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Things to Know
- A Mac firmware password provides an extra layer of security.
- It prevents anyone from starting up the device using an external storage device or the wrong internal storage location.
- You can set a Mac firmware password from the macOS Recovery window.
If security is important to you, you no doubt have an access password or PIN set up on your Mac. A firmware password goes beyond this. Rather than simply a password to access your home screen, with a firmware password, Mac adds another layer of security to your startup process.
This article covers why you might want to add a Mac firmware password and provides a step-by-step guide explaining how to do this.
Benefits of Adding a Mac Firmware Password
The firmware password Mac users can set prevents unauthorized startup from an undefined location. For example, if someone stole your Mac and was attempting to reset it by booting it from an external hard drive, they would need the firmware password to go any further. Or, if someone tried to change the startup location within your Mac without your permission, they would also be blocked if they didn’t have the firmware password.
Other reasons to add a firmware password include:
- It prevents anyone from making changes in Recovery mode.
- It stops someone from starting the Mac in safe mode without proper permission.
- It ensures that no one can reinstall your macOS or make other major configuration changes.
Adding a password is simple, but remembering it is essential, as there is no simple “password reset” function to regain access if you lose it.
How to Add a Mac Firmware Password
Step 1. To add a firmware password, Mac users first need to access the macOS Recovery screen. To do this, press Command + R as soon as your Mac switches on.
Step 2. In the Recovery window, select Utilities > Startup Security Utility. Note: If you’re using macOS Sierra or older, you may need to select Utilities > Firmware Password Utility.
Step 3. Click on “Turn On Firmware Password.” Make sure you enter the same password twice when prompted, then click “Set Password” to complete the process.
You can follow these steps again to change the password, this time selecting “Change Firmware Password.” Or, if you need to disable the Mac firmware password at any point, follow the same steps, then choose “Turn Off Firmware Password.” You will need the existing firmware password you created in order to make these changes.
Once you’ve set a firmware password Mac devices will ask for this whenever you:
- Try to boot from an external disk
- Try to change the bootup disk or location
- Start your device in safe mode
- Start recovery mode
You must make sure you remember your firmware password, as you cannot easily reset it. In most situations, you would need to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership to Apple to get your device unlocked. Don’t worry, you won’t need your firmware password for a standard startup.
As an avid gamer, I’ve run into my fair share of error codes and weird faults that have forced me to find fixes to problems I never anticipated. That gave me a passion for sharing those fixes with others so we can all game without feeling like our hardware is rebelling against us.