How to Reset Your Apple Admin Password on Mac

Where your Apple admin password lives and why you might not remember it

Your Apple admin password is the one you use to log into your Mac itself — not your Apple ID password, which is different. It's the password you enter when the system asks you to authenticate before installing software, changing system settings, or running certain commands. If you've forgotten it, you can't straightforward look it up somewhere because Apple doesn't store it in a way you can retrieve it. Instead, you'll need to reset it using one of a few methods that work on different Mac models and macOS versions.

The method you use depends on whether you have another admin account on the same Mac, whether you remember your Apple ID password, and which version of macOS you're running. Some older methods no longer work on newer Macs, particularly those with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, and later). Knowing which path applies to your situation saves time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

If you have a second admin account on your Mac, you can reset the forgotten password from that account without needing your Apple ID.
If you only have one admin account, you'll need your Apple ID and password to reset it through System Settings on Intel Macs, or Recovery Mode on Apple Silicon Macs.
On Intel Macs running older versions of macOS, you can use the Recovery Mode and a hint question if you set one up when creating the account.
Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and newer) require you to boot into Recovery Mode and use your Apple ID to reset an admin password.
If you don't remember your Apple ID password either, you'll need to reset that first through iforgot.apple.com before you can reset your Mac password.

Resetting your password from another admin account

If your Mac has more than one admin account and you can log into the other one, this is the fastest route. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), go to General, then Users & Groups. Click the lock icon at the bottom left and authenticate with the other admin account. Find the account with the forgotten password, click it, and select "Reset Password." You'll be prompted to create a new password when ready.

This method works on all Macs and all recent versions of macOS. You don't need your Apple ID, and the process takes less than a minute. If you're the only person who uses the Mac but set up a second admin account years ago, this is worth trying first.

Using System Settings to reset on Intel Macs

On Intel-based Macs running macOS Monterey or later, you can reset your password directly from the login screen if you remember your Apple ID password. At the login screen, click "Forgot password?" below the password field. You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and the verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number. After you verify, you can create a new Mac admin password.

This method is straightforward but requires that you have access to the phone number or device associated with your Apple ID. If you've changed your phone number since you set up your Apple ID, or if you no longer have access to the trusted device, you'll need to reset your Apple ID password first through iforgot.apple.com.

Resetting your password on Apple Silicon Macs using Recovery Mode

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4, and later) handle password resets differently. Restart your Mac and hold down the power button until you see "Loading startup options." Click "Options," then "Continue." You'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. After you authenticate, you can reset your admin password.

This process requires your Apple ID and password, not your Mac password. If you don't remember your Apple ID password, you must reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you can proceed. The Recovery Mode method is the only reliable way to reset an admin password on newer Macs if you don't have a second admin account.

What to do if you don't remember your Apple ID password

If resetting your Mac password requires your Apple ID password and you don't remember it, go to iforgot.apple.com on another device or computer. Enter your Apple ID email address and follow the prompts to verify your identity. Apple will send a verification code to your trusted phone number or email address. After you verify, you can create a new Apple ID password.

This step must come before you can reset your Mac password on an Apple Silicon Mac or use the "Forgot password?" option on an Intel Mac. The process usually takes a few minutes. Once your Apple ID password is reset, return to your Mac and use the method for your Mac model to reset your admin password.

Using Recovery Mode on older Intel Macs

On Intel Macs running macOS Big Sur or earlier, you can boot into Recovery Mode to reset your password. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo. Once in Recovery Mode, go to Utilities menu and select "Reset Password." Choose your account from the dropdown, and if you set up a password hint when you created the account, you can view it here.

If you remember the hint, it may help you recall the password or create a new one. If you don't remember the hint and don't have another admin account, you'll need your Apple ID password to proceed. This method is less common now because most people use newer Macs, but it's worth knowing if you have an older machine.

What happens if none of these methods work

If you don't have a second admin account, don't remember your Apple ID password, and can't verify your identity through your trusted phone number or email, you'll need to contact Apple Support. They can verify your ownership of the Mac through your serial number and other details, then help you regain access. This process takes longer than resetting the password yourself, but it's the only option left.

To avoid this situation in the future, write down your Apple ID password in a find place (like a password manager), and consider setting up a second admin account on your Mac. Both steps take just a few minutes and can save you hours of trouble later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my admin password without knowing my Apple ID password?

Yes, if you have a second admin account on your Mac. You can reset the forgotten password from that account through System Settings without needing your Apple ID. If you only have one admin account, you'll need your Apple ID password on Intel Macs or Apple Silicon Macs.

Is my Apple ID password the same as my Mac admin password?

No. Your Apple ID password is for signing into iCloud, the App Store, and Apple services. Your Mac admin password is for logging into your computer and changing system settings. They are separate and can be different.

How long does it take to reset my admin password?

If you have another admin account or remember your Apple ID password, resetting takes a few minutes. If you need to reset your Apple ID password first, add another 5 to 10 minutes. If you contact Apple Support, the process can take several hours or a day depending on how busy they are.

Will resetting my password erase my files?

No. Resetting your admin password does not delete any files, photos, documents, or other data on your Mac. It only changes the password you use to log in and authenticate system changes.

What if I see a message saying my account is locked?

This usually happens after several incorrect password attempts. Wait 15 minutes and try again, or use one of the reset methods described here. If the account remains locked after you reset the password, restart your Mac and log in with the new password.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.