The fastest way to reset your Mac password

If you have forgotten your Mac password, the fastest route depends on whether you set up a recovery key or have another administrator account on the computer. If you have a recovery key (a 28-character code Apple gave you when you turned on two-factor authentication), you can reset your password in about five minutes without erasing anything. If you do not have a recovery key but another person with administrator access is sitting at the computer, they can reset your password from System Settings. If neither of those applies, you will need to erase the Mac and set it up again, which takes longer but is still possible.

The method you use also depends on whether your Mac is running macOS Monterey or newer (released in 2021 or later). Older Macs use a different process. You can check your macOS version by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner, selecting "About This Mac", and looking at the version number.

Key Takeaways

  • A recovery key (the 28-character code from two-factor authentication setup) lets you reset your password without erasing your Mac or waiting for Apple support.
  • If another administrator account exists on your Mac, that person can reset your password from System Settings without needing a recovery key.
  • If you have neither a recovery key nor another admin account, you will need to erase your Mac and set it up fresh, which erases all files unless you have a backup.
  • The login screen itself offers a "Reset Password" button on macOS Monterey and newer, which is the entry point for all three methods.

Using a recovery key to reset your password

A recovery key is a 28-character code that Apple generates when you first set up two-factor authentication on your Apple ID. If you saved this code somewhere safe — a password manager, a printed document, a find note — you can use it to reset your Mac password without erasing anything.

At the Mac login screen, click "Reset Password" (this button appears on macOS Monterey and newer). Click "I don't have a recovery key" if that is your situation, but if you do have one, select "I have a recovery key". Enter the recovery key exactly as it appears, including hyphens. Apple will send a verification code to a trusted phone number or email address on your Apple ID account. Enter that code, then create a new password. Your Mac will unlock when ready.

If you cannot find your recovery key, check any password managers you use, email accounts where you might have saved it, or physical locations where you keep important documents. If you truly cannot locate it, move to the next method.

Asking another administrator to reset your password

If another person with an administrator account on your Mac is available, they can reset your password without a recovery key. This is often the fastest option if you live with a family member or colleague who also uses the Mac.

Have the other administrator log in to their account. Click the Apple menu, select "System Settings", then click "General" in the sidebar. Scroll down and click "Users & Groups" (on older Macs, this may be under System Preferences instead). Click the lock icon at the bottom left and enter their administrator password. Select your account from the list on the left, then click "Reset Password". They can set a temporary password for you, which you can change to something you prefer the next time you log in.

Erasing your Mac if you have no other options

If you do not have a recovery key and no other administrator account exists on your Mac, you will need to erase it and set it up as new. This erases all files on the Mac unless you have a backup. Before you start, check whether you have a Time Machine backup or an iCloud backup of your files.

Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R as it starts up. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This boots your Mac into Recovery Mode. Click "Utilities" in the menu bar, then "Disk Utility". Select your main drive (usually called "Macintosh HD") from the list on the left. Click "Erase" and follow the prompts. Once the drive is erased, quit Disk Utility and click "Reinstall macOS". Your Mac will read and install a fresh copy of the operating system, then guide you through setup. When prompted to create an account, use a password you will remember.

After setup is complete, you can restore your files from a Time Machine backup or iCloud backup if you have one. If you do not have a backup, your files are gone, which is why checking for backups before you erase is important.

What to do if you do not remember your Apple ID password either

If you have forgotten both your Mac password and your Apple ID password, you cannot use the recovery key method because Apple needs to verify your identity through your Apple ID account. You will need to reset your Apple ID password first at iforgot.apple.com, then use that new password to reset your Mac password.

Go to iforgot.apple.com on any device. Enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will ask you to verify your identity using a trusted phone number, a trusted device, or security questions you set up when you created your Apple ID. Once you verify, you can create a new Apple ID password. Then return to your Mac, use the recovery key method described above, and enter your new Apple ID password when prompted.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have regained access to your Mac, take steps to avoid this situation in the future. Write down your recovery key and store it somewhere safe — a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden, a safe deposit box, or a locked drawer. Do not store it in a note on your Mac itself, because you will not be able to access it if you forget your password.

If you live with other people who use the Mac, consider setting up a second administrator account for one of them. This gives you a backup way to reset your password without needing a recovery key. You can create a new account in System Settings under "General" > "Users & Groups" by clicking the plus sign and selecting "Administrator" as the account type.

If your Mac is a work computer, ask your IT department whether they have a way to reset your password or whether they keep a backup recovery key. Many organizations store recovery keys centrally so employees can regain access without losing data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple reset my password for me?

Apple Support can help you verify your identity and reset your Apple ID password, but they cannot directly reset your Mac login password. Once you have reset your Apple ID password, you can use the recovery key method to reset your Mac password yourself. If you do not have a recovery key, Apple can guide you through the erase-and-reinstall process.

Will resetting my password erase my files?

Using a recovery key or having another administrator reset your password will not erase any files. Only the full erase-and-reinstall method (when you have no other options) erases your files, unless you restore from a backup afterward.

How long does it take to reset a Mac password?

Using a recovery key takes about five minutes. Having another administrator reset it takes about two minutes. Erasing and reinstalling takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your internet speed and Mac model, plus additional time to restore files from backup if you have one.

What if I see an error message when I try to reset my password?

Common errors include "invalid recovery key" (check that you typed it exactly, including hyphens) or "could not verify your identity" (make sure the phone number or email you enter matches what is on your Apple ID account). If you keep getting errors, try the process on a different device or contact Apple Support with the exact error message.

Is there a way to reset my password without using my Apple ID?

No. On modern Macs, your login password is tied to your Apple ID for security reasons. You cannot reset your Mac password without either a recovery key, another administrator account, or erasing the Mac. This is by design to prevent someone else from accessing your computer if they steal it.