How to change your password on a Mac

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Your login password unlocks the Mac and approves changes such as installing software. Change it if someone else has learned it, or if it is short and easy to guess.

Step by step

1. Open System Settings and click Users & Groups

   Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings. Users & Groups is further down the list on the left.

   Done

2. Click the i next to your name

   A panel with your account details opens.

   Done

3. Click Change next to Password

   Type your current password, then the new one twice. Add a hint that helps you but nobody else.

   Done

4. Click Change Password

   The new password applies immediately, including for unlocking after sleep.

   Done

Good to know

If you forgot the password, enter a wrong one three times on the login screen. The Mac then offers to reset it with your Apple Account or a recovery key.

The Mac password and the Apple Account password are two different things. Changing one does not change the other.

Touch ID still asks for the password after a restart and every 48 hours, so pick something you can remember. Three or four unrelated words work well: how to make strong passwords you can remember.

In short: System Settings, Users & Groups, i next to your name, Change.