Buying a used Mac? Check these six things first
A second-hand Mac can be a bargain or a brick. Here's how to check which macOS it will run, whether it's locked to someone else's account, and where to buy safely.
Used and refurbished Macs are often excellent value. They're built to last, and Apple supports them with macOS updates for years. But a few problems can turn a bargain into an expensive paperweight. Check these six things before you hand over any money.
1. Which macOS will it run?
This matters more than ever. macOS 27 Golden Gate runs only on Apple silicon, so any Intel Mac you buy today stops at macOS Tahoe or earlier. Ask the seller for the model name from Apple menu › About This Mac, or the model identifier from System Information, and look it up:
Be wary of listings that only say “MacBook Pro 2019” or similar. Some years had several models, with different support.
2. Is Activation Lock off?
If the previous owner didn't sign out of Find My, the Mac stays locked to their Apple Account after a reset, and only they or Apple can unlock it. Ask the seller to show System Settings › [their name] › iCloud › Find My Mac turned off. Better still, have them erase the Mac in front of you. When it restarts with the setup assistant and doesn't ask for their account, you're clear.
3. Is it enrolled in a company's management?
Ex-business Macs can be enrolled in Device Enrollment (MDM). After a reset they'll show a “Remote Management” screen and push company settings. A legitimate seller will have released it from the organisation's account. If you see that screen during setup, don't buy.
4. Battery health
For laptops, check System Settings › Battery › Battery Health (it says Normal or Service recommended). For the cycle count, hold ⌥ Option, choose Apple menu › System Information › Power. Recent MacBooks are rated for 1,000 cycles. A battery replacement isn't a deal-breaker, but factor its cost into the price.
5. No firmware password (Intel Macs)
A firmware password on an Intel Mac blocks booting from USB and Recovery. Restart while holding ⌥ Option: if a padlock and a password field appear, ask the seller to remove the password before you buy.
6. Buy where you're protected
Refurbishers and established shops test every Mac, wipe it properly and give you a warranty. That's usually worth a little extra over a private sale. On marketplaces like eBay, pay through the platform so you're covered by its buyer protection, and avoid sellers who want a bank transfer.
Then install a clean copy of macOS
Whatever you buy, start fresh. Erase it and reinstall from macOS Recovery, or use a bootable USB installer. Every version Apple still offers is on our home page.