A used Mac asks for the previous owner's Apple Account

Why it happens

Activation Lock is part of Find My. While the owner's Find My Mac is on, the Mac stays tied to their Apple Account, so a thief can't use it after erasing it. Erasing or reinstalling macOS doesn't remove it, and only the owner's account or Apple can.

How to fix it

1. Contact the person who sold you the Mac. Tell them it still shows their Apple Account and ask them to remove it. They don't need the Mac in front of them.

2. From anywhere, they can sign in at iCloud.com/find with their own Apple Account, pick this Mac in their device list and remove it from the account. The Find My app on their iPhone can do the same.

3. If they're with you, they can type their own Apple Account and password on the lock screen to get past it. Then, once the Mac starts, they open System Settings, click their name, then iCloud, See All, and turn off Find My Mac.

   Apple Account›iCloud›See All›Find My Mac

4. Once they've done it, shut the Mac down and turn it on again. It should now let you carry on with setup and sign in with your own Apple Account.

Still not fixed?

1. If the Mac still asks for their account, ask the owner to check the Mac has gone from their device list, then restart again with the Mac connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Can't reach the owner? Find your proof of purchase, such as the original receipt showing the Mac's serial number. You need it for Apple to help.

3. If you bought the Mac from a shop or an online marketplace, contact the seller too. A Mac still locked to someone else isn't what you paid for, and the seller should put it right.

4. Start an Activation Lock support request with Apple Support and include your proof of purchase. Apple checks it and can remove the lock. Avoid services that promise to unlock it for you, and note that no repair shop can remove it.