MacBook Pro 2018 with Activation Lock
Hi everyone!
I have a 2018 MacBook Pro (with Sequoia OS) that I've been using for years with no problem. I recently received an M2 MacBook Pro so I'm mostly using it and not the 2018 one, but since a friend of mine needs a computer, I thought I could restore my 2018 and give it brand-new-like to my friend.
I tried using the built-in tool to restore the MacBook (Settings > General > Transfer or restore > Delete) but it got stuck when trying to remove the Find Device configuration (it asked me for the password for my old Apple ID -now I use the same account but with different email- and it failed because "Apple ID and password did not match" which was to be expected since that Apple ID basically does not exist anymore). I removed my Apple ID from Settings since anyways I was going to give it to someone else, but that did not fix the issue. I searched online and found a recommendation to remove the device from Find from another device, which I did and I highly regret, since it just created a bigger problem: my MacBook shutdown and when I turned it on it shows an Internet Recovery mode.
The Internet Recovery mode asks me everytime for my WiFi credential, then loads up for around 40-60 minutes and then only shows an Activation Lock screen. I am given two options here: to use the credentials for an iCloud account I do not acknowledge (probably from the very first person who activated the MacBook before me, according to Apple Support) or to log in using the device password. The latest option should work but shows a message: "Lock could not be removed because the activation lock server cannot be reached. Try again in a few minutes". Trying again after few minutes does not change anything sadly.
According to Apple Support I just have two options: to get the receipt and prove my ownership so they can unlock the device (the MacBook was bought by my old boss, I contacted him but he's not in the country anymore) or find the old owner so they can disable the lock (I do not know who this person is since the email shown in screen is obfuscated - if I could know who this person is I'm sure I can contact them since it's just probably someone from my old job who does not know their Apple ID is giving me so much trouble haha).
Sorry for the long context, I felt as it was necessary to fully understand the issue. That said, fellas, do you have any suggestion to make my MacBook usable again to give it to my friend? Is there an actual way to bypass this lock? Or better, to remove it? Also would be helpful to find a way to know who the "original owner" is, but Apple Support told me they cannot give that info (which is totally understandable but is such a pain in the ass)
(Reposted since I posted this in the wrong sub - I'm sorry)
