Why would you reset Mac password? Because it’s better to memorize your password instead of writing it down as it might end up in the wrong hands. We are likely to forget our passwords, and if you’re in such a situation at the moment, don’t blame yourself.
You need to understand that those who engineered the MACOS knows that there might be a time a user will need to reset Mac password. Because of this, the company has other software that will help when the need for a password reset arises.
In this post, you’ll learn three ways to reset MAC password in minutes. You can use APPLE ID to reset Mac password, Admin account, and By booting into Recovery mode.
How to reset Mac password
The easiest way to rest your Mac password is with your APPLE ID. However, it can only work if you have previously linked your ID with your Mac computer. This particular process will see you reset Mac password in minutes.
Let’s assume you have your Apple ID linked to your Mac computer you should be able to start the password reset process immediately. First, you should input any password you can remember three times for the system to auto ask you to reset your password using Apple ID. And if the prompt fails to pop-up, it means you didn’t link your Apple ID.
At this stage, to continue with the reset process, move to the second option in this post.
You should proceed if you got the prompt. Enter your Apple ID email address and password and follow the password reset guide.
On successful completion, you’ll see your new login details. However, your old password remains valid and saved on your MAC computer. You can always use it to unlock your computer if you ever remember it.
Use Admin account
The next option to reset Mac password is to use the Admin account if the first step didn’t work. The admin is you, the owner of a Mac computer. The moment you finish setting up your Mac, you automatically become the administrator.
As an admin, you can see the list of other active users on your computer. Below the user name will be the account type – if it reads “Admin” you can reset user passwords.
To view the list of users, navigate to System Preferences> Users & Groups.
To reset the password, remain on the Users & Groups section and click on the Lock to enter your admin username and password when asked to do so. Select users, you need to reset their password and click on the reset password label and follow the screen instructions.
Also read: Windows password reset tools
Use Recovery mode to reset Mac password
To reset Mac password with this step, you need to boot your computer to recovery mode. There are two ways you can do that.
First, turn off your computer. Then press and hold the Command + R keys and press the power button. And don’t release the keys until a progress bar starts opening below the Apple logo.
Another way to enter into Recovery is by restarting your computer and holding the Command + R keys on your keyboard.
I assume you’re on recovery now, click Utilities in the menu bar followed by Terminal. A new window will pop up for you to enter a command. Enter RESETPASSWORD and press return. Note, no space, and in small letters.
Close the Terminal window, and you’ll find the reset password tool. You will see a list of all active users on your Mac. To reset Mac password, you’ll need to set a new password for all the users. At this stage, you need to write them down and pass them across to their users.
Resetting a Mac password is easy but can be stressful as well. However, one of the above methods will work in your favor. And if you know a better way to successfully reset Mac password, use the comment box to help a brother.
Also read: Best Mac Antivirus
2 Comments
I m a bit confused. It seems you can add your public key to the remote host and grant yourself access. This seems like no security at all. What am I missing?
I don’t understand what you mean by public key or host.