Forgot Your Mac Password? Here's How to Recover or Reset It
It happens to the best of us. One minute you are logging into your Mac, and the next you realise the password you’ve typed in is wrong. Maybe you’ve updated it recently or you've simply had a complete mental blank. Either way, being locked out of your own computer can feel stressful and frustrating.
The good news is that Apple has built several secure methods into macOS to help you recover your account or reset Mac password quickly and safely. Here’s how:
Method 1: Reset Using Your Apple Account (The Easiest Way)
For many Mac users, the simplest path to recovery is via your linked Apple Account (formerly Apple ID). This option is usually available if you associated your Apple Account with your user profile during the initial Mac setup.
How to Use Your Apple Account for a Password Reset
- Try a Few Times: On the Mac login screen, enter your password incorrectly three times.
- Look for the Hint: After the third incorrect attempt, you should see a message. This message often offers to reset Mac password using your Apple Account. It might say something like, "Restart and show password reset options" or "Reset it using your Apple Account."
- Follow the Prompts: Click the prompt message. Your Mac may restart and then guide you to sign in with your Apple Account email address and password.
- Verification: You might receive a verification code on another trusted device (like your iPhone). Enter this code on your Mac.
- Create a New Password: Once verified, you can select the user account you want to reset and create a brand-new, strong password and a helpful hint.
- Restart: Finally, click 'Restart' to log in with your new password.
Top Tip: If you see a small question mark next to the password field, click it first. This may reveal a password hint you set up, which could jog your memory!
Method 2: Use macOS Recovery Mode (The Reliable Option)
If the Apple Account method isn't available, or you are having trouble connecting, the next step is using macOS Recovery. This is the operating system's emergency toolkit.
Entering Recovery Mode
The steps depend on the chip your Mac uses:
For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 chips, etc.):
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Press and hold the Power button until you see "Loading startup options."
- Click Options, then click Continue.
For Intel-based Macs:
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Turn it on, then immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys.
- Hold these keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
Running the Password Reset Assistant
Once you are in Recovery Mode and see the macOS Utilities window:
- Open Terminal: On the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Utilities and then select Terminal.
- Type the Command: In the Terminal window, type resetpassword (all one word) and press Return.
- Launch the Assistant: The Reset Password window will open. If you are asked to select a user you know the password for, click "Forgot all passwords?"
- Follow Verification: Depending on your setup (and whether FileVault is enabled), you might be asked to sign in with your Apple Account or enter a FileVault Recovery Key. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Set the New Password: You will then be able to choose the user account and reset Mac password. Create a new password, verify it, and add a hint.
- Finish Up: Click Next or Save, then close the utility and restart your Mac using the Apple menu at the top. Log in with your new password.
Method 3: Using Your FileVault Recovery Key
If you use FileVault disk encryption, you may have received a 28-character recovery key when you first set it up. This key can be used as a final fallback.
- On the login screen, enter your password incorrectly until you see the message that allows you to reset Mac password using your recovery key.
- Type in the 28-character key precisely, including the hyphens.
- Follow the instructions to set your new password.
Important: The FileVault Recovery Key is a highly sensitive string of letters and numbers. If you lose your Mac password and the recovery key, and don't have an Apple Account linked, you may lose access to your data permanently.
Method 4: Getting Help from Another Admin User
If you share your Mac with someone who has an Administrator account, they can easily change your password for you.
- Have the Administrator log in to their account.
- Go to the Apple Menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
- Click Users & Groups.
- Click the lock icon at the bottom and enter the Admin's password to unlock the settings.
- Select your locked user account from the list.
- Click the Reset Password button and follow the simple steps to create a new password for your account.
A Word of Caution: What to Avoid
While trying to reset Mac password, please be careful not to delete your user account or use the "Erase Mac" option in Recovery Mode unless you are absolutely certain that you want to wipe all data from your computer. This should only be used as a last resort, for example, when preparing to sell a Mac you no longer need.
Now that you know how to reset Mac password, create a strong, memorable one and consider setting up a useful hint!
Sorting Out The Loose Ends
Can I reset my Mac password without my Apple Account?
Yes. If you don't have an Apple Account linked, you can use the macOS Recovery Mode method by accessing the Terminal and running the resetpassword command.
Will I lose any files if I reset my Mac password?
No, resetting your Mac password using any of the methods above will not delete or erase your files. It only changes the key that grants you access to your account.
What should I do if I forgot my Apple Account password too?
You need to reset your Apple Account password first via another trusted device or at iforgot.apple.com. Once you have a new Apple Account password, you can use it to reset your Mac login password.
How can I avoid forgetting my password in the future?
You should enable a password hint and consider using a reputable password manager app to store unique and complex passwords securely for all your accounts.
What is the difference between an Apple Account and my Mac password?
Your Mac login password unlocks your computer. Your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID) is for services like iCloud, the App Store, and Apple's website, though it can be used to reset your Mac password.
How do I get into Recovery Mode on the latest Mac models?
Shut down your Mac, then press and hold the Power button until you see startup options. Click Options and then Continue to enter Recovery Mode.
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Your Apple ID password unlocks access to iCloud, the App Store, iMessage, and more. If you’ve forgotten it, don’t panic. Finding or resetting your Apple ID password is simple with Apple’s built-in recovery options.
1. Check Password Saved in Keychain (iPhone or Mac)
If you previously saved your Apple ID password in iCloud Keychain:
On iPhone/iPad:
- Open Settings
- Tap Passwords
- Search for "Apple ID"
- Tap to view the saved password
On Mac:
- Open System Settings > Passwords
- Search for "Apple ID"
- If saved, you’ll find your Apple ID password here easily
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- Open Settings
- Tap your name at the top
- Tap Sign-In & Security (or Password & Security)
- Tap Change Password
- Follow the on-screen instructions
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