How to reset admin password on Mac in a few simple steps

This guide helps you regain access to your Mac if you've forgotten your admin password. Several methods are explained, catering to different scenarios.

Facing a locked Mac? Don't panic! macOS provides several ways to reset your admin password without data loss. The best method depends on your Mac's setup. Let's explore your options:

Method 1: Using Your Apple ID

This is the simplest approach if your account is linked to an Apple ID and you've enabled Apple ID password recovery.

1. Enter an incorrect password three times.
2. Select the Apple ID reset option.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.

Important: This method only works if Apple ID password recovery is already enabled.

Tip: After resetting, optimize your Mac's performance by removing unnecessary files and logs using CleanMyMac. Download it from Setapp for a streamlined cleanup process.

Method 2: Using Another Admin Account

If another admin account exists on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Log in with the other admin account.
2. Navigate to Apple menu > System Settings > Users & Groups.
3. Select the locked account, click the information icon, and choose "Reset Password."
4. Create and confirm a new password.

This method is ideal for shared Macs, allowing authorized users to assist others.

Tip: Securely store your passwords using an app like Secrets 4, which employs 256-bit encryption.

Method 3: Recovery Mode

If neither of the above options works, use Recovery Mode:

1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command R until the Apple logo appears.
2. Select "Terminal" from the macOS Utilities menu.
3. Type resetpassword and press Return.
4. Select your disk and account, then set a new password.

Recovery Mode offers various system functions without requiring login credentials.

What if you lack an Apple ID or another admin account?

Consider Single User Mode:

1. Restart and hold Command S until you see text on a black screen.
2. Type mount -uw / and press Return.
3. Type rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone and press Return.
4. Type reboot and press Return. You'll then be guided through initial setup.

This method works by resetting the account setup process.

Troubleshooting:

• Keychain Errors: Reset your Keychain via Keychain Access > Settings > Reset My Default Keychain.
• Recovery Mode Issues: Reset NVRAM (Option Command P R) and SMC (instructions vary by Mac model).
• FileVault Problems: Use your FileVault recovery key.

Regaining Access:

Remember, you can always reset your Mac to factory settings using Recovery Mode or Terminal, though this involves data loss unless you've backed up beforehand. For password management, consider Secrets 4 and CleanMyMac, available on Setapp.

FAQs:

• Forgotten Password? Use your Apple ID, another admin account, or Recovery Mode.
• Finding Your Password? You can't directly recover it, but you can reset it using the methods above.
• Resetting Without Admin Password? Yes, using Recovery Mode (Command R) or Single User Mode (Command S).

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