PH16-71-948L - Unexpected BIOS lock after update, How do I contact ACER to get my BIOS Unlock Code?

Earlier this year, around Feb or March of 2025, an update on my PH16-71-948L (Pred Helios 16) caused my UEFI/BIOS to suddenly require a password. Prior to the update, it would just open the UEFI upon hitting F2. I never created a password nor did I ever select that option. I saw some other people around that time make posts about the same issue.

Anyway, I need to get into my BIOS now so I need to address the issue. I did the thing where I typed the wrong password in 3 times to make it prompt for a FAT32 formated usb to dump a Unlock Code onto it, which according to the guys at my local Acer Support Center, I can then give this code to someone at Acer to get a passcode that will unlock my Bios.

Who and how do I contact to get this code? I doubt AnswersBy can handle it and my laptop is out of warranty.

[Edited the thread to add model name to the title]

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BlackWolf75

Additional info plus I forgot to mention I tried the CMOS reset and it did not clear it.

I called Acer. Warranty ended 3/2025 so I get sent to Answers By, the 3rd party service. I pay the $100 fee - bs - and then after crossing the language barrier we discover that they don't have permission or the ability to take the code I got from my UEFI to generate an Unlock Code. They send me back to Acer and the automated system sends me back to Answers By.

What f— bs is this that I have to go through such hoops to unlock a Bios I USED to be able to access until some weird update did this!? And if Acer treats it's customers out of warranty as mere plebs then at least give Answers By the fricken tools to fix this issue!

I'm guessing at this point I will have to send it in to Acer Repair or give it back to the local Acer approved Service techs to reprogram the eprom or whatever.

This guy had a similar problem around the same time I noticed this on my laptop.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/703243/predator-helios-neo-16-laptop-bios-lock-after-bsod-how-to-retrieve-unlock-code

Kiriko

you might be able to disconnect your laptops main battery and the cmos battery that might erase the bios password though i dont know if that still works for a modern bios

StevenGen

Can you please tell us which bios version this was that put that password onto your bios, as this should NOT be happening and its good information for other Acer community users of the same Predator Helios PH16-71 model laptops to know.

There are methods of unlocking this automatically generated password of either an 8 or 10 digit code that was a symptom of Acer bios before, there is an unlock method on You Tube, so search there, sorry that is as far as I can go as the Acer community rules forbid any guides to be given out on bios or any password unlock methods. try that and let us know, good luck.

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Samuel-Acer

Hi BlackWolf75,

Unfortunately, we do not allow/provide direct support or discuss any steps on unlocking BIOS passwords or bypassing of security features. (Please check/ review our Acer Community User Agreement)