Unofficial archive. This is a read-only, community-run archive of the Apple Support Community. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.
trdenman
User level: Level 1 (1 points)

MacBook M3: Advanced Data Protection fails due to incorrect macOS

I replaced an older MacBook with an M3 model. I cannot enable Advanced Data Protection on my M3. The error message reads, "This device can't be updated to the latest version of macOS. Remove from your account." .

I verified the M3 is running macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1, but both System Settings and account.apple.com incorrectly report that it is running macOS 12.7.5, which I suspect is the last version the old MacBook was using.

I have verified that the serial numbers match, so it seems Apple is identifying the correct computer but reporting the wrong operating system. How do I correct this?

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 11:09 AM

2 replies

neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 22, 2026 11:14 AM in response to trdenman

To fix the mismatched operating system report and enable Advanced Data Protection, you need to flush the stale device cache on Apple’s servers by removing the old device record and re-registering your M3 Mac. 


Step-by-Step Fix:


Remove the M3 Mac from Your Apple Account

  • Go to Apple Account Settings and sign in with your Apple ID.
  • Select Devices and click on your M3 MacBook from the list.
  • Click Remove from Account and confirm the prompt.
  • Alternatively, you can remove it directly on the Mac via System Settings > click your Apple Account/Name > scroll down to the device list, select the Mac, and click Remove from Account.
  • More info from Apple: Review devices signed in to your Apple Account - Apple Support


Sign Out of iCloud on the M3 Mac

  • Open System Settings on your M3 MacBook.
  • Click your Apple Account Name at the top of the sidebar.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Sign Out.
  • Restart your Mac after signing out.


Re-sign In and Trigger Telemetry Update

  • Open System Settings and sign back into your Apple Account with your Apple ID and two-factor authentication code.
  • Give the system a few minutes to sync your current macOS version (Golden Gate 27.0.1) with Apple's servers.
  • Check Apple Account Settings or System Settings to confirm it now displays the correct operating system version instead of the legacy version.


Enable Advanced Data Protection

  • Once the correct OS version registers on your account, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection and click Turn On Advanced Data Protection



trdenman Author
User level: Level 1 (1 points)

Oct 26, 2026 10:19 AM in response to neuroanatomist

I followed the above. Deleted the old machine, signed out of the new M3. When I signed back in, the old machine came back with the new IOS and the new machine with the old IOS. Right back where we started. Old hardware is lost so I can't sign off and brick from original hardware. Any other thoughts?



Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256381042