A password remains the most popular way to protect a Mac. Since these devices are often vital in our daily lives, forgetting a password can be extremely inconvenient. Fortunately, there are solutions. Forgot your Mac login password or even administrator password? Read on to find out how to Reset Mac Login Password.
Reset Mac Login Password
The first time you buy a Mac, whoever sets it up becomes the administrator of the computer. The administrator sets a password that is often different from the one he uses to log into his computer.
If you have forgotten your Mac login password, try one or both of the following options.
1. Reset Your Mac Login Password Using Your Apple ID
The easiest way to reset your Mac login password is to use your Apple ID. To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Restart your Mac. Enter your password incorrectly three times after the restart.
2. Click the message below the password entry that says you can use your Apple ID to reset your credentials.
3. Enter your Apple ID and password before clicking on “Reset Password.”
4. Your computer will reboot into Recovery Assistant and a window will appear asking you to reset your password. Please enter your new information before clicking “Next”.
To reset your Mac with your Apple ID, you must have this option enabled. To do this, go to “System Preferences> Users and Groups” and check the box next to “Allow users to reset their password using Apple ID.”
2. Reset Your Mac Login Password Using Recovery Mode
To enter recovery mode, you need to restart your computer and hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo. Then select Disk Utility from the list of options:
1. Click Utilities and go to Terminal.
2. Enter the following into the terminal:
resetpassword
Then press Enter and select your computer’s hard drive.
3. Select your user account and reset your password.
Once you have set your new password, restart your computer. Try to log in with your new password. Everything should be back to normal now, but with a new password.
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Reset the Mac Admin Password
While using your login password to log into your Mac, you can use the administrator password to perform administrative tasks. You will need these credentials, for example, to remove some applications or to access certain parts of your device.
Here is how you can reset your administrator password, regardless of whether you have one or more administrators.
1. Reset the Admin Password (Single Admin)
If your Mac has only one administrator, you will need to know your old password to reset it while connected to your computer.
However, you can reset it by entering recovery mode.
1. Press and hold Command + R to restart your device.
2. Launch the terminal and enter the following:
resetpassword
Then press ENTER.
3. Select your administrator account and enter a new password.
4. Once you have confirmed everything, restart your Mac.
2. Reset the Admin Password (Multiple Admins)
If you have more than one administrator on your Mac, changing an administrator password is easy.
You must be an administrator on your Mac to perform the following steps.
1. Click on the Apple logo at the top left of your Mac screen.
2. Go to “System Preferences> Users and Groups”.
3. Click the lock symbol at the bottom of the window and enter your login password.
4. Find the “Other Users” section on the left sidebar and select the administrator profile that needs the new password.
5. Click the “Reset Password” button.
6. Enter the new password in the “New Password” box, then re-enter it in “Verify.”
7. Inform the administrator that you’ve changed their password.
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Reset Your iCloud Password
To reset your iCloud password:
1. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID, and press “Continue.”
2. Go to your Mac’s Notification Center. You should see a “Reset Password” notification here. Hover over it and tap the Show button.
3. When the next window opens, select “Reset Password.”
4. Enter your Mac’s login password and click on “Allow.”
5. Enter the new password and confirm your changes. Your password should change immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why won’t my Mac let me reset my password?
If your Mac doesn’t allow you to reset an administrator password, you may not have permission to do so. If you don’t see the option to reset with your Apple ID on the sign in page, it is likely that you have not enabled that option.
2. Can I log in to my Mac without my password?
Yes, but only if you have configured automatic login. Otherwise, you will need your login details to log in.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve forgotten your Mac password, changing your information doesn’t have to be complicated if you’re comfortable using Terminal. Whether you don’t remember your login details, administrator password, or access to your iCloud account, the processes are simple.
