MacBook Return Steps

Following these steps in order is the fastest path to your refund. Skipping Step 1 is the #1 cause of refund or exchange delays.

πŸ”“ Step 1: Unlock the MacBook (required)

A locked MacBook is unusable to us. We cannot refund or exchange a locked machine. Do these in order. πŸ”Œ Keep the MacBook plugged into power and connected to Wi-Fi the whole time so it can check in with Apple's servers.

πŸ“ Step 1a - Turn off Find My

  • Open System Settings and click your name at the top
  • Click iCloud, then See All
  • Click Find My Mac, then Turn Off
  • Enter your Apple Account password when asked

πŸ‘€ Step 1b - Sign out of your Apple Account

  • Still in System Settings under your name, scroll to the bottom
  • Click Sign Out and confirm

πŸ—‘οΈ Step 1c - Erase the MacBook

  • Open System Settings, click General, then Transfer or Reset
  • Click Erase All Content and Settings and follow the prompts
  • The Mac will restart and may show a globe, a spinning wheel, or ask you to pick a Wi-Fi network. This is normal
  • Connect to Wi-Fi and let it finish on its own. Do not force it off and do not reinstall macOS. We handle that
  • ⚠️ If the Mac is shut off before it finishes checking in with Apple, it stays locked to your account, and we cannot clear that on our end. Letting it finish is the whole key
  • If you do not see Erase All Content and Settings in that menu, use this instead: restart the Mac and hold Command and R until the Apple logo appears, open Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD, click Erase, then quit and shut down

βœ… Step 1d - Final check

  • On your phone or any device, go to icloud.com/find and sign in. If the MacBook is listed, click it and choose Remove This Device
  • ⚠️ Choose Remove, not Erase. Erase alone leaves the lock on. If you already hit Erase, wait for Apple's "erased" email, then click Remove This Device
  • Then go to account.apple.com, sign in, click Devices. If the MacBook is listed, click it and choose Remove from account
  • If the Mac was shut off early, it can show up again on these pages. Check once more before you drop it off and remove it again if it reappears
  • Stuck? Apple Support can walk you through removal at 1-800-275-2273

πŸ”‘ Can't erase it, or did you set a startup password or disk encryption (Apple calls it FileVault or a firmware password)? Do not put the password in the box. Text it to us at (901) 206-2914 and we'll note it on your return.

πŸ“¦ Step 2: Pack it up

  • Your return shipping label is attached to your return approval email. You can also find it anytime at halfpricedmacs.com/apps/aftership-returns-center
  • Print the shipping label, the packing slip, and the Lithium Battery Warning label: halfpricedmacs.com/battery-label
  • Place the packing slip inside the box with the MacBook
  • Pack it securely. The original box is great, or any sturdy box with padding
  • Attach the shipping label and the Lithium Battery Warning to the outside of the box
  • No printer? Email the label to any FedEx Office store and they will print it for you

    • 🚚 Step 3: Ship it

    • Drop off at any authorized FedEx location

    βœ‰οΈ Step 4: What's next

    • You'll get an email when we receive your package
    • Our tech unpacks and inspects the MacBook and confirms all locks and passwords are cleared. Your refund or exchange is issued within 3 business days of receipt once it clears inspection

    Questions? Open live chat at halfpricedmacs.com or text us at (901) 206-2914.