How to Reset Your MacBook Password When You've Forgotten It
- Eliodra Rechel
- Aug 2
- 7 min read
We've all been there – staring at the login screen of our MacBook, mind completely blank about what password we set. Whether you changed it recently or haven't used your Mac in a while, forgetting your MacBook password can feel like being locked out of your own home. The good news? Apple has built several ways to get back in, and none of them require technical wizardry or calling expensive support services.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through multiple proven methods to reset your forgotten MacBook password, help you understand which approach is best for your situation, and provide tips to prevent this frustrating experience in the future. Don't worry – in most cases, you can regain access to your Mac without losing any data.
Quick Password Recovery Solutions
Before diving into detailed methods, here's a quick reference guide based on your specific situation:
Your Situation | Best Recovery Method |
Mac linked to Apple ID | Reset with Apple ID (fastest method) |
No Apple ID linked | Recovery Mode with Terminal |
FileVault enabled | Use FileVault Recovery Key |
Another admin account available | Reset via other admin account |
None of the above | Recovery Mode or contact Apple Support |
The MacBook login screen offers password reset options after failed attempts
Method 1: Reset MacBook Password with Apple ID
If you've linked your Apple ID to your Mac account (which is common with newer macOS versions), this is the fastest and easiest recovery method. Your Apple ID essentially serves as a master key to regain access to your Mac.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
At the login screen, enter any password incorrectly three times.
Look for the message "If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID" that appears.
Click on the Reset it using your Apple ID option.
Enter your Apple ID email and password when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password for your Mac account.
Restart your Mac when prompted and log in with your new password.
Enter your Apple ID credentials to reset your Mac password
Important: If you've forgotten both your Mac password AND your Apple ID password, you'll need to recover your Apple ID first before using this method.
Method 2: Reset Password Using Recovery Mode
If your Mac isn't linked to an Apple ID or the Apple ID method isn't working, Recovery Mode provides a powerful alternative. This method works on all Mac computers but requires slightly different steps depending on whether you have an Intel-based Mac or one with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.).
For Intel-based Macs:
Shut down your Mac completely.
Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R until you see the Apple logo or spinning globe.
Wait for the Recovery Mode screen to load (it may take a few minutes).
For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2):
Shut down your Mac completely.
Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options" appear.
Click on Options, then click Continue.
Recovery Mode provides access to password reset utilities
Resetting Password in Recovery Mode:
Once in Recovery Mode, select Utilities from the top menu bar.
Click on Terminal.
In the Terminal window, type resetpassword (all one word, no spaces) and press Return.
The Password Reset utility will open. Select your main hard drive.
Select your user account from the list.
Enter and verify a new password. Add a password hint if desired.
Click Save, then restart your Mac.
Log in with your new password.
Type 'resetpassword' in Terminal to access the password reset utility
Warning: If FileVault is enabled on your Mac, this method may not work unless you have the FileVault recovery key. In that case, try Method 3 instead.
Method 3: Reset Password with FileVault Recovery Key
If you've enabled FileVault disk encryption on your Mac (a recommended security practice), you can use your FileVault recovery key to reset your password. When you first set up FileVault, macOS generated this key and prompted you to save it somewhere safe.
How to Use Your FileVault Recovery Key:
At the login screen, enter any password incorrectly three times.
Look for the message about resetting your password.
Click on Reset it using your recovery key.
Enter your 24-character FileVault recovery key when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.
Log in with your new password.
Enter your FileVault recovery key to reset your password
Can't find your recovery key? Unfortunately, Apple cannot recover your FileVault key for you. If you don't have the key and can't use other methods, you may need to erase your Mac and restore from a backup.
Method 4: Reset Password Using Another Admin Account
If your Mac has multiple user accounts and you have access to another administrator account, you can use it to reset the password for your locked account. This method is quick and doesn't require restarting in Recovery Mode.
Steps to Reset Password from Another Admin Account:
Log in to your Mac using the other administrator account.
Click on the Apple menu (🍎) in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences in older macOS versions).
Click on Users & Groups.
Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter the admin password to make changes.
Select the user account with the forgotten password from the list on the left.
Click Reset Password or the info (i) button and then Change Password.
Enter and verify a new password, and add an optional password hint.
Click Change Password to save the changes.
Log out of the admin account and log in to your account with the new password.
Reset a user's password through System Settings > Users & Groups
Understanding Data Loss Risks During Password Reset
One of the biggest concerns when resetting a forgotten MacBook password is whether you'll lose your data in the process. Here's what you need to know about data protection during password recovery:
Safe Methods (No Data Loss)
Resetting with Apple ID
Using another admin account
Using FileVault recovery key
Recovery Mode password reset (in most cases)
Methods with Data Risk
Erasing and reinstalling macOS (last resort)
Recovery Mode if FileVault is enabled but key is lost
Third-party password cracking tools (not recommended)
Regular Time Machine backups protect your data in worst-case scenarios
"The best protection against data loss isn't just knowing how to reset your password—it's having a recent backup of your important files."
— Apple Support recommendation
Protect Your Data Before Password Issues Occur
The best time to prepare for password problems is before they happen. Set up automatic Time Machine backups to an external drive to ensure your data is always protected. Learn How to Set Up Time Machine
Preventing Future Password Problems
Now that you've regained access to your MacBook, let's make sure you don't find yourself in this situation again. Here are some effective strategies to manage your Mac passwords securely:
Create Memorable Passwords
Use a passphrase that combines multiple words with numbers and symbols that have personal meaning to you. For example, "Blue$ky42Sailing!" is both secure and memorable.
Set Up Password Hints
Always create a helpful password hint that jogs your memory without revealing the actual password to others. Access this in System Settings > Users & Groups.
Link Your Apple ID
Ensure your Mac account is linked to your Apple ID for easy password recovery. This is usually done during setup but can be added later in System Settings.
A password manager helps you securely store and organize all your passwords
Use a Password Manager
The most reliable solution for password management is using a dedicated password manager. These tools securely store all your passwords, generate strong unique passwords for each account, and sync across all your devices so you're never locked out.
Benefits of Password Managers
Store all passwords in one secure vault
Generate strong, unique passwords
Auto-fill passwords on websites and apps
Sync across all your devices
Secure notes for recovery keys
Password health monitoring
Never Forget Another Password
A good password manager is your best defense against forgotten passwords. Try a trusted solution that works seamlessly with your Mac and other Apple devices. Explore Password Manager Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my MacBook password delete my files?
No, the standard password reset methods (Apple ID, Recovery Mode, another admin account, or FileVault recovery key) will not delete your files or data. Your files remain intact when you reset just the password. However, if you need to erase and reinstall macOS as a last resort, you will lose data that isn't backed up.
What if I don't have my Apple ID linked to my Mac?
If your Apple ID isn't linked to your Mac account, you can still reset your password using Recovery Mode with the Terminal command "resetpassword" or by using another admin account if available. For future security, consider linking your Apple ID after regaining access.
How many password attempts do I get before my Mac locks me out?
macOS doesn't permanently lock you out after a specific number of attempts. However, it will introduce increasingly longer delays between attempts after multiple failures. After three failed attempts, password reset options will appear, which is the recommended path rather than continuing to guess.
Can Apple Support reset my password for me?
Apple Support cannot directly reset your Mac password remotely. However, they can guide you through the appropriate reset methods based on your specific situation. For security reasons, Apple designed macOS so that even they cannot access your encrypted data without proper credentials.
What if none of these methods work for me?
If you've tried all password reset methods without success, your last resort is to erase your Mac and reinstall macOS. This will remove all data, so it should only be done if you have a backup or are willing to lose your files. You can do this through Recovery Mode by selecting "Erase Mac" or "Reinstall macOS."
Apple Support offers additional guidance for complex password recovery situations
Conclusion: Stay Prepared for Password Issues
Forgetting your MacBook password can be stressful, but as we've seen, Apple provides several ways to regain access to your device. The key is to stay calm and methodically try the appropriate recovery method for your situation.
To summarize the most effective approaches:
Try resetting with your Apple ID first (fastest and easiest)
Use Recovery Mode with the Terminal if Apple ID isn't an option
Try your FileVault recovery key if you have FileVault enabled
Use another admin account if available
Most importantly, take preventative measures now that you've regained access. Link your Apple ID to your Mac account, create meaningful password hints, set up regular Time Machine backups, and consider using a password manager to prevent future lockouts.
With the right recovery method, you'll be back to using your Mac in no time
Secure All Your Passwords Today
Don't wait until you're locked out of another account. Take control of your digital security with a comprehensive password management solution.
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