If you’ve forgotten your login password or need to reset another user’s on your Mac, you can regain access using built-in tools. This guide covers all the options for resetting any user’s password on a Mac, from simple System Settings changes to advanced Recovery Mode procedures.
Before you start: Ensure you have an administrator account for resetting other users’ passwords. Back up your Mac using Time Machine or another method to avoid data loss. Have your Apple ID credentials and FileVault recovery key ready if applicable.
Warning: Password resets can lead to data loss if you choose to erase your Mac. These actions are irreversible in some cases, and improper use may trigger Activation Lock or require reinstalling macOS.
Follow these methods based on your situation, starting with the simplest if you have admin access.
Method 1: Changing your own password in System Settings involves logging in with the password you want to change, opening the Apple menu, and selecting System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click Users & Groups in the sidebar, then click the i icon next to your username to open the info window. Select Change… next to the Password field, enter your current password, and type the new password twice; add a hint if desired. Click Change Password to save; use the new password on next login.
Method 2: Resetting another user’s password in System Settings requires logging in with an administrator account, opening System Settings, and clicking Users & Groups. Click the i icon next to the target user’s name, select Reset… next to their Password field, enter the new password twice, and add a hint if needed. Click Reset Password; the user will need the new password on their next login.
Method 3: Resetting at startup on macOS Catalina or later involves restarting your Mac, ensuring it’s connected to the internet, and entering your password incorrectly up to three times at the login screen. After the third failed attempt, select an option like Restart and show password reset options, Reset it using your Apple ID, or Reset it using your recovery key. Follow the on-screen prompts, which may include signing in with your Apple ID, selecting a volume, or entering a FileVault recovery key, to complete the reset.
Method 4: Resetting at startup on macOS Mojave or earlier requires entering your password incorrectly a few times at the startup login screen. If prompted, use your Apple ID and password to reset. Enter your recovery key if FileVault is enabled and the option appears.
Method 5: Using Recovery Mode involves starting your Mac in Recovery Mode: if Apple silicon, press and hold the power button until Startup Options appear, then click Options and Continue; if Intel-based, immediately press Command + R after pressing the power button. Select Forgot all passwords? if the option appears, and follow the prompts to reset using your Apple ID, recovery key, or by selecting an admin account, entering a new password, and clicking Next, then Restart.
Method 6: Using Terminal in Recovery Mode requires opening Utilities from the menu bar and selecting Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Return to launch the Reset Password assistant. Select Forgot all passwords? if prompted for an admin password, and follow the assistant steps: select Deactivate Mac if needed for Activation Lock, enter your Apple ID, type the new password twice, then click Exit. Restart your Mac and log in with the new password.
Method 7: Erasing your Mac as a last resort involves selecting Erase Mac from the Recovery Assistant menu in Recovery Mode, confirming the erasure, and restarting into Recovery Mode again. Reinstall macOS from the utilities, then set up your Mac as new or restore from a backup.
Pro tip: Always set a password hint during changes to jog your memory in the future, and enable FileVault for added security while keeping your recovery key in a safe place.
Regaining access to your Mac through password resets ensures you don’t lose important files or work due to a forgotten credential. It promotes better security practices, like using strong, unique passwords and regular backups, which protect against unauthorized access. These methods also highlight Apple’s built-in safeguards, such as Recovery Mode and Apple ID integration, making it easier to recover without third-party tools. Ultimately, mastering password management reduces downtime and keeps your device secure in the long run.
