[2017 and older ONLY] MacBook Air Firmware Pass / iCloud Lock Removal - LFC

[@Adamant_IT]

Also, as far as I know modern Apples with a T2 security chip are different animals to this. I've seen claims that there are tools to deal with T2, but I've got no intention of risking macbook to test them, or at least not until I come across a bricked one that can't get any worse.

[@adnansharif1660]

Thank you brother you are doing great job love from Pakistan i have learned so much from you it would be impossible without you❤️

[@chuy6590]

Why don't you try it with an iPhone? 🤔

[@sugargliderdude]

@@chuy6590 why dont you send him a iPhone to try 🤔

[@hycron1234]

**waves hand** _You don't want to send him an iPhone to try, "you want to go home and rethink your life"_

[@apple_unlocking_services3004]

Hi, i work on T2 device all the time, if do you have any questions or need any help let me know

[@ianpluves]

Love these videos. Graham makes it look so easy and the explanation alongside what he's doing leaves no room for misinterpretation! The only thing missing was showing the serial number and MAC addresses had been preserved (but then we had no data to start with lol).

[@blixtgo]

You can get the same result without even opening the MacBook. Take it to Apple store and for some money they remove the lock using software they request from Apple for your machine. It's a nobrainer.

[@blindhipshaker6409]

when I worked at apple we just used software to remove the firmware lock as long as the customer provided proof of purchase for said device.

[@arthurarte4238]

What software?

[@justplayinggames963]

@@arthurarte4238 CIDIA

[@daveycrockett9447]

By far the best video I have seen on bypassing a locked Mac- although not for the faint of heart and someone would need the right equipment and have good solid soldering skills. You explained it extremely well and made it look effortless. Great video.

[@AnonymousRepair]

Nice Video, Some advice if someone tried the password too many time you would need to wait until the counter finished before removing the UEFI chip otherwise the data on the chip will be corrupted

[@Adamant_IT]

Good tip!

[@DarronPotter]

Graham states nothing left on the bench, which is great, when I fix electronics I have 3 screws, 2 ic's, about 10 dust bunnies and half a pork pie left, I really need a cleaner place to fix things lol

[@AndrewWestaway]

Internet after a decade of seeing free iCloud bypass videos: "Finally, an iCloud unlock video that actually works!" Me still trying to iCloud unlock my iPhone 4S: *Intense breathing* At first, I was thinking there was going to be some complicated software process to do this. It looks /relatively/ easy, though your walkthroughs are always well structured and I really appreciate that.

[@shehzadabdulla.a7412]

4s is a A5 device ....use the arduino method

[@AndrewWestaway]

@@shehzadabdulla.a7412 I wasn't expecting this.. but maybe it'll help someone. I've recycled mine by this point.

[@victormendes5701]

I did it on a macbook air 2017 a1466 here in Brazil and it worked too, thank you.

[@malakbedrane6593]

I do have the same mac and problem. Did you follow the steps in the video??

[@MIK33EY]

It amazes me how components as well as the surrounding SMTs can survive being heated up to extreme temperatures, even for just a few seconds, especially considering that DIY PC builders spend hours trying to get their components as cool as possible, even modifying off the shelf PC’s to run cooler (eg M1 MB Air Thermal Pad hack)

[@Adamant_IT]

Yea, most components have a working temp and a reflow temp. The working temp is the limit for normal operation for extended periods of time, but the reflow temp is "it can survive this for a short period without dying during manufacture". If you tried to turn on the component while at reflow temp, you'd have a bad day.

[@TheAmmoniacal]

That's when you have to remind yourself that the chips are just sand..

[@coctailrob]

Even more so when you consider that the data on these memory devices are basically bunches of electrons held in place by the wonders of modern technology but yet remain in place after all that heat.

There is one thing to have a hot semiconductor with currents flowing in it and another without currents flowing in it. I too cringe a bit to see him blast the board that high but these boards sport massive copper layers and take a lot of heat to reach the needed lead free flowing temperatures. Do not blast other brands like this tho... :))

[@trader2500]

Brilliant video thought I knew my way around computers at amateur level but I clearly have a lot to learn!

[@devonoved7]

Bots taking time to spam the comments means your channel is very active and popular😄

[@stephenhall3515]

Superb calm, collected procedures explained just enough and avoiding being 'gabby' like too many US sites can be. The more years one can get out of older Airs the better because they are a mainstay of education in rich and developing countries -- not that many students in rich countries have much wealth! Larger older Macs can have numerous problems but Airs and Minis tend be pretty resilient. Graham is helping to save the planet as a matter of course in line with his overall professional decency.

[@mtnentertainment3454]

This video is super helpful, I've been recently trying to flip broken MacBooks from ebay (usually busted screen and/or water damage) but have often had them end up with a firmware or icloud lock after the repair meaning I'd end up a couple $100 out of pocket and labor time for a paperweight. with this info I can save these from the scrap heap they were destined for. Thanks!

[@lorenzocicchi1961]

Il doing the same as a side hussle could you tell me if this method actually worked ?

[@mtnentertainment3454]

@@lorenzocicchi1961 I was able to successfully get one working, haven't had to try it on any others recently because the price of broken macbooks has skyrocketed. No more profit in it, unfortunately for me. Now I'm just trolling facebook looking for broken ones and offering repairs or to buy the broken ones

[@lyricalnatty]

@@mtnentertainment3454 you still in the macbook market? Got one, im in 2 minds , attempt what adamant done, or take an easy path.

[@colt5189]

How can you tell if your Macbook is tied to an icloud account? Will it always say it's tied to an icloud account even if you wipe it and reinstall the OS? I bought a used Macbook, and checked and it doesn't have a firmware password. Checked icloud, and it's not signed in. Though I don't know the previous owner wiped it and it wouldn't show if it's tied to an icloud account or not. As I'd be nervous of someone years later put it in lost mode on their Find My and lock it up.

[@mtnentertainment3454]

@@colt5189 if it's tied to an icloud account it will tell you. It literally won't let you finish set up until you either sign in, or remove the icloud account.

[@frantoari]

What about $SVS is not in the BIOS bin file?

[@andreassimon2283]

Many years ago I registered with Apple. Now I got an older Macbook with iCloud lock. All right, just remove the hard drive, install a new one, start from the USB stick. During the installation I was asked for my credentials and everything went fine with that.

[@techteststutorialsHD]

You have a great way to do/explain things simple. Love it!

[@altonkilbourn1595]

I got a macbook air mid 2013 from a family member that they brought off ebay the seller got them from a computer salvage store the macbook has a four digit lock with a keypad on it I took it to apple they told me that it was a efi lock they couldn't help me with out the original bill of sale so i just remove the efi chip and put a new on it it's working now

[@maleksouab6930]

Okay but do you lose the old data ???

[@monkeytutz2]

Great Stuff Graham. its good to see your skills and business develop over a period of time. I would have used less airflow to get the chip off the logic board, but each to their own.

[@alphatechtechnolgy2544]

Good video man…am an iphone technician but I love your video…pls what camera did you use for your hands camera

[@connexphiri3708]

Adamant.. please do a video on MacBook Pro M1 2021 unlocking iCloud

[@giovanniloya2250]

By far the best video for this type of replacement

[@Jamiespotstand]

Cannot believe I just found this channel. Love it!!

[@davidmccrary8136]

On your easy p 2019 you need to weld a wire from the pin 4 location to the ground dot on the back of the board take the screws out of the controller look on the back of the board you'll see pin 4 location and do it to the ground dot well drill wire there and you'll get a connection every time

[@GreenCrackerDK]

Could you please provide link to buy the right rt809f bundle?

[@MadisynSchiller]

*I removed the icloud lock from my iphone 14 using iRemover* The iPhone 14 is my first flagship Apple device. Coming from a Pixel 7, I have a few observations. The battery life is awesome, speakers are solid, Bluetooth connectivity is seemless, and the screen is smooth, despite coming from a 90htz display on the Pixel 7, I haven’t really seen a huge difference on the 60htz screen on the IPhone 14. I absolutely love this phone.

[@brucefogarty7052]

Great Video - thanks so much - my sons EX icloud locked his 2013 Macbook Pro Retina out of spite and she will not give him the password (Hmmm) - so that shows there are quite a lot of legit reasons to do this manoeuvre - thanks again

[@fr.lesvagues3430]

It is well explained, personally I knew the procedure but not at the level of $ signs .Thank you very much bro.

[@MLSNYC88]

I have no idea what's going on, but it's surprisingly relaxing to watch.

[@tech_jims]

Welcome back hope you had a nice break 😊 another top quailty video very informative 🤔 thanks for taking the time to make Graham 😀

[@macguru9999]

There are scenarios where it might be better to change the serial number, however. I had a customer's laptop where it was locked for updates and only supported by the original IT department that supplied it to employees. The staff member was allowed to keep the laptop when retrenched, I trusted his story , but updates applied to it resulted in a mac that was software locked. I was able to clone a working system onto the laptop, without this password, but told him not to update the OS or the installer would send the serial to apple and relock the laptop.... The only way around this I can see would be to change the serial number.

[@jonrutherford6852]

One of the very best tech videos I've seen on any subject. Thanks and very best wishes from Midwest USA.

[@sivefx]

please do for macbook pro m1

[@WarhavenSC]

6:25 -- Rossman laughs at your meager flux application.

[@fernanvergara5531]

hi, Does this method work for macbook Air 2015? (model A1465)

[@macguru9999]

Thats really clear and quite impressive. I cannot help feeling that your labour is worth at least half the value of that used mac air, however..... possibly a bit more than half.

[@Adamant_IT]

Videos like this always make the job seem long and in-depth, but once you've done it once, doing it again (and off camera where you just get on with it) is very little effort. So this is very much financially viable if the repair person is just cracking on and not making KZbin videos. I still do it cheap because while it takes me significantly longer to make a video about it - I get to make a video about it.

[@alvarosg7]

It would be nice if you could post links to the tools you are using. Awesome video!

[@emadhamdy1122]

can you please tell me If this method works with macbook air m1 2020 model no A2337 or not

[@oussamathedjfreeman]

Did anyone tried on a2337

[@jamiewood4280]

Didn't understand a word of that, but an utterly fascinating video. Nice one Graham, love your content just don't understand any of it.

[@Damjanhd]

First what you need is a chip holder so you don't solder it everytime when programming. Second what you need is smaller hot air station, check yihua.

[@VastoPenguin]

DOMO! Lordy it's been a while since I've seen anything Domo related, love the shirt!

[@brianjosepepa3691]

Soy de Argentina y te ganaste un like y seguidor nuevo. El unico video que encontre que explica paso a paso y con excelente detalle. Muchas gracias

[@JoakimKanon]

You just got a like just for the flux application sound effect! (6:26)

[@Ugur-dr1fo]

Hello, I wish you good work. I have an iMac A1224 model PC. I have a problem with the BIOS. When I log in with the combination key, it does not allow me to install a different operating system. If you have my request, can I get the bios bin file for the A1224 model?

[@abdel_rahim]

8:34 Are soldering on a hard drive? You are my hero.

[@einfelder8262]

It's just the cover .

[@Gitbizy]

Very interesting video. If the client needed to save the data you could take out the m2 or sata drive, put it in a USB adapter and get the data off the drive. Then put the drive back in and proceed with your wipe and format. Macs with soldered in drives would need a higher level of recovery to keep the data before wipe. Please correct me if I’m wrong…🤷🏼

[@Gussiyan1]

Hi Adam. Does the procedure applied in this video work for an a2338? Thanks a lot for your teaching !

[@angelitotaiko]

This guy is a genius i just subscribed to your channel 😀👏 I'll just keep following thanks for the good videos

[@pabajestem]

Great video again, how much you charging for this type of repair?

[@julio15571]

Hello the chip ( mxic MX25L6473EZNI) is the same model in macbook pro m1 2020 ? Thank you for share you working

[@Rusty_Gold85]

I recommend a A-Z Phone diary book to keep passwords in . Not likely to lock up , lose power . Just handy if kept in a good hidden spot . Use a pencil to update them when required .

[@Adamant_IT]

Ye. I'm a fan of password managers like LastPass, as they're accessible from anything with an internet connection (so you don't need to carry the book around) but I do say to my customers "yea I'd rather you keep a book at home with an ordered list than use weak passwords, post-it notes on the back of the phone/laptop or the same password on everything." Book isn't ideal, but it's a lot better than bad practises!

[@Rio-the-traveler]

Hi do you have a shop I have my laptop with same problem thanks

[@pauldruppi9269]

Alsoif I have an a2179 MacBook air whic procedure should I use, it seems it has the M1 chip, so no T2, but it doesn't seem to be making things easier, I can't identify the chip to work with

[@what3dutube]

Is there a similar process for IPad Air?

[@11YDRO]

Can you do this with the newest MacBooks? If so how? And if not what is the newest MacBook I’m able to do this to?

[@tabunawatikoraubara8749]

oh that was an interesting and well explained tutorial. cant wait for modification using usb

[@pauldruppi9269]

cool video!!! I just got CH341A and will now look for a video on how to upgrade it, but in the meantime I also got a crocodile clip with it (can it be, that it will allow me to do the BIOS procedure without unsoldering the chip) or it's for another purpose?

[@kirkstanczyk7702]

my screen is flickering on my 2019 macbook pro 13" and the battery drains quick. I found the same laptop but its a 2020 so should be the same parts. Can i just move my motherboard over to the 2020 macbook pro or is it more complicated than that. PS. the 2020 one is locked and for sale on ebay.

[@linglingstar]

Do you have any new videos based on the Apple Silicon Models?

[@thestarvinggamer5618]

I have a MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015) that I purchased on ebay, which I had to wipe because the laptop at the time was in my home which was ransacked. Looking to prevent my data from being stolen I had wiped my laptop and now I am stuck at the firmware password box with no knowledge of the password. - I had tried Command + R + holding the power button - I had tried option Command + R + holding the power button - I had tried shift Command + R + holding the power button

[@Abbas_478]

I enjoyed it very much. Good luck wherever you are :)

[@basharkhalil826]

Does this process remove iCloud Actication lock or bypass it? thank you

[@Adamant_IT]

For pre-2018 laptops, when the process is done correctly (remove password, reset SMC, re-install macOS) it removes it. This does not work for macs with a T2 security chip or M1/2. It can remove an MDM lock if the serial number is also changed, but this requires extra steps not included in this video.

[@basharkhalil826]

@@Adamant_IT thank you so much for your fast reply....

[@Lezaim]

Friend, I am interested to know which MacBooks are unlocked with the U-BOS2 programmer. Can you recommend one for M1?

[@LuisaSanchez-pg6he]

SICRACK90

[@digking3548]

Can you do for A2337 model?

[@eritrean1876]

Can you help with the mac mini a2348 activation locked. I bought it from an auction. is it the same process?

[@JacklapottTv]

A mere question, is it possible to connect some POGO on the testing points around the chip without the need for desoldering ?

[@jmac4067]

My chip works at 1.8 volts, how to put that voltage and not the 3 volts or it can work like that without damaging itself, thanks

[@miguelc6662]

what key combination and time??

[@chrismoule7242]

You have delicate hands - in the sense that they do such lovely delicate work. I think I would be hopeless: I have blacksmith's hands. Do you think that having such "good" hands is important for work like yours, or have you never considered the point?

[@Adamant_IT]

I suppose it certainly helps - but the right tools can also help. If you've got big meaty fingers, a good pair of tweezers are your friend. If your eyes aren't sharp, a microscope or magnifier... Finding tools that work for you is critical in any craft 👌

[@crippled5]

New to macbook air, I purchased 2nd hand. Need assistance with it if your able. It turns on to a school login page and when try to boot into recovery it shows black screen with Grey lock and password bar. Can you advise me in how to move forward so I can use it

[@michelmostaert6071]

Where can we buy the material to unlock EFI ? Thanks by advance, best regards, Michel Mostaert

[@ltmotley4481]

What about ebay purchases?

[@train4905]

A most superb video graham.brilliant sir .well done,and thankyou so much indeed,for the programmer details.

[@0o0KING0o0-YT]

Also, hope you got a lot of rest on vacation!

[@alerey4363]

18:50 but if you say you need to erase the disk contents how is this gonna be useful for those cases you presented at beginning of video where customer needs access to his photos, music, docs, etc?

[@toekneefurareoh]

I was thinking same thing good question. I still enjoyed watching the video.

[@austinramsay]

On this specific model, the SSD can simply be removed and put into an external drive sled to access data from another computer. The SSD is non-removable on some models, but I'm not sure if those models use the same UEFI chip. If they do use the same chip, this would be helpful in the case of needing to access data since target disk mode could then be enabled without the firmware lock. In that case this method would be overkill to just access data though since there is hardware access data on those models even when they don't power on.

[@alzucks]

thanks, everything worked out. Air 2017.

[@van_gol]

Apple stop signed iBridge OS today, will this method work for newer iBridge OS 7.4 and mac mini 2018 with T2

[@steveb1706]

Great informative and easy to follow video as always. I just wanted to say the reasons given as to why you would need to do this is obviously no good for the passed away relatives device with the photos as it erases all the data. As all of us that repair devices know there are is a lot of software out there that says it can unlock phones etc, , when in fact all they are doing is a factory reset and wiping the device , which is pointless if it is iCloud locked. As for android devices they only work if developer options and USB debugging are enabled. How many regular phone owners even know what that is, unless someone knows how to enable it when you cannot access the device its useless. Anyway thanks again for the videos, always interesting.

[@Didntwipegood]

So in doing everything in this video will still not help you if it is icloud locked?

[@mikemichael5579]

NEED Help !!!! Wondering if this will work with a mac a2337. and if so where may i find the bios at on this board thanks

[@shannoncole6425]

Great video! I looked up the CH341A and it says the output is 3.3V to 5V. Does this mean you can adjust to prevent sending 5v to the chip?

[@stefanbehrendsen330]

I appreciate that you are showing people how to do this - two things: 1) There's a python script that automates efi lock removal and other common tasks so you don't have to fool with the hex editor 2) It's ethically dubious at best to do this for the public. I've seen an extremely low amount of personally owned macbooks with efi passwords. There is no reason a personally owned laptop should be icloud locked if the original owner still has possession of it. This generally leaves the vast majority of devices that have firmware passwords or icloud locks as having been owned by an organization, or left the possession of the original owner without being removed from icloud. This makes it very likely that offering this service will involve stolen goods at some point - better to avoid it entirely.

[@colt5189]

When you buy a used Macbook, is there any way to be sure that it won't get locked in the future via icloud lock through like Find My? I assumed if it's on Find My, and they sell it. And even if you've reset everything. That they could still years later put it in lost mode? And so it's like a ticking time bomb any time you buy a used Macbook? I bought one from a reseller. And it was password free, and it wasn't signed into icloud. I'm going to do a full wipe and reset. But any way to know if it's tied to someone's Find My?

[@francisakhamiogu8856]

Please how much for the hard disk

[@vimalmak4964]

Appreciate your video 🤗. Can you please help me on fixing same ? Flicking on screen on my 2013 edition MacBook Pro. Followed your video but on last installing new OS option i can't find any space to download and in utilities on top bar i can't see hardrive option either. Pls suggest what to do..

[@Re_try87]

What mxIC that compatible with MacBook Pro a2338?

[@rigobertogonzalez6530]

Hola Adamant IT, excelente su video, pero en el caso de la Macbook Air A2337 M1, como sería el caso, tu me puedes ayudar. Le escribo de Nicaragua.

[@TheTalonts]

How do you remove/install the chip if it is a pad type as shown in this video if you DON'T have the hot air gun? Is it even possible with the solder pad (heatsink?) under it without overheating it? I bought some iPad charging carts from a school auction, 2 came with A1465 MBAs, both were FW locked. Since I have 2, I'm trying to decide if it is worth buying a PINECIL or similar soldering iron, hot air gun (if required), and CH341A to do these. I think all the supplies would total less than the cost of having someone else clear the FW on both, and would leave me the tools to work on other things in the future. OR if I can remove and replace the FW chips with a cheap soldering iron (or combo of cheap to remove and PINECIL to replace), I would go with the Ebay sellers that will program in the serial numbers for me. I haven't pulled the motherboards yet to look at the chips, so don't know if they are pin or pad type. Pin type should be dead simple with a PINECIL to lift the pins.

[@tyroneuva-py1pg]

My mac air m1 2020 is bricked help shall I take off the chip??

[@julio15571]

very good job, just one question, is the macbook pro m1 2020 icloud lock chip the same as that one?

[@Adamant_IT]

No. 2018 onwards macs with either a T2 security chip or Apple Silicone (M1, M2, etc) can't be unlocked with this method.

[@julio15571]

@@Adamant_IT thank adamant but its possivel unlock m1 pro 2020? You have a link for look? Thank you very nice for share your hard working

[@jackrich884]

Where do I find the break out board?

[@TheGamersVault]

What kind of breakout board are you using

[@cromwelldelcano6456]

You teach me a lot bro..thank you

[@DJBuckwyld]

Is this chip the same on all newer MacBooks? I'm looking into doing this with a 16" Macbook M1 Pro 1TB, if they have the chip on Ebay

[@leandroboz0]

Hello budy, how are you? could you help me?, i removed the eprom from a macbook air 1466, and rewrote it, because it had efi password, now it doesn't turn on and I noticed that 1.8 doesn't reach the processor, could it be the eprom?? the first time I turned on the wrong bio on the label of the recorder where the metal part touched it, closing short on the pins, I removed and read the eprom, I did the whole process, and it still doesn't turn on, can you help me?

[@messageloudcrack90oninstag82]

The 👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼

[@antonlanceford]

Hey Graham cheers for these videos. I’m a DIY guy at heart although I had never had to enter into the programming world up until recently as I am trying to fix my 2012 a1278. I have done al the steps mentioned (with the ch341a) (I didn’t know about the voltage issue). My problem is now when I recheck the new data (and if I check the original), I am finding $SVS in multiple places, even after I had overwritten it with FF Is this something that is a normal occurrence? I can’t find anything about it online. If it is common, I guess the first $SVS is the only one related to a FW password?

[@oxwilder]

What a fantastic video! You answered every question as I was asking it. I'd love it if you put together some sort of Amazon/other list showing what parts or tools you used -- from the RT809F to even the flux you used. I guess you could put an affiliate link on there as well to get a portion of the proceeds. Thanks!

[@Adamant_IT]

I'm working on making a list of tools, but there are many, so it's surprisingly difficult to make a comprehensive list of "what I have" vs "what you'd actually need" It's in the works though!

[@ivanhristov8915]

@@Adamant_ITIs this working with M1 chip or stolen Macbook locked from icloud is useless?

[@afsoc4629]

Spent a lot of time doing hand placement and rework on boards for Motorola and Raytheon. No need to remember the orientation of the chip. PCBs have the graphic showing pin one (shown in video), and the chips have either a printed dot or a small divot showing pin one.

[@aleqsandrezangurashvili715]

What another kind of models is available to unlock from iCloud?

[@aleqsandrezangurashvili715]

?

[@newnextwow]

Awesome Video Graham. I'd like to try this. Can you provide amazon affiliate links to the tools you used? I'd like to give this a go on an M1 Mac Mini I recently purchased off ebay.

[@someniceguyz]

Hello! good job! May I ask you does it works with A1990 (2018) Mac book pro? Process and programmer are same? Thx

[@rajithanawagamuwa6002]

Hey, I enjoy every bit of your videos. Appreciates the generous expressions. Will this approach work with Apple Silicon macs ? Any tryout so far ?