My husband passed away earlier this year, and he was the administrator of our newer 2020 MacBook Pro. I have my own user account on the laptop, but I don't know his Mac login password or Apple Account password, so I can't install apps or make administrator changes. I still have access to his SIM card, but account recovery asks for additional email verification. I'm not concerned about preserving his files—I simply want to erase the Mac and use it normally. Would resetting or reinstalling macOS remove the old administrator account, or would it still require his password or Apple Account details? I'm also having trouble accessing Apple's support and legacy-account forms from my country, where there isn't an Apple Store.
3 Answers
Because this is a 2020 MacBook Pro, it may have an Apple silicon processor, depending on the exact model. Erasing and reinstalling macOS can remove the local user accounts and let you set up the Mac again, but it may not bypass Activation Lock. If Find My Mac was enabled, the computer can remain linked to his Apple Account and require those credentials after the reset. Before erasing it, confirm whether Activation Lock is enabled and keep the death certificate and proof of ownership available for Apple’s support process.
I’m sorry for your loss. Apple may be able to help the next of kin access or manage the deceased person’s Apple Account if you provide documentation such as a death certificate. The exact requirements vary by country, so Apple’s online support or an authorized service provider may be the best route if the web form is unavailable.
If the phone number is still active, try Apple’s account-recovery process using the SIM to receive a verification code. However, that may not be enough by itself—Apple can still require access to the account’s email address or other trusted-device verification. Since you’re being asked for email confirmation, the SIM alone probably won’t recover the account.
I tried that, but the process still asks me to sign in to his email. The support and legacy-account pages also don’t seem to work from my country.