Reset a Forgotten Mac Password

Category: macOS · Audience: Customers & Technicians · Est. time: 10–20 min

Summary

How to regain access to a Mac when the login password is forgotten. The best method depends on whether the account is linked to an Apple ID and whether FileVault is on.

⚠️ Security note: Technicians must verify the user's identity before resetting. On a FileVault‑encrypted Mac, losing all keys means the data is unrecoverable — never wipe without confirming a backup.

Option 1 — Reset with Apple ID (most common)

1. At the login screen, enter a wrong password a few times until you see "reset it using your Apple ID" (or a ? appears).
2. Click it, sign in with the Apple ID linked to the account, and follow the prompts to set a new password.
3. You may be asked to create a new login keychain — that's expected.

Option 2 — Recovery Assistant reset

1. Shut down. Apple Silicon: hold the power button until "Loading startup options" → Options → Continue. Intel: hold ⌘ + R at startup.
2. In macOS Recovery, open the menu Utilities → Terminal, type resetpassword, press Return.
3. Follow the Reset Password Assistant to choose the account and set a new password (you may need the Apple ID or a FileVault recovery key).

Option 3 — Another admin resets it

• If a second administrator account exists on the Mac, sign in there → System Settings → Users & Groups → select the user → Reset/Change password. (The user's login keychain may need to be reset afterwards.)

If that doesn't work

• No Apple ID, no other admin, and no FileVault key → the account password can't be recovered; the Mac must be erased and reinstalled (data lost unless backed up).
• Escalate to BBN Support before erasing anything — we'll confirm backup status first.

Prevention

• Link the account to an Apple ID, record the FileVault recovery key somewhere safe, and keep Time Machine / BBN backups current.