Guide: Unlock MacBook Air Firmware-lock and PIN-lock (A1466)
A MacBook Air is locked by pin code and firmware, the model is A1466, the motherboard model is 820-00165-A, which is release in 2015. Press the MacBook power button, after entering the system, it shows PIN code lock, press the 'Option' button, it shows firmware lock. How to unlock PIN code lock and firmware lock on this MacBook Air?
As we know, there are several reasons for forming a PIN code:
- MacBook ID password stolen,the other side can remote login through our ID, directly set a password to the MacBook, which is called the PIN code,
- The user set a PIN code on the MacBook, but the user forgot it
- Accidentally set up a PIN code by manipulating the MacBook in a random manner
When the PIN code appears, restart the MacBook Air, and then hold down the ALT (Option) button before the screen lights up. When the MacBook screen is lit up, you will see the firmware lock interface.
The firmware lock we're talking about is actually the motherboard password (hardware password), it can't be removed by reinstalling the system. The password for the firmware lock is in the BIOS chip that exists on the MacBook motherboard. To unlock it, we need to read the data inside the BIOS chip, and then use proprietary software to remove the inside password, and then re-write information to the BIOS chip.
Because generally the BIOS chip is on the backside of the MacBook motherboard, it's complicated to remove it to read and write, so we can use special tool to read and write BIOS information without removing the MacBook motherboard.
Run ZXW Dongle, open the bit map to find the BIOS chip, find the connection point that's connected to the BIOS chip 8 Pin VCC, it should be under the motherboard.
Based on the MacBook bitmap, we know that the 1 Pin for R8133 is connected to the BIOS chip 8 Pin. Put MacBook motherboard under the microscope, connect the external BIOS chip to the power 3.3V to this resistor 1 Pin.
And then find SAM connector 1 Pin.
Find the SAM connector on the bitmap, the first pin for this connector is grounding, we can use digital multimeter to measure the first pin. Connect the corresponding interface, the other side connected to the programmer, external plus a BIOS chip power supply 3V-3.3V voltage.
The programmer will automatically recognize the BIOS chip model, and then read the information for the BIOS chip, and then save the original BIOS information. Open the special unlock software to remove the password for the BIOS information, and then re-write the information to the BIOS chip.
After successful writing, remove the unlock tool. Supply power to the MacBook Air, press the power button, and then hold on the Option, Command, R and P button at the button, which is to clean the BIOS. Release those buttons after the MacBook automatically restart.
Now the MacBook Air enters systems normally, press the Option button when booting, there is no lock, the MacBook Air has been unlocked.
News for Thursday 07 March, 2019
The user set a PIN code on the MacBook, but the user forgot it - Accidentally set up a PIN code by manipulating the MacBook in a random manner When the PIN code appears, restart the MacBook Air, and then hold down the ALT (Option) button before the screen lights up. When the MacBook screen is lit up, you will see the firmware lock interface. Mac Tips-N-Tricks #1 - The Option Key The option key is a standard key on Apple keyboards. New macbook restore from time machine. Not only is it used in conjunction with other keys for keyboard sh.
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To use any of these key combinations, press and hold the keys immediately after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac, or after your Mac begins to restart. Keep holding until the described behavior occurs.
- Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use while starting up. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
- Option (⌥) or Alt: Start up to Startup Manager, which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
- Option-Command-P-R:Reset NVRAM or PRAM. If your Mac is using a firmware password, it ignores this key combination or starts up from macOS Recovery.
- Shift (⇧): Start up in safe mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- D: Start up to the Apple Diagnostics utility. Or use Option-Dto start up to this utility over the Internet. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- N: Start up from a NetBoot server, if your Mac supports network startup volumes. To use the default boot image on the server, hold down Option-N instead. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-S: Start up in single-user mode. Disabled in macOS Mojave or later, or when using a firmware password.
- T: Start up in target disk mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-V: Start up in verbose mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Eject (⏏) or F12 or mouse button or trackpad button: Eject removable media, such as an optical disc. Disabled when using a firmware password.
If a key combination doesn't work
If a key combination doesn't work at startup, one of these these solutions might help:
- Be sure to press and hold all keys in the combination together, not one at a time.
- Shut down your Mac. Then press the power button to turn on your Mac. Then press and hold the keys as your Mac starts up.
- Wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
- If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac, if possible. Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.
- If you're using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, set Startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart and try again.
Where Is The Option Key On A Macbook Air 2
Whatsapp software download for pc. Remember that some key combinations are disabled when your Mac is using a firmware password.
If a key combination doesn't work
If a key combination doesn't work at startup, one of these these solutions might help:
- Be sure to press and hold all keys in the combination together, not one at a time.
- Shut down your Mac. Then press the power button to turn on your Mac. Then press and hold the keys as your Mac starts up.
- Wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
- If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac, if possible. Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.
- If you're using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, set Startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart and try again.
Where Is The Option Key On A Macbook Air 2
Whatsapp software download for pc. Remember that some key combinations are disabled when your Mac is using a firmware password.
Learn more
Where Is The Option Key On A Macbook Air Pro
- Learn what to do if your Mac doesn't turn on.
- Learn about Mac keyboard shortcuts that you can use after your Mac has started up.