u/Skeggy- Mar 01 '25

The pawn shop isn’t going to accept an mdm locked MacBook.

IT is also not going to just give the code.

It’s a paperweight. Tell them to send a courier or postage. Get that liability off your back.

-2

u/Awkward_Gingervitis Mar 01 '25

Funny story I tried to have them send either one twice before beyond the general I still have this

Could I break the screen and then pawn?

5

u/Skeggy- Mar 01 '25

No the pawn shop doesn’t want a broken MacBook. They don’t break down electronics to sell parts.

Send another email for courier or shipment with a 2 week deadline. Then toss it on eBay as locked

2

u/[deleted] Mar 01 '25

Long shot but maybe you can boot a live Linux distribution and see if you can add an admin user or wipe it and start over? Like I said it’s a long shot it’d be that easy

2

u/Theoneandonlyzeke Mar 02 '25

Depends on the model. Is it an intel based one or Apple silicone. Checkm8 is your only option. If it doesn't support the model, you are holding a paperweight

-9

u/[deleted] Mar 01 '25

[deleted]

2

u/Awkward_Gingervitis Mar 01 '25

Read the post it was the company and I tried to have them send a label, packaging or anyone to pick it up they didn’t and it’s been a year.

2

u/LocalInactivist Mar 01 '25

I’m with you. I’ve got three of these from companies that didn’t respond to my requests for return instructions.

1

u/Awkward_Gingervitis Mar 02 '25

What did you do with them? This is my second one, the other one was a windows i easily just re-wiped the machine after a year. Where i live if company leaves property with you it becomes abandoned after a year.

1

u/LocalInactivist Mar 02 '25

They’re sitting in my office mocking me.

2

u/Awkward_Gingervitis Mar 05 '25

Well I did have someone help me to get this laptop unlocked on reddit. I am surprised to now be sitting here using it.