How to change your password on a Mac (macOS 26)

You are viewing the macOS 26 version of this guide, recorded on macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro) on 4 October 2026. It is kept as it was and not updated. See the macOS 27 version.

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-change-your-password-on-a-mac/ · Checked 4 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

In this guide

Open System Settings and click Users & Groups
Click the i next to your name
Click Change next to Password
Click Change Password
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

Open System Settings, click Users & Groups, click the i next to your name and click Change next to Password. Enter the old password, then the new one twice.

3 of 4 steps with real screenshots · 3 official sources below

Device: Mac
Shown on: macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)
App: System Settings
Real screenshots: 3 of 4 steps
Checked: 4 October 2026
Sources: 3 official, linked below

Step by step

Tap the picture to see it full size
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
Tap the picture to see it full size
Click the i next to your name
A panel with your account details opens.
Done
Tap the picture to see it full size
Click Change next to Password
Type your current password, then the new one twice. Add a hint that helps you but nobody else.
Done
Click Change Password
The new password applies immediately, including for unlocking after sleep.
Done

About this guide

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.

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… > Change Password.

Sources