How to Reset Your Apple Laptop Password When You're Locked Out

The fastest way to reset your password on an Apple laptop

If you have forgotten your password on a Mac, the fastest route depends on whether you remember your Apple ID password. If you do, you can reset your Mac password through System Settings without erasing anything. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you will need to reset that first through Apple's website, then use it to reset your Mac password. Both paths take 15 to 30 minutes.

The key difference from Windows: Apple ties your Mac password to your Apple ID, so resetting one usually means resetting the other. You cannot bypass this connection without losing access to your files and starting over.

Key Takeaways

If you remember your Apple ID password, you can reset your Mac password in System Settings without losing any files.
If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you must reset it on Apple's website first before you can reset your Mac password.
Resetting through System Settings takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires an internet connection.
If you cannot remember either password and have no recovery key, your only option is to erase the Mac and set it up as new.

Reset your Mac password if you remember your Apple ID password

Start at the login screen. Click the question mark icon in the bottom right corner, or wait for the login screen to show a password hint after a few failed attempts. This will display a link that says "Reset it in System Settings" or "Reset Password".

Click that link. Your Mac will open System Settings and take you directly to the Users & Groups section. Enter your Apple ID email address and your Apple ID password (not your Mac password). Your Mac will send a verification code to a trusted device — usually your iPhone, iPad, or another Mac you own.

Open that trusted device and look for the verification code in a notification or in System Settings under your Apple ID. Enter the code back into your Mac. You will then be prompted to create a new Mac password. Type it twice to confirm, then click "Reset Password".

Your Mac will restart and you can log in with your new password. All your files remain on the computer — nothing is erased.

Reset your Apple ID password first if you do not remember it

Go to iforgot.apple.com on any computer or phone with internet access. Enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will ask you to verify your identity through either your recovery key, a trusted phone number, or a trusted device.

If you have your recovery key (a 28-character code Apple gave you when you set up two-factor authentication), enter it now. If you do not have it, choose "I don't have my recovery key" and Apple will send a verification code to a phone number or email address associated with your account. Enter that code.

Once verified, you will be prompted to create a new Apple ID password. Write it down or save it somewhere you can find it. Then return to your Mac and follow the steps in the section above to reset your Mac password using your new Apple ID password.

What to do if you have a recovery key but cannot access a trusted device

A recovery key is a 28-character code that Apple issued when you turned on two-factor authentication. If you have this code written down or stored somewhere, you can use it to reset your Apple ID password without needing a trusted device.

Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email, and when asked how you want to verify, select "I have my recovery key". Enter the key exactly as it appears, with or without hyphens. Apple will let you reset your Apple ID password when ready. Then use that new password to reset your Mac password through System Settings as described above.

If you do not have your recovery key and cannot access any trusted device, you will need to contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity through other means, though the process takes longer.

Erase and set up your Mac if you cannot remember any passwords

If you do not remember your Mac password, your Apple ID password, or your recovery key, and you have no access to a trusted device, your only option is to erase the Mac and set it up as new. This will delete all files on the computer.

Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R when ready after you hear the startup sound. This opens Recovery Mode. Click "Utilities" in the menu bar, then "Terminal". Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window will open.

Select your Mac from the dropdown menu, then click "Reset Password". You will be prompted to create a new password. Enter it twice and click "Reset Password". Restart your Mac normally and log in with your new password.

Your files will still be on the Mac, but you will not be able to access them because they are encrypted with your old password. At this point, you have two choices: contact Apple Support to see if they can help you recover the files, or erase the Mac entirely and set it up as new. Most people choose to erase because recovery is not may provide and takes significant time.

Prevent this from happening again

Write down your Apple ID password and store it somewhere safe — a physical notebook in a drawer, a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden, or a locked file on another device. Do not store it in a note on your Mac itself, because you will not be able to access it if you are locked out.

Save your recovery key in the same place. You can find it by opening System Settings, clicking your name at the top, then clicking "Password & Security". Scroll down to "Recovery Key" and click "Get Recovery Key". Apple will ask you to verify your identity, then display your 28-character code. Write it down or save it in your password manager.

Set up at least one trusted device — an iPhone, iPad, or another Mac. This way, if you forget your password, you can receive a verification code on that device and reset your password in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Mac password without an Apple ID?

No. Apple requires an Apple ID to reset a Mac password on modern versions of macOS (Big Sur and later). If you do not have an Apple ID, you will need to create one at appleid.apple.com before you can reset your password. If you cannot remember the Apple ID password you created, follow the steps in the "Reset your Apple ID password first" section above.

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you remember your Apple ID password and have a trusted device, 15 to 30 minutes. If you need to reset your Apple ID password first, add another 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to contact Apple Support, it can take several hours to a few days depending on how busy they are.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No, not if you reset through System Settings. Your files stay on the Mac. The only way files are deleted is if you choose to erase the Mac entirely, which you should only do if you cannot remember any of your passwords and have no other way to regain access.

What if I do not have a trusted device set up?

You can still reset your password if you have your recovery key or if you can receive a verification code at a phone number or email address associated with your Apple ID. If you have none of these, you will need to contact Apple Support or erase the Mac and set it up as new.

Can I reset my password in Safe Mode?

No. Safe Mode does not give you access to password reset tools. You must use Recovery Mode (Command + R at startup) or System Settings. Recovery Mode is the only option if you cannot log in at all.

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.