MacBook Pro early 2011 13-inch *Firmware password*

[Megan0]

I bought a MacBook pro yesterday and the buyer didn't know anything about mac he wanted to erase data on his HDD, he read this article and did, but the mac stuck on recovery page and his couldn't fix it and sold it. I tried to fix it, but I realized it has firmware password when I hold ALT key, and any command has disable lick reset Nvram, COMMAND+R and ... it just goes to recovery page automatically.
I texted him and asked about password and iCloud, he said I never set a password on it, he doesn't know anything about firmware password! and said I checked it in my iCloud, and it is removed! He said my default password on my MacBook was abc123 and I used it for all the time. Also said for wipe my HDD I did whatever was advised in that article link I sent you.
it's weird how it possible? Does anyone have any idea? Thanks.

A Step by Step Guide to How to Wipe a Mac Clean

If you’re looking to get rid of all the data on a Mac hard drive or SSD, you need to wipe it fully. Learn some safe and effective methods for wiping data.

www.backblaze.com

 

[Willo34]

Firmware password has to be at least 6 or 8 digits if i'm not mistaken. No way round a firmware i'm afraid, yes, sorry, there are ways, but that's a nightmare, quickest solution is to buy a used logic board. Prob the previous owner did not buy the Mac and did not put the Firmware password on it. Apple can fix it, but you need the receipt of the original purchase.....

 

[Megan0]

so sad, I found someone on Ebay, they sell the reprogram firmware cheap, I checked my cheap number was same and I asked him that works for my mac, he said yes. (I saw in YouTube there is a device that you can reprogram, but it's expensive like $200 and it works for many MacBook models, but replacement cheap is around $20)
does it work? has anyone experience about this method?

 

[internetrando]

You either need the password, or you need the original purchase receipt to prove ownership to Apple. Honestly, given the age of the laptop, I would be surprised if Apple would be much help.

Anything else is going to be at your own risk.

 

[Megan0]

does anyone know if the original seller has the purchase receipt to prove ownership, do I have to pay Apple to unlock the MacBook or is it free?

 

[posguy99]

does anyone know if the original seller has the purchase receipt to prove ownership, do I have to pay Apple to unlock the MacBook or is it free?

It's a no-cost service.

 

[Fishrrman]

The fact that "the seller" (who sold the MBP to you) doesn't know what the firmware password IS, indicates to me that you might have bought stolen property.

At 11 years old, Apple isn't going to fix this. Forget about that.

My advice:
You bought damaged goods.
There are ways to remove a firmware password, but any of them is going to cost you money.

Either live with the password as its set
or
Return this for a refund (my guess is the seller won't accept it)
or
Put it into a corner of the closet and get yourself a good, working Mac.

Sorry if you don't like this post.

 

[Megan0]

The fact that "the seller" (who sold the MBP to you) doesn't know what the firmware password IS, indicates to me that you might have bought stolen property.

At 11 years old, Apple isn't going to fix this. Forget about that.

My advice:
You bought damaged goods.
There are ways to remove a firmware password, but any of them is going to cost you money.

Either live with the password as its set
or
Return this for a refund (my guess is the seller won't accept it)
or
Put it into a corner of the closet and get yourself a good, working Mac.

Sorry if you don't like this post.

Probably, But I want to try my last chance, I found someone that he said come and bring your MacBook and I can reprogram your MacBook's EFI chip with my hardware it takes 10 min. I hope it works, otherwise yes, I have to put it in a corner of the closet. 😕

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
"I found someone that he said come and bring your MacBook and I can reprogram your MacBook's EFI chip with my hardware it takes 10 min."

OK, this is a step forward.
If he's successful, hope he doesn't charge too much for his services.
(aside: he should in fact be paid for such services and knowledge, so grant that much!)

 

[Megan0]

OP:
"I found someone that he said come and bring your MacBook and I can reprogram your MacBook's EFI chip with my hardware it takes 10 min."

OK, this is a step forward.
If he's successful, hope he doesn't charge too much for his services.
(aside: he should in fact be paid for such services and knowledge, so grant that much!)

Yes, I will tell you the result. maybe 4 days later.

 

[Megan0]

Update: I ordered a firmware chip online and replace it and it's work fine.