MacBook password is the login password you set during initial setup that locks your Mac whenever you wake it from sleep or restart. But sometimes you forget the password for many reasons, e.g., you have not used the MacBook in months, your IT changed it without telling you, you mixed it up with another password or you set a long passphrase and now cannot remember the exact wording.
Heads up before you panic. There are four real ways to reset your MacBook password. Apple has made this surprisingly user-friendly. Trust me on this, you do not need to wipe the Mac unless every option fails.
This easy guide will help you recover your MacBook password by walking you through Apple ID reset, FileVault recovery key, another admin account and Recovery Mode and helping you avoid the wipe-and-reinstall option until you have to.
Method 1: Reset Using Your Apple ID
This works if you set up password reset with your Apple ID. Most newer Macs prompt you to do this during setup.
- On the login screen, type a wrong password three times.
- After the third wrong attempt, you see Reset it using your Apple ID.
- Click that.
- Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Click Reset Password.
- Set a new password.
Done. Login with the new password.
Method 2: Use FileVault Recovery Key
If you enabled FileVault disk encryption, you have a 24-character recovery key. Apple saved it to your iCloud or showed it to you at setup.
- On the login screen, click your profile and try three wrong passwords.
- Click Reset using your recovery key.
- Enter the 24-character key.
- Set a new password.
If you stored the key in iCloud Keychain on another Apple device, look there. If you wrote it on paper, find that paper.
Method 3: Use Another Admin Account
If you have another admin user on the Mac, they can reset your password.
- Log in with the other admin account.
- Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
- Find your account.
- Click the info button and choose Reset Password.
- Set a new password for your account.
- Log out and log back in as you.
Important. Your old keychain stays locked with the old password. You may need to set up a new keychain.
Method 4: Use Recovery Mode
This is the deeper option for Macs that do not have FileVault or Apple ID reset.
For Apple Silicon Macs:
- Shut down the Mac.
- Hold the power button until you see Loading startup options.
- Click Options > Continue.
- From the Utilities menu, choose Terminal.
- Type: resetpassword and press Return.
- Follow the wizard to reset.
For Intel Macs, hold Command + R during boot instead.
What Happens to Your Files After Reset
Real talk. Resetting password does not delete files. Your Documents, Pictures, Music all stay.
BUT, your old keychain (saved WiFi passwords, app logins, Safari passwords) is locked to the old password. You will need to set up a fresh keychain or restore from iCloud Keychain backup.
What If Nothing Works
Last resort. Erase and reinstall macOS. You lose everything not in iCloud or Time Machine backup.
- Boot into Recovery Mode.
- Open Disk Utility.
- Erase the startup disk.
- Quit Disk Utility and choose Reinstall macOS.
Only do this if you have a recent backup. Otherwise files are gone.
My Honest Opinion
Personally I keep my Apple ID password reset enabled and FileVault recovery key in iCloud Keychain. Belt and suspenders. If you forget your MacBook password, one of those two always saves you.
Skip the eraser if you can. You have several chances before you need to nuke the drive.
Final Thoughts
Recovering your MacBook password is usually a click on the login screen. Three wrong tries to trigger Apple ID reset, then enter your Apple ID. Backup options are FileVault key, another admin account or Recovery Mode terminal.
Also, if you follow our steps and still face difficulties recovering your MacBook password, seek help from Apple Support or leave a comment in the comment section of our blog.