Forgot your Mac password? How to reset it

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

A Mac does not let you look up a forgotten login password, but it lets you set a new one if you can prove who you are with your Apple Account or with the recovery key from FileVault. Apple's steps go from the gentle options to erasing the Mac.

Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings.

Step by step

1. Rule out a typing problem

   Restart the Mac. At the login window, check whether Caps Lock is on, and check the keyboard language in the Input menu at the top right. Passwords are case-sensitive.

   Done

2. Look at the password hint

   Click the question mark next to the password field. If you added a hint when you created the password, it is shown here.

   Done

3. Use the reset message

   After up to three wrong attempts, a message appears such as Reset Password or Restart and show password reset options. Click it.

   Done

4. Prove who you are

   Follow the instructions. Depending on the set-up, you sign in with your Apple Account and enter a code sent to your other devices, or you type the FileVault recovery key, a code of 24 letters and digits.

   Done

5. Choose a new password

   Select your startup disk if asked, usually Macintosh HD, select your user account and enter a new password. Write down a hint you will understand later.

   Done

6. If no message appears: macOS Recovery

   Shut the Mac down. On a Mac with Apple silicon, press and hold the power button until the startup options appear, click Options and Continue. On an Intel Mac, hold Command + R while it starts. Click Forgot all passwords? and follow the instructions.

   Done

7. Last resort: erase the Mac

   If you have neither the Apple Account nor the recovery key, choose Erase Mac from the Recovery Assistant menu in the menu bar. This deletes all accounts and data. You then reinstall macOS and restore from a backup.

   Done

Good to know

After a reset, the Mac may say it cannot unlock your login keychain, where saved passwords are kept. Create a new keychain when asked. Passwords stored in iCloud come back after you sign in.

A message that the account is locked means too many attempts. Wait for the time shown, restart and try again.

The recovery key may be saved in the Passwords app on your iPhone or iPad, if they use the same Apple Account.

If you know the password and only want a new one: how to change your password on a Mac. What FileVault does: how to turn on FileVault on a Mac.

In short: Check Caps Lock and keyboard, hint, reset message after three attempts, Apple Account or recovery key, new password, Recovery, erase as last resort.