factory reset new macbook air

[bevo]

Hey

First time setting up a new mac for a child. Dragged away in the middle and then dealing with screaming kids (i.e. distracted).

Forgot the admin password I set earlier in the night to setup. Then could not get her icloud account setup because she forgot her password and could not reset the password.

So I am stuck on what I can do. I tried to do a factory reset/reinstall in the boot menu but it asked for her admin password during the install process.. for which I didn't know.

Any ideas?

 

[BigBlur]

Sounds like it's activation locked. You're pretty much out of luck unless you can get the Apple Account password reset, or contact Apple with proof of purchase and they can remove it for you. There's no other way around it.

Activation Lock - Support

al-support.apple.com

 

[kitKAC]

Hey

First time setting up a new mac for a child. Dragged away in the middle and then dealing with screaming kids (i.e. distracted).

Forgot the admin password I set earlier in the night to setup. Then could not get her icloud account setup because she forgot her password and could not reset the password.

So I am stuck on what I can do. I tried to do a factory reset/reinstall in the boot menu but it asked for her admin password during the install process.. for which I didn't know.

Any ideas?

Take a pic of the screen where it gets stuck please.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If it's the Mac password, you should be able to erase the Mac without knowing that.

If it's the Apple Account password, that's likely Activation Lock and you'll need to know it (or reset it).

Post a picture of the screen, and the exact model/year & I'm sure we can provide more specific advice.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you can't reseet it yourself, time for an appt. at the nearest Apple Store genius bar.
But... you'd better have some kind of receipt -- or they may not be willing to help you.

And next time... have paper and pencil nearby, and WRITE DOWN those usernames/passwords BEFORE you enter them on the Mac...