Reinstall OS without knowing FileVault recovery key and admin passwordSolved

Participant
Discussion
6 days ago

Hello everyone! We have unenrolled one of our M2 Macs from our MDM. FileVault encryption is enabled, and we do not have the encryption key. Currently, we only have access to a local account on the Mac that lacks admin rights.

Is there any way to enter Recovery Mode and erase the device without needing the admin password or FileVault recovery key?

Replies (3)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
4 days ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hey @josiah! You can access Recovery Mode by pressing the power button along with Command + S. Once you’re in Recovery Mode, you can erase the device from there.

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
4 days ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

Thanks, @eduardo! But when I go into Recovery Mode, I only see Macintosh HD and Options. When I click Options, it still asks me for the recovery key.

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
2 days ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hey @josiah! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process to erase and reinstall macOS on Silicon Macs:

  1. Enter Recovery Mode: Hold down the power button and Command + S while your Mac is starting up.
  2. Once in Recovery Mode, choose Options when prompted.
  3. In the next window, click on Recovery Assistant in the top left corner.
  4. Click on Erase Mac.
  5. Reinstall macOS: After erasing, follow the prompts to reinstall macOS from the on-screen instructions.
  6. Proceed with the setup assistant process; it will not require the admin password or FileVault recovery key.

Or, if the Mac is still in the MDM, you could just send a wipe command from there!