One of the functions that Apple’s mobile device management (MDM) has had for years is the ability to send a remote lock command. In this case, an MDM command is sent to a device and a passcode is required in order to clear the lock.

However, sometimes this passcode can get mislaid or forgotten due to insufficient record keeping. In this case, how to clear the lock when you don’t have the passcode? On Apple Silicon Macs, it’s possible to clear the lock but it will require all data on the Mac to be destroyed and the operating system to be reloaded from scratch.

For more details, please see below the jump.

The solution is to put the Apple Silicon Mac into DFU mode and use Apple Configurator running on another Mac to restore the Mac using an IPSW file for the desired operating system. Apple has a KBase article describing how to perform this restoration process available via the link below (follow the Restore procedures):

• How to revive or restore Mac firmware: https://support.apple.com/108900

Once the Mac has been restored, the lock should be cleared and a factory-fresh copy of macOS should be installed.

In the event that this process does not work, the other option available is a logic board hardware repair where the Mac’s existing logic board for a new replacement one.