Buying used MacBook Pro 2018 - What to check for? iCloud lock, EFI/Activation lock? etc?

[SSD-GUY]

Hi all

I'm going to be purchasing a used 13" 2018 MacBook Pro very soon and basically wanted to ask what I should check out before parting with my cash and taking the laptop home?

First thing I'll be doing is checking the serial number on the apple website to ensure it has the same amount of AppleCare left as advertised. however, I've also been following this link from Apple (which depicts the opposite, I.E. What to do when selling your laptop) and it basically says I need to do 4 things:

• Sign out of iTunes
• Sign out if iCloud
• Sign out of iMessage
• Erase the Hard Drive and Reinstall Mac OS -

Therefore, my questions are:

1. I'm guessing if I follow the above steps, no.2 will ensure any iCloud/Find my Mac lock is removed
2. As I'll be erasing the hard drive in a coffee shop, how can I reinstall MacOS via Internet recovery as I may not have a WiFi connection?
3. However what about firmware locks/efi locks? How do I check for those and remove them?
4. Are there any other locks/passwords I need to worry about before I take this laptop home?

Thanks all!

 

[SSD-GUY]

Bump - anyone?

 

[viperGTS]

Wouldn't firmware and EFI locks be apparent when booting up the machine? If you don't see a prompt for a firmware password during (but not after) boot up, I think that ground is covered.

Yes, signing out of iCloud will ensure that Find my Mac is removed. Make sure there is only one account on the computer so that other accounts aren't "accidentally" left logged into iCloud.

Once iCloud is removed, the only other login you need to worry about is the one to actually log into the computer.

If you do not have a Wi-Fi/ethernet connection, you will not be able to reinstall macOS. Make sure to have one of those methods before wiping the machine, unless you're okay with it being unusable for a bit.

 

[960design]

Check for Profiles under Settings > General
This ensures device is not part of DEP.

 

[Audit13]

Press the option key when booting the machine. You should be prompted to enter a firmware password in order to select a boot drive.