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Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

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MacBook Firmware Password set - reset not working

I just received a Macbook Pro from eBay (article saying its a 2011 model, but according to serial, its a mid 2012 model - definetely it's a A1278 though), which, after booting only shows the blinking folder symbol.

First thing I wanted to try was accessing the disk tool - however, I was greeted with a password field, which seems to be a set firmware password. The seller unfortunately can't remember to have set such a password, so the password is unknown.

I found various articles, describing that for those models, changing the RAM configuration and doing a PRAM reset after should work (sometimes they say to remove the battery as well). I tried every way, however, I don't get to the point, where a PRAM reset would work. No matter how I boot and when I press the keys (cmd, alt, P, R), I don't get any signs, that the PRAM reset would be recognized. Is this blocked by the firmware password as well? Any way to do it anyway?

Or is this MacBook just lost?

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Edit: After I was able to remove the firmware password by changing the EEPROM on the EFI Chip, I now have a problem with the screen - once the FindMyDevice screen shows up, the screen looks like that. Before (entering recovery, entering WiFi details), it all looks just fine. Have I broke the display connector, when reassembling? Or could this be another issue?

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Quick question. Do you happen to have another Mac available you could connect to this one, and boot it in Target Mode?

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@molochhamo21061 Not yet, but working on getting another one... What could I do with it in that case?

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@nameless7069 - I’m suspecting @molochhamovis is thinking you can remotely alter things. The newer T2 and M Series allows us to enter DFU mode via an interconnected system, that’s not possible here. The other possibility is accessing the data remotely via Target Disk Mode, again without the firmware password the system is not at a state for that to work.

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The secret with PRAM reset is to disconnect the charger and battery, then press and hold the power button for a good 15 secs to fully discharge the logic board. Give that a try!

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Tried that, but with no success... I disconnected the charger, disconnected the battery and hold down the power button for about 20 seconds. I even did it a second time, just to be 100% sure.. I then tried the PRAM reset (holding cmd, alt, p, r) - with no change - all it does it getting to the flashing folder icon.. no error, no password requested, just the flashing folder, like it completely ignores the keys held down.. The keyboard has to work though, otherwise, it wouldn't get to the password field, when trying cmd+R for the disk options... Any other ideas?

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@nameless7069 - Good! You are past the firmware password. So now you have to deal with the OS as your drive doesn’t have anything on it yet! If you are thinking internet recover that’s only once the systems firmware has been updated which is why it’s not working. Here you’ll need a bootable USB OS installer drive.


using a second Mac you’ll need to create it. Download macOS Catalina (10.15.7) from here on your other Mac system How to download and install macOS. Then follow this guide Create a bootable installer for macOS on a freshly formatted 32GB USB thumb drive from your Mac. Then use it to boot up your system.

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@danj I don't think so... I don't think the PRAM reset worked, as I'm still getting the password request when trying to load into disk utility with holding cmd+r... shouldn't I get there, if I got past it? Same for holding just alt (to boot from USB), I just get the password request... So that is still there... Any other ideas...?

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Also added the screen to the question, so you see what I mean with the pass request...

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@nameless7069 - Well, that’s not good 🙁

If the system still has the older firmware you should be able to launch the onboard diagnostics. Restart and press the D key to enter can you get to it?

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@nameless7069 if you are pretty handy and all your keyboard shortcuts etc. do not yield any results. Replace the EFI IC with a pre programmed one.

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@oldturkey03 I actually thought about that and saw some videos... Never tried it, but might give that a shot.. I also saw "easy" ways to just remove the IC, put it on a programmer, change some code directly on it and put it back on.. Unsure, what programmer I'd need for it though..

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@nameless7069 Yes, you could try the reprogramming. As for what programmer you need, we'll have to look at the schematic to determine what type of IC this is. I would just opt to purchase an already programmed IC, That way it's a strict soldering issue :-) Probably less expensive too. What 820-xxxx model is your logic board?

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@oldturkey03 hmm, I found some programmers, that use "clamps" to attach directly to the IC, will still soldered.... would make it easier, if that works... The board is a 820-2565-A... I wonder if that would work (as an example): https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07SNTL...

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Never did that before, so totally new in EEPROM programming, but can't learn, if you don't try

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@nameless7069 that might just work and I do admit I like the layout and ease of connecting. Go for it since the price is about equivalent to a replacement IC. The only issue I could see is the availability of a "clean" copy if you need the firmware to burn to the IC. Dump files are available and I do have 1 locked and 2 that are unlocked. Those are BIN files. Let me know if you need them

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Well I will suggest you to check out the following it might help you out:

https://support.apple.com/en-in/102384

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I got past the firmware password already now :)

Also, that article wouldn't really help, as I didn't have the firmware password, neither do I have a proof of purchase, as I just got it from eBay..

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nameless will be eternally grateful.
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