MacBook requiring four digit PIN but no input field available


I have a MacBook Air A1465 model. After restoring it and trying to start it up, it asked for a 4-digit PIN. I tried a few codes, but none worked. Later, I finally found the correct 4-digit PIN. However, when I tried to enter it, the system locked me out with a 60-minute wait timer. After waiting the full 60 minutes, it now only displays 'Incorrect code. Enter a new one,' but **the input fields for the PIN no longer appear**. I just need **one more chance** to enter the correct 4-digit PIN since I have it now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 26, 2025 7:14 AM

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Mar 26, 2025 7:21 AM in response to jeremias88

Hello Jeremias!

It sounds like you're locked out of your MacBook Air due to a failed PIN attempt, and the input fields are no longer appearing. Here’s what you can try:

1. Force Restart the MacBook

  • Press and hold the power button until the Mac shuts off (about 10 seconds).
  • Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on and see if the PIN input fields reappear.

This should work, but it that isn't the case then lets move on to option 2.

2. Try Recovery Mode

If the restart doesn't work, you can try entering macOS Recovery Mode to reset the device or access recovery options:

  • Shut down your MacBook.
  • Press and hold the Command (⌘) + R keys and turn it back on.
  • Hold the keys until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears.
  • Once in Recovery Mode, you can either try to reset the PIN if the option appears or perform a Factory Reset(which will erase all data, so only use this as a last resort).

3. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

If the input fields still aren’t showing up, you can try resetting the NVRAM:

  • Shut down your MacBook.
  • Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
  • Release the keys and let the MacBook restart.

4. Try Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode might help if there's a system issue preventing the input fields from appearing:

  • Shut down the Mac.
  • Turn it on and immediately hold the Shift key until the Apple logo appears.
  • If it boots into Safe Mode, see if you can enter the PIN.

5. Contact Apple Support

If none of these steps work, contacting Apple Support might be your best option. They can provide guidance on unlocking the device or helping you reset it remotely.


Here is the website: Official Apple Support


Good luck! I hope one of these steps works for you.

Please let me know if you need anymore assistance!


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Mar 26, 2025 7:52 AM in response to __PrincetonR__

Thank you for your response. I’ve already tried everything you mentioned: In Recovery Mode, it starts connecting but after loading the globe’s progress bar, it goes back to the same issue—forcing me to wait another full 60 minutes without letting me enter the PIN. Safe Mode and PRAM/NVRAM reset didn’t work either (the command doesn’t execute, though the keyboard is fine). I don’t mind waiting even a full day if I could just get one more chance to input the code. Unfortunately, there are no Apple Stores in my country for support. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

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Mar 26, 2025 9:45 AM in response to __PrincetonR__

I think I know why it won’t let me reset the PRAM/NVRAM. Because it has an EFI password. Obviously, I know the password, which is why I can access the recovery boot. But as I mentioned before, when it finishes loading, the system restarts on its own and takes me back to the 4-digit PIN screen without letting me enter it. I can’t find a way to access the terminal to remove it. I’ve already tried iCloud—it gives me the PIN, but the computer itself won’t let me input it, even though it’s supposedly connected to the network.

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MacBook requiring four digit PIN but no input field available

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