2011 iMac requiring password to access MacOS Recov

I have a 2011 27" iMac that experienced a failed hard drive. I followed the iFixIt guide to open it and replaced it with an SSD. Being a new hard drive when I boot the computer it shows a flashing grey folder with a question mark (?) in it – due to no OS being installed.
I therefore followed https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201314 to enter MacOS Recovery Mode (Command (⌘) and R). Which requests a password:


https://imgur.com/mgSYUeG

I've also tried Internet Recovery (Command (⌘) – Option (⌥) – R) and same deal.

Being a brand new hard drive I'm surprised by this – I assume it's a BIOS password or something like that? I don't seem to know the password, computer was purchased used some time ago. Is there anything I can do?

Do you have another Mac you can use to create a bootable USB installer? https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

What Mac OS X/OS X/macOS version was your iMac running? Did you get it new in 2011/2012? Since that model originally came with Snow Leopard, you could order this, https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard, and then go up from there.

Or, it could be a firmware password, http://osxdaily.com/2015/01/28/forgot-mac-firmware-password-what-now/.

Or, it could be a firmware password, http://osxdaily.com/2015/01/28/forgo...word-what-now/.

Click to expand...

I'm afraid Bob is correct as that appears to be a firmware password request. Whoever you purchased the computer from may have set a firmware password which will preclude someone from swapping out the hard drive or reinstalling macOS without knowing the password. It it is a firmware password, you may have to ask Apple to remove it. Apple requires proof of ownership before they will remove it.

Thanks all, the local Apple Authorised Technicians were able to assist after some ID verification checks.

Glad you got it resolved. We normally do not recommend setting up a firmware password unless there is a good reason to do so. If there is some data on your computer that is sensitive, such as financial information, then we suggest using FileVault with a strong password and backup of it.