A firmware program is such a software program that is permanently etched into the hardware device like keyboards, hard drives, the BIOS, video cards, etc. Firmware is used to instruct communicating with other hardware components. It performs basic input or output tasks. Firmware is high-level software that can be updated. The firmware can be changed without changing the hardware device. This firmware stores in the ROM memory of a hardware device. The firmware is also used to instruct to operate the hardware. Firmwares can be password protected too! In this article, we’re going to discuss how to reset firmware password.
Maximum users set a login password for their computer to secure the internal information. But in Mac, the users go through an additional layer of security which ensures the log-in users get access to the private data. A firmware password is a third layer of security that ensures that you can only get access to the recovery mode after entering the password. It is because no one can use recovery mode to change the firmware of Mac. Even the unknown can’t boot from another bootable volume without entering the password.
This firmware password can be set in Recovery mode. As the firmware password isn’t visible or used normally used in Mac, you have to reset your Mac or boot from another device to enter the password. But if you forget the password, there is no way to get access. But now, Apple has recognized to reset the firmware password of your Mac.
How to Reset Firmware Password
There are some methods by which you can reset the firmware password. The methods are the following:
Method 1: Reset firmware password with Firmware Password Utility
You can reset, change, or disable the firmware password using the Firmware Password Utility method. This method requires booting into Recovery Mode. The steps are given below:
Step 1: First, you have to reboot the Mac. You have to hold down Command+R to enter recovery mode.
Step 2: Once you enter the utility screen, you have to go to the utility menu bar item and then, select Firmware Password Utility.
Step 3: Now, you have to select Turn the Firmware Password ON.
Step 4: Next, you have to enter a new password that you want to set as a firmware password. After entering the password, you have to click on Set Password.
Step 5: After that, you have to click on Quit Startup Security Utility.
Step 6: Finally, you have to click on the menu and select Restart.
If you can do the process successfully, your firmware password will be off. You should always check the caps key and num key when you reset the password. Though you have to enter a password to get access to Firmware Password Utility, sometimes this process works if you make an error while typing the password. So, you can try this method when you want to reset the Firmware password.
Method 2: Reset firmware password with Apple
There is a process to reset the firmware password with Apple. You have to get ahold of Apple or an Apple Authorized Support center. This center will allow you to bypass or reset the firmware password using proprietary tools. You can contact Apple directly if you forget the firmware password. This method works in the latest versions of Mac. The versions are:
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 and later)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2011 and later)
- MacBook Pro with Retina display (all models)
- iMac (Mid 2011 and later)
- Mac mini (Mid 2011 and later)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
- (Maybe others, contact Apple to find out the others)
You can directly contact the official Apple Support channels. You can contact them by your phone, or schedule an appointment with the help of Genius Bar at the local Apple Store. Again, you can contact them if your Mac is not on that list.
You have to give them proof that you are the actual owner of the Mac whose firmware password has been locked. After that, you will help to reset the firmware password.
Method 3: Reset it with hardware bypass
If you contact Apple support or Apple Authorized Support agent, but can’t able to reset the firmware password. Or you can’t get the firmware password because of using the older versions of Mac, then there is a way by which you can get out of this problem is reset the firmware password with hardware bypass.
There are many older Macs that allow you to upgrade and change RAM, those also allow a hardware bypass to get around firmware passwords. This process works by physically removing the memory from the computer. The steps of this process are given below:
Step 1: First, you have to shut down your computer.
Step 2: Then, you have to remove the battery of your computer.
Step 3: Now, you have to remove the three Philips head screws. You will find those on the L-bracket.
Step 4: You have to remove the L-bracket.
Step 5: Next, you have to slide one of the levers to the left. After doing so, the RAM will be released.
Step 6: Now, you have to wiggle the RAM card out and put it aside. You will have to put it back later. You shouldn’t touch the gold bar, otherwise, it can be broken.
Step 7: After that, you have to put the L-bracket and the battery.
Step 8: You have to boot up the computer pressing Command+Option+P+R. It will reset the parameter of RAM.
Step 9: You have to wait for the startup chime to sound 3 times.
Step 10: You have to release the keys and again shut down the computer.
Step 11: Finally, boot up the computer and bypass the firmware password.
Conclusion
Sometimes, users require more security of their device and set a firmware password on Mac. Only when the user enters the password, one can get access to change the firmware. As it gives you additional security, if you forget this password you can be completely stuck. But now, there are some ways to recover the firmware password of your Mac. Either you reset the firmware password by bypassing the hardware or you can contact Apple for help.
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