MacBook Air (Late 2010) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, iMac (Mid 2011) and later, Mac mini (Mid 2011): Recovering a lost firmware password

Products Affected

Mac mini (Mid 2011), MacBook Air (Late 2010), MacBook Air (Mid 2011), MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011), MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2011), iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011), iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)

Symptoms

Learn what to do if you no longer remember the firmware password that you've set or if you see a password dialog when you try to select a startup volume on a MacBook Air (Late 2010) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, iMac (Mid 2011) and later, or Mac mini (Mid 2011) computer.

Resolution

Only Apple retail stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers can unlock these computers protected by a firmware password.

If you cannot remember the firmware password for your Mac, schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.  If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, please make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).

Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked