How to Reset a Forgotten Administrator Password on Mac

/ How To Fix, Mac / By
Mac administrator password reset illustration

A forgotten administrator password can block login, app installs, updates, and system changes. macOS provides several recovery paths depending on Apple ID setup, other admin accounts, and FileVault state.

This guide applies to Apple Silicon and Intel Macs running recent macOS versions.

Does This Affect You?

Use these methods if you forgot the password for an admin account or cannot approve administrator prompts. Start with Apple ID reset if it appears at the login screen.

Reset with Apple ID

  1. At the login screen, enter the wrong password three times.
  2. If macOS offers to reset using Apple ID, choose that option.
  3. Sign in with the Apple ID and password linked to the Mac account.
  4. Create a new Mac login password and hint.
  5. Log in with the new password.

If the Apple ID option does not appear, the account may not be linked for reset or FileVault settings may require another route.

Reset from Another Administrator Account

  1. Log in to another administrator account on the same Mac.
  2. Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
  3. Select the locked-out account.
  4. Choose Reset Password, authenticating if macOS asks.
  5. Set a new password and log in to the affected account.

This resets login access but may not unlock the old Keychain automatically, so saved Wi-Fi passwords and website logins may need to be re-entered.

Reset from macOS Recovery

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. On Apple Silicon, hold the power button until startup options appear, then choose Options. On Intel, turn on the Mac and hold Command + R.
  3. In Recovery, choose Utilities > Terminal.
  4. Run resetpassword and press Return.
  5. Close Terminal when the reset tool opens.
  6. Select the user account, create a new password, and restart.

Password Reset Notes

FileVault May Need a Recovery Key

If FileVault is enabled, the disk may need a FileVault recovery key before password reset works. Store that key securely away from the Mac.

Keychain May Be Separate

After some resets, macOS may create a new keychain or ask for the old password to unlock saved passwords. This is normal security behavior.

Prepare for Next Time

Keep the Mac signed in to Apple ID with two-factor authentication and store FileVault recovery information in a password manager.

Sources

  • Apple Support: If you forgot your Mac password
  • Apple Support: Reset a login password using macOS Recovery
  • Apple Support: Use Apple ID to reset your Mac password
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Private Policy page.
A thoughtful woman reads a newspaper while enjoying coffee at an indoor workspace.

DEALWEEK

SUBSCRIBE AND GET 20% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER! OFFER ENDS SOON - DON’T MISS OUT!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Shopping Cart