Forgot Mac password and locked out (legitimate owner)

Symptoms

• Password prompt rejects the password you believe is correct
• No 'forgot password' hint appears or the hint doesn't help
• Only one user account exists on the Mac
• Caps Lock or keyboard layout might be affecting entry

Likely causes

• CommonSimply mistyping or forgetting the actual passwordThis is by far the most common and easiest to resolve scenario.
• CommonCaps Lock or an unexpected keyboard layout affecting what's typedThis causes many false 'wrong password' situations.
• PossibleThe Mac's Apple ID-linked password reset option not being set upWithout this, recovery may require using Recovery Mode instead.
• PossibleFileVault encryption complicating simple resetsFileVault requires either the recovery key or an Apple ID tied to an admin account to reset safely.
• PossibleNo other admin account exists to reset the password fromThis determines whether you can fix it directly in System Settings or need Recovery Mode.

What to do

1. Double check Caps Lock is off and confirm you're using the correct keyboard layout.
2. If a password hint appears after several failed attempts, use it to jog your memory.
3. If you have another administrator account on the same Mac, log into that and reset the locked account's password via System Settings > Users & Groups.
4. If prompted, use 'Forgot password?' at the login screen, which can let you reset it using your Apple ID if that feature is enabled.
5. If FileVault is on, you may be prompted for your FileVault recovery key instead, which you should have saved when it was set up.
6. As a last resort, restart into macOS Recovery (Command+R on Intel, or via the startup options on Apple silicon) and use Terminal's 'resetpassword' utility, following Apple's official guidance.
7. Once back in, immediately set a new password you'll remember, and consider using a password manager going forward.
8. If FileVault is enabled and you don't have the recovery key or a linked Apple ID, recovery may not be possible without erasing the drive, so treat that information carefully in the future.

Tools and parts

• None required

When to call a pro

If Recovery Mode options don't work and you don't have a FileVault recovery key, an Apple Store can advise on options, though a full erase and setup may ultimately be required.

Safety