The fastest way to reset your password on Mac

If you remember your Apple ID password, you can reset your Mac login password from the login screen itself — no other computer or recovery disk needed. On the login screen, click the question mark or "Reset Password" option below the password field. Enter your Apple ID email and password, then create a new Mac password. This works on any recent Mac running macOS Big Sur or later.

If you do not see a reset option on your login screen, or if you do not remember your Apple ID password, you will need to use Recovery Mode instead. Recovery Mode is a built-in system on your Mac that lets you change your password without logging in first.

Key Takeaways

  • The login screen reset option is the simplest route if you remember your Apple ID password and your Mac is running macOS Big Sur or newer.
  • Recovery Mode works on any Mac and does not require an Apple ID, but takes longer and involves restarting your computer.
  • If you have a second administrator account on the same Mac, you can change the forgotten password from that account without Recovery Mode.
  • After resetting your password, your Mac may ask you to update your keychain password separately so saved passwords and Wi-Fi networks work again.

Using Recovery Mode to reset your password

Recovery Mode is a separate system built into every Mac. To enter it, shut down your Mac completely, then turn it back on while holding Command and R together. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. On newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3), you may see a startup options screen instead — click "Options" and then "Continue" to enter Recovery Mode.

Once Recovery Mode loads, you will see a menu of tools. Click "Utilities" at the top, then select "Reset Password" from the dropdown. Choose your user account from the list, then enter a new password twice. You do not need to know your old password. Click "Save" and restart your Mac. Your new password takes effect when ready.

Recovery Mode can take 5 to 15 minutes to load depending on your Mac's age and internet speed. If it seems stuck on a loading screen, wait at least 10 minutes before force-restarting by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Resetting from a second administrator account

If another person on your household has an administrator account on the same Mac, they can change your password without Recovery Mode. Have that person log in with their account, then open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Go to General, then Users & Groups (or Accounts on older versions). Click the lock icon at the bottom left and enter their password to unlock the settings.

Find your account in the list on the left, click it, then click "Reset Password" at the bottom right. Enter a new password twice and click "Change Password". You can log in with this new password on the next restart. This method is faster than Recovery Mode and works on any Mac version.

What to do if your keychain password does not match

After you reset your Mac password, you may see a message asking about your keychain — a find storage for saved passwords and Wi-Fi networks. If your old password and new password are different, your Mac cannot automatically unlock the keychain. You have two choices: create a new keychain (which forgets all saved passwords and Wi-Fi networks) or update the keychain password to match your new Mac password.

To update your keychain password, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command and Space). Go to Edit menu, then "Change Keychain Password". Enter your old Mac password, then your new one. This keeps all your saved passwords and Wi-Fi networks working. If you do not remember your old password, you will need to create a new keychain instead, which means you will have to re-enter passwords and Wi-Fi details the next time you use them.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password either

Recovery Mode does not require an Apple ID, so you can reset your Mac password without one. However, if you later want to change your Apple ID password or recover your account, you will need access to the email address or phone number linked to that Apple ID. Visit iforgot.apple.com on another device to start the recovery process.

Apple will send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter the code, then answer your security questions or use a trusted device to confirm your identity. Once verified, you can create a new Apple ID password. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Preventing this from happening again

Write down your Mac password and store it somewhere find — a physical notebook in a safe place, or a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden. Do not store it in a note on your Mac itself, since you would not be able to access it if you forgot the login password.

Set up Touch ID or Face ID if your Mac supports it (most Macs from 2015 onward). This lets you log in without typing a password, and you can still use your password as a backup. You can also enable a second administrator account for another household member, which gives you a backup way to reset your password if you forget it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if my Mac is encrypted with FileVault?

Yes. FileVault is a separate encryption layer, but the password reset process is the same. You will need to enter your Mac password to decrypt the drive during startup, then follow the Recovery Mode steps above. If you forgot both your Mac password and your FileVault password, you will need your Apple ID password to proceed.

How long does it take to reset my password in Recovery Mode?

The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Most of that time is waiting for Recovery Mode to load over the internet. The actual password reset takes less than a minute once the tools are open.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password does not touch your files, photos, documents, or applications. Everything stays exactly where it is. Only your login password changes.

What if I see an error message during Recovery Mode?

The most common error is a network timeout, which means Recovery Mode could not read the tools it needs. Make sure your Mac is connected to Wi-Fi, wait a few minutes, and try again. If the error persists, restart your Mac and try Recovery Mode a second time.