Transfering a used Macbook to my Apple ID

[rmathewson]

Hi,
I just bought a used 13-inch macbook and want to get the registration changed to my Apple ID so that I can take it to the Genius bar. Does anyone know how to do this?

 

[pigoo3]

Hi,
I just bought a used 13-inch macbook and want to get the registration changed to my Apple ID so that I can take it to the Genius bar. Does anyone know how to do this?

You don't have to do anything. Having the computer in your possession (as far as Apple is concerned) means that it's your computer (so are the owner).

Apple really only tracks things via the computer's serial number. Yes…Apple probably knows who the original owner was when it was purchased brand new (if purchased at the Apple store).

If you own the computer…it's yours. Just sign into iTunes or the Apple Store…enter your Apple ID…and then your Apple ID and the computer will be associated.

- Nick

p.s. With that being said…here's what the previous owner should have done before selling it:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201065

 

[chas_m]

Not necessarily true, Nick.

In a lot of cases, the seller (foolishly) forgets to erase and reformat the hard drive of the computer. So the OS, and every app on there, is still registered to them. I've seen plenty of occasions where Apple and independent Apple service providers would refuse to service or wipe a Mac that was clearly registered to someone other than the person claiming to be the owner. Apple has no interest in helping thieves, and might want to see proof of ownership.

The best thing in any case is to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the OS from your own iTunes account, or have an Apple Store do it for you after you provide proof that you bought the machine.

 

[pigoo3]

Not necessarily true, Nick.

In a lot of cases, the seller (foolishly) forgets to erase and reformat the hard drive of the computer. So the OS, and every app on there, is still registered to them. I've seen plenty of occasions where Apple and independent Apple service providers would refuse to service or wipe a Mac that was clearly registered to someone other than the person claiming to be the owner. Apple has no interest in helping thieves, and might want to see proof of ownership.

I haven't run into this problem yet. Yes…in the last 2-3 years or so...Apple has started associating the serial number of a specific computer with a person's Apple ID. And when a used Apple computer is sold…the owner should "disassociate" it from their Apple ID (because I think that Apple only allows 5 devices to be associated with any single user ID). And who wants any of those 5 "wasted" on an item they no longer own.

But what I'm thinking about are two specific situations:

1. Purchasing a used computer…and having problems using my Apple ID on that computer.

* In the last 2-3 years I've purchased plenty of used Apple products have have had no problems with my Apple ID. And I know…the former owners of most of these devices had no idea they should disassociate their Apple ID's.

2. Walk into an Apple Store with a warranty issue on a used computer I purchased…and be refused service.

* Nope…has not happened yet. I'm talking more than 10 years (probably more) experience with purchasing used Mac's…that may have still had Applecare active on it…and needed warranty service.

In my experience…if a person walks into an Apple Store with a used Mac. …the first thing the Apple folks do is verify (via the serial number) if Applecare is still active. If so…no problems. They proceed with the troubleshooting & repair.

There has never been any mention of previous owners info. No questions asked of me how I came into possession of the computer. No suggesting or implying anything about thievery.

If you got it (used computer)…and walk into an Apple store with it (used computer)…it's yours. In my experience…Apple has never acted like the "Used Computer Police"!

- Nick