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 as the firmware password or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) lock, which will also block the user's ability to use 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.
- Jan 28, 2015 1: Try to Reset or Disable with Firmware Password Utility. Reboot the Mac and hold down Command+R to enter recovery mode. At the Utilities screen, go to the Utilities menu bar item and choose “Firmware Password Utility”. Select to turn the Firmware Password to OFF.
- May 22, 2020 No unless you don't have a firmware password. I know my macOS password but don't know the firmware password. If you however do not have a firmware password, use command Shift + R when you turn on your computer from shutdown. Then go to Utilities Terminal, then type /reset password.
- Just boot up from the OS X Installer CD and go to Utilities Firmware Password Utility and set a firmware password. This prevents other folks from being able to boot up your computer from another.
- Feb 08, 2019 this tool open all macbook from 2010 to 2017 contact me: whatsapp: 81.
Is sometimes happens that the owner of the macbook sets a firmware password before setting the icloud pin. On this occasion the first lock will be in place and override the 4 digit pin lock for the firmware. Although it would be wise to set the Firmware Password before the device goes missing, few owners are aware of this option. Sep 29, 2017 Many Macs Can Be Hacked by Firmware Attacks. Thousands of Macs worldwide may be open to firmware attacks that would be nearly impossible to detect or stop, a research team found. Thousands of Macs.
The Lost Mode feature of Find My Mac will remotely lock the Mac with a firmware password for one-time use. The user's Mac receives the lock instruction from iCloud, restarts, and asks for the system lock PIN code that they set up. After entering the passcode the Mac starts up from the designated startup disk and disables the passcode.
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A firmware password is not the same as the administrator password or login password. It's a separate password that appears immediately after boot and must be entered into the system lock screen, which appears as a lock symbol on either a black or a gray background.
Firmware Passcode Security
Low-level passwords are quite secure, which also means there is potentially a headache if the password is forgotten. If you or any of your users can't remember the firmware password or passcode, know that Apple doesn’t allow for any workarounds, but instead recommends scheduling a service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. The process requires the original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.
Earlier versions of macOS required manual installation of the firmware but, 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 right 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 system EFI firmware before other PRAM variables. That lead to a serious security issue, allowing the firmware to be revealed in a native macOS app and weakening the enhanced security Apple had hoped to introduce with the addition of the firmware password.
In 2011, however, Apple added an important change to the system: the firmware password was moved to a separate programmable controller from Atmel. This component contains lockable flash memory 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 only way to bypass it is to manually remove it from the motherboard, but this requires highly precise reflow soldering tools and techniques.
Bypassing the Mac Firmware Password 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 can check our guide on how to remove the RAM on MacBooks for further reading.
- Shut down your computer and remove the battery.
- Locate your RAM, remove one of the RAM modules and put it aside.
- Put the battery in, and boot your computer while holding the Command + Option + P + R keys to reset the parameter RAM.
- Wait for the chime to sound three times.
- Release the keys and shut down the computer.
- Remove the battery again, and reinsert the RAM module.
- Put the battery back in.
- Boot up your Mac, and you should not see the firmware lock again.
Disable the Password With Firmware Password Utility
- Restart your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys to enter Recovery Mode.
- When the Utilities screen appears, go the Utilities menu bar, and select “Firmware Password Utility”.
- Choose to turn the Firmware Password off.
If none of the above methods worked, there are still two more options to try: either have Apple do it for you, so long as you have the original receipt or invoice, or alternatively use any of the EFI lock bypass hardware kits available for sale on various sites. In using one of these EFI lock hardware bypass methods you’ll almost certainly void your warranty, so it is down to you whether you want to risk the procedure.
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Jul 10, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
There could be situations when you need to hack your own Mac and situations when you have trouble remembering your login password. Do not freak out when this happens - it is not a big deal. Learning how to reset or bypass Mac OS X password will be a great advantage because not only are you able to have access back into your Mac, but also keep your Mac better protected as bypassing the login password is really easy.
Part 1: How to Reset Login Password
As a good practice, we recommend refreshing your login password regularly. There are a couple of ways to do it.
Open the Apple Menu located on the upper-right corner of the screen. Open 'System Preferences' and click on 'Users & Groups'.
Type in your username and password to 'Unlock' the Users & Groups preferences.
In the left panel, highlight your username. Click 'Reset Password'.
Key in your new password and verify it. For future reference, it is highly recommended that you place a hint. To finish the process, click the 'Change Password' button.
Part 2: How to Bypass Mac OS X Password
Now, while refreshing your password may be good practice, it is tiresome to remember your password. At one point or another, many of us just forget our passwords and there is no way for you to enter your account on your Mac.
Do not worry about that. Here are some ways you can bypass the Mac OS X password and regain access to your computer.
Method 1: Mac OS X installer CD
Pop in the Mac OS X installer CD and hold the 'C' button while you restart your Mac. Wait until the Apple logo and the 'Mac OS X Utilities' window appear. On the menu bar at the top of the screen, click 'Utilities'.
Click 'Terminal' and type 'resetpassword' in the prompt. Press the 'Enter' button on your keyboard.
Select the specific 'Volume Hard Drive' in the top section of the window. Select the 'User Account' that needs its password to be reset and enter the new password. Verify the password and click the 'Save' button.
Click 'OK' when the prompt asks you to verify your actions.
Once you get into your desktop, restart your Mac to boot it back to normal and log in using your new password.
Method Two: Reset the Password in Single User Mode
Not all of us keep the installer CD or know where we have kept it. Therefore, this method will come in handy. It will involve some command-line footwork, but do not let that scare you away.
Restart your Mac while holding the 'CMD' and 'S' buttons. Your Mac will boot itself into the Single User Mode.
Type the following commands and press 'Enter' on your keyboard after each line and wait until it prompts you to key in the next line.
Mac Firmware Password Hack Tool
If your Mac is running Snow Leopard or below, type the following and change username and newpassword accordingly:
If the Mac is running Lion or above, type the following commands instead, changing the username and newpassword accordingly:
Bypass Firmware Password Macbook Air
You should now be able to access your Mac without restrictions.
Part 3: Protecting your Mac from Mac OS X Password Bypass
As you can see, it is really easy to hack into your own Mac. Therefore, it is important for you to protect it from malicious intent. To add protection to your device, you can set up a firmware password. By having this layer of protection, an unauthorised third party will not be able to reset your machine even in single user mode.
Here is how to go about it.
Pop in the Mac OS X Installer CD and wait for it to boot. You will soon be able to see the 'OS X 'Utilities' window.
Open the 'Utilities' menu and click 'Firmware Password Utility' to set a firmware password.
Check the check box, enter your firmware password and verify it. To apply the password, click 'OK'.
You can also add another layer of protection with 'FileVault'.
Open the 'Apple Menu' located on the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Open 'System Preferences' and click on 'Security & Privacy'.
Open the 'FileVault' tab and click 'Turn On FileVault'. Your disk is now encrypted.
As you can see, password recovery for Mac is easy to execute and usually does not take a long time to do - it is simple enough for you to save a trip to the Apple store. However, since it is uncomplicated to do, your Mac is vulnerable towards invasion. Therefore, it is important to know how to hack your own Mac and protect it from any unwanted attention!
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