The Apple macOS Blog

Locked out of your very own Mac just because you've lost or forgotten the password?
Today I'll show you how to reset your Mac's password; as usual let's just dive straight in!

Using Apple ID

Resetting your password is extra simple if you've linked your Apple ID to your Mac.

1. Enter any (wrong) password at the login screen more than once. Login will fail and you should see a message that says If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID.
2. Click the arrow next to that message.
3. Enter your Apple ID and password.
4. Follow the instructions to create a new Mac password.

After you've done this you'll be back and all in your Mac in no time!

Using Recovery Mode to Reset the Password

If you don't have an Apple ID connected to your Mac or if that option isn't working, for example if your internet connection is down, you can use macOS's built-in Recovery Mode.

1. Shut your Mac down completely.
2. Press the power button and immediately hold down ⌘ + R to boot into Recovery Mode.
3. Once in Recovery Mode, select Utilities > Terminal from the menu.
4. In the Terminal window, type resetpassword and hit Enter.
5. The Reset Password window will appear. Select your Mac hard drive and choose the user account you need to reset.
6. Follow the instructions to create a new Mac password.

This procedure works well and is especially good to know if you don't have access to a network.

Using FileVault Recovery Key

If File Vault is enabled on your Mac you should have saved the recovery key somewhere. You'll absolutely need this recovery key to reset your password.

What is this FileVault "Recovery Key"?

Turning on FileVault gives your Mac an extra layer of security. It keeps anyone from decrypting or getting access to your data without entering your Mac's login password. The first time you turn on FileVault you are shown a recovery key. This recovery key can be used to unlock your Mac in case you forget the password.

Retrieve the recovery key

Retrieving the recovery key will depend on where you chose to save it.

1. Saved to your iCloud? If you stored the recovery key in iCloud you can get to it by logging into your iCloud account using another device like your by visiting icloud.com.
2. Printed or saved to disk? If you printed or saved the recovery key somewhere, find the document or file where you saved it. The key is a string of numbers and letters seperated by dashes (-) it actually looks similar to a Windows activation key. 😀

Once you have access to your recovery key you can use it to unlock your Mac.

How to Use the FileVault Recovery Key:

1. Enter the incorrect password three times until you see the option to reset it using your recovery key.
2. Click Restart to begin the process.
3. When prompted, enter your FileVault Recovery Key.
4. Follow the instructions to set a new password.

This method is a great safety net for those who’ve enabled FileVault and kept their recovery key safe.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the above methods above worked for you you'll need to contact Apple Support. They may ask for proof of purchase but they'll be able to guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps to get back into your Mac.

One Final Tip: Be Prepared

These 2 things will save you lots of time if you're ever locked out of your Mac again:

1. Link your Apple ID to your Mac; do this by signing into your Apple ID from System Settings > Sign in.
2. When you enable FileVault, either upload your recovery key to iCloud or record it offline in a safe place. 

Now that you've reset your password and regained access don't forget to give iBoostUp a try! It's free to download and can help you optimize performance and keep your Mac secure against malware. Using iBoostUp helps you avoid potential issues down the road.

See you next time!
  ❤️ Maria