Mac T2 after update(There was an error activating your device)

[TechSplendid]

Again, thank you!

But when I read above I read that this is not working due to a bridgeos update. That makes it a bit confusing for me.

[curiositymaster]

Again, thank you!

But when I read above I read that this is not working due to a bridgeos update. That makes it a bit confusing for me.

I’ve had two instances where the Mac got locked the to the preexisting iCloud on the new serial.

1. The Mac was restored on AC (because it couldn’t power on after changing serial). After restoration, it asks for activation and it suddenly brings an iCloud account that was never associated with the original serial.

2. The user already updated the system to latest MacOS version but wants to remove his information before selling. After he signed out his own iCloud information and wants to erase the mac from system settings, it was asking for another iCloud account which was never used on the system.

I think Apple patched something in the T2 that forces the device to use iClouds linked to any serial number.

if someone has a T2 Mac, they could verify if my observations are correct or mere coincidence.

[Stephen]

I’ve had two instances where the Mac got locked the to the preexisting iCloud on the new serial.

1. The Mac was restored on AC (because it couldn’t power on after changing serial). After restoration, it asks for activation and it suddenly brings an iCloud account that was never associated with the original serial.

2. The user already updated the system to latest MacOS version but wants to remove his information before selling. After he signed out his own iCloud information and wants to erase the mac from system settings, it was asking for another iCloud account which was never used on the system.

I think Apple patched something in the T2 that forces the device to use iClouds linked to any serial number.

if someone has a T2 Mac, they could verify if my observations are correct or mere coincidence.

This is not the case, if you got this computer from the customer and it wanted the iCloud removed and another showed up, this means the computer was bypassed, iCloud information is not stored on the serial number it is stored on the T2 chip. The serial only has to match for the T2 chip to verify with the server, however the serial has nothing to do with activation, it has everything to do with the T2 chip. FOR example, if a company has an MDM lock on the device, they never sign into the T2 chip or register it because it is tied to just the serial hence changing the serial will result in a free and clear Activation, this means if you change the serial and it gives an error, this device was bypassed or the iCloud was never removed from the T2 chip itself.

[Stephen]

This is not the case, if you got this computer from the customer and it wanted the iCloud removed and another showed up, this means the computer was bypassed, iCloud information is not stored on the serial number it is stored on the T2 chip. The serial only has to match for the T2 chip to verify with the server, however the serial has nothing to do with activation, it has everything to do with the T2 chip. FOR example, if a company has an MDM lock on the device, they never sign into the T2 chip or register it because it is tied to just the serial hence changing the serial will result in a free and clear Activation, this means if you change the serial and it gives an error, this device was bypassed or the iCloud was never removed from the T2 chip itself.

Update: the serial number I checked was just rejected. It appears you have to use VALID serial numbers from Apple now. Ill update with my findings soon

[Stephen]

Ok I figured out what is going on with your issue. So Apple has indeed changed some way to remove the MDM, but however it is not as crazy as you believe. Upon further investigation we have a normal customer that purchases pallets from schools etc with an R2 certification however, they understand that they cannot bother the companies with the removal of MDM if they fail to remove it (per rules of their contract) the process would then move to our shop, we just got a batch of computers that had MDM locks on them, inspecting the serials they are indeed locked however we will not contact that company, the best process is indeed changing the serial, however it was easy to just change the last digit or a few, but you did need to match the model and year for the computer to look correct and function as intended, but what I did discover is that if you use any serial back in the day that matched the model it would activate on Apples servers, HOWEVER moving forward you should check those serials moving forward to verify they are pulling on Apples Servers now, if they reject, they are either reported as STOLEN, LOST, or NOT VALID. SO what that means is you need to use a VALID serial that is iCloud locked or not (that is not MDM locked) you will have to check a few things to plug in the correct serial, and then the next process is sadly, you will have to RESTORE the computer through DFU to register the serial correctly with the T2 chip, yes the T2 chip is the first check for iCloud activation, however the Apple serial is the final check for the server to verify its legitimacy that it is an Authentic serial. So moving forward you will need to do these steps in order for the computer to function correctly. I just spent a few hours to figure out the new process, so go ahead and PIN this for your findings and process. Hope this helps.

Here is a break down how to achieve this:
1. MDM is discovered locked (IE: A1990 MacBook Pro 15" 2018)
You will need to get a serial that matches this exact year and model, you can change a few digits but make sure they pull up on Apples servers, if they do not it will not authenticate. if you get a valid serial, you will need to restore the computer to tie it with the T2 chip.
2. Change the serial (make sure it is not MDM locked) how you find this out is on you. I cannot disclose all this information because those are paid websites and you will have to figure a way to get it checked, I recommend whatever works for you that costs you little to nothing.
3. Verify the serial on the servers, check for MDM, and check for FMI to make sure it pulls back. If MDM shows clear, great, if FMI shows rejected, THEN DO NOT USE THAT SERIAL because it will reject on Apples Servers.
4. Restore the computer with the serial, DFU RESTORE, DO NOT REVIVE. This will bring back the OS install through internet recovery.
5. Done.

[curiositymaster]

Ok I figured out what is going on with your issue. So Apple has indeed changed some way to remove the MDM, but however it is not as crazy as you believe. Upon further investigation we have a normal customer that purchases pallets from schools etc with an R2 certification however, they understand that they cannot bother the companies with the removal of MDM if they fail to remove it (per rules of their contract) the process would then move to our shop, we just got a batch of computers that had MDM locks on them, inspecting the serials they are indeed locked however we will not contact that company, the best process is indeed changing the serial, however it was easy to just change the last digit or a few, but you did need to match the model and year for the computer to look correct and function as intended, but what I did discover is that if you use any serial back in the day that matched the model it would activate on Apples servers, HOWEVER moving forward you should check those serials moving forward to verify they are pulling on Apples Servers now, if they reject, they are either reported as STOLEN, LOST, or NOT VALID. SO what that means is you need to use a VALID serial that is iCloud locked or not (that is not MDM locked) you will have to check a few things to plug in the correct serial, and then the next process is sadly, you will have to RESTORE the computer through DFU to register the serial correctly with the T2 chip, yes the T2 chip is the first check for iCloud activation, however the Apple serial is the final check for the server to verify its legitimacy that it is an Authentic serial. So moving forward you will need to do these steps in order for the computer to function correctly. I just spent a few hours to figure out the new process, so go ahead and PIN this for your findings and process. Hope this helps.

Here is a break down how to achieve this:
1. MDM is discovered locked (IE: A1990 MacBook Pro 15" 2018)
You will need to get a serial that matches this exact year and model, you can change a few digits but make sure they pull up on Apples servers, if they do not it will not authenticate. if you get a valid serial, you will need to restore the computer to tie it with the T2 chip.
2. Change the serial (make sure it is not MDM locked) how you find this out is on you. I cannot disclose all this information because those are paid websites and you will have to figure a way to get it checked, I recommend whatever works for you that costs you little to nothing.
3. Verify the serial on the servers, check for MDM, and check for FMI to make sure it pulls back. If MDM shows clear, great, if FMI shows rejected, THEN DO NOT USE THAT SERIAL because it will reject on Apples Servers.
4. Restore the computer with the serial, DFU RESTORE, DO NOT REVIVE. This will bring back the OS install through internet recovery.
5. Done.

Thanks so much for your efforts Stephen. I am guessing the serials I used were blacklisted/reported as stolen.
Checking fmi alongside MDM check is the way to go henceforth.

[curiositymaster]

Those paid web services are now offering serial change by software methods. I have even seen this on the trusted vendors’ website.
I wouldn’t mind if we could get this software as the one we got for pre-t2 macs, as I believe this will make the process faster and safer.

[Stephen]

Those paid web services are now offering serial change by software methods. I have even seen this on the trusted vendors' website.
I wouldn't mind if we could get this software as the one we got for pre-t2 macs, as I believe this will make the process faster and safer.

Those prices make no logical sense. You can easily just buy a EFI programmer and do the work yourself. Why pay a website something very expensive to do that when it's something that is free if you do it yourself? Obviously as a service you will charge for your labor but this makes no Logical sense to pay these websites for unlocking services to an extent. I can understand paying them for checking IMEI, or FMI, OR MDM etc. but paying them to remove the locks seems unreasonable to me if you have the capabilities in doing it yourself if you have the right tools.

Also that software relies on the fact the iBridge isn't updated to do a software MDM removal. I wouldn't rely on software whatsoever.

[jotati7062]

Those prices make no logical sense. You can easily just buy a EFI programmer and do the work yourself. Why pay a website something very expensive to do that when it's something that is free if you do it yourself? Obviously as a service you will charge for your labor but this makes no Logical sense to pay these websites for unlocking services to an extent. I can understand paying them for checking IMEI, or FMI, OR MDM etc. but paying them to remove the locks seems unreasonable to me if you have the capabilities in doing it yourself if you have the right tools.

Also that software relies on the fact the iBridge isn't updated to do a software MDM removal. I wouldn't rely on software whatsoever.

some info u said Mr Marrtaa GA is not correct, the software is you are talking about to change the serial number cost about 20USD or even less, yeah you can do it for free throw programmer but if you get 13 inch 2020 that could easily take someone 40 minutes, on the other hand with the software it takes two minutes and it's the exact same change, it goes inside the spi rom & replace SN so no difference between software and hardware other than the saving of time and not using a screwdriver

The other thing it's possible to change the serial number doesn't matter what BridgeOS your on.

im watching u ...

[Stephen]

some info u said Mr Marrtaa GA is not correct, the software is you are talking about to change the serial number cost about 20USD or even less, yeah you can do it for free throw programmer but if you get 13 inch 2020 that could easily take someone 40 minutes, on the other hand with the software it takes two minutes and it's the exact same change, it goes inside the spi rom & replace SN so no difference between software and hardware other than the saving of time and not using a screwdriver

The other thing it's possible to change the serial number doesn't matter what BridgeOS your on.

im watching u ...

the rules of posting websites for charges are against the policy. This forum is about teaching people to be able to do the work themselves even if it takes more time. You seem like someone that wants to promote those websites. Those websites are fine for those that want to use it at their discretion, however people are more inclined to do the work themselves without having to pay or use their private info for that type of service. Yes time is money and getting it done quickly is perfectly great, however I think doing it yourself creates a better skill set. MDM locks take time doing it manually but it at least gives some peace of mind you did it correctly. To each their own. Also you’re kind of creepy saying I’m watching you? Go away

[bilel]

Usually i change one letter in SN. It is locked now? I have to unlock MDM from A2251 Macbook pro.

Hello.
Please how can change serial number of macbook 2019 T2 chip
i have one after change serial Number the pc was dead and no power not open and when return backup work perfect bcs i have serial OFF with damged mothearboard i wan t to replace to other new pc to work

[gugbobgug]

if want to unlock icloud you se need change big T2 chip from icloud free mac