How to Create or Change User Password on Mac

This guide shows you how to set a new password for your Mac user account or change an existing one. You’ll need to know your current password (or be an administrator) and have your Mac’s login credentials ready. The steps work for macOS Ventura and later versions.

What You’ll Need

• Your current user password (if you’re changing an existing account)
• Administrator access (if you’re resetting another user’s password)
• Your Apple ID password if you use FileVault and forgot your login password

Step-by-Step

Changing Your Own Password

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. Click Users & Groups in the sidebar (or the Users & Groups icon).
4. Click the Info button (i) next to your username, or select your account and click Change Password.
5. Enter your current password in the first field.
6. Enter a new password in the second field, then re-enter it in the third field to confirm.
7. Optionally, add a password hint to help you remember it later (not required).
8. Click Change Password (or OK).

Resetting Another User’s Password (Administrator Only)

1. Log in as an administrator account.
2. Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
3. Click the Info button next to the user whose password you want to reset.
4. Click Reset Password.
5. Enter the new password twice and add a hint if desired.
6. Click Reset Password to save.

If You Forgot Your Password

1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R during startup to enter Recovery Mode.
2. If you see a password field, enter your Mac’s firmware password (if set) or your Apple ID password.
3. In the Recovery menu, choose Utilities > Terminal.
4. Type resetpassword and press Return.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Reset Password assistant. You may need to enter your Apple ID if FileVault is enabled.
6. Choose the user account, enter a new password, and click Next.
7. Restart your Mac and log in with the new password.

Common Mistakes

• Typing the current password incorrectly — make sure Caps Lock is off and you’re using the correct keyboard layout.
• Using a weak password — avoid simple words, birthdays, or sequences like “123456”.
• Forgetting to update Keychain — when you change your password, macOS may ask to update your login keychain. If you skip this, some saved passwords may be lost.
• Not having administrator rights — you can only change your own password unless you’re an admin.
• Entering a password that doesn’t meet system requirements — some organizations enforce password complexity rules; if your Mac is managed, you may need to follow those.

Tips

• Use a passphrase — a sentence with spaces and punctuation is harder to crack than a short word.
• Enable FileVault encryption to protect your data; if you forget your password, you’ll need your recovery key or Apple ID to reset it.
• Set up a password hint that only you understand, but avoid making it too obvious.
• After changing your password, update it in any apps that store it (like Mail, Wi-Fi networks, or third-party password managers).
• If you use iCloud Keychain, changing your Mac password may require you to re-enter your Apple ID password on some devices.

Troubleshooting

“The password you entered is incorrect” when changing your password

Double-check that you’re typing the correct current password. If you’ve recently changed it, try the new one. If you still can’t get in, you may need to reset via Recovery Mode.

Can’t see the “Change Password” button

Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. If you’re a standard user, you’ll only see the option to change your own password, not reset others’. If the button is greyed out, your Mac might be managed by an organization — contact your IT administrator.

FileVault is enabled and you forgot your password

You’ll need your FileVault recovery key or your Apple ID and password. If you have neither, you may need to erase your Mac and restore from a backup — this is why it’s critical to store your recovery key somewhere safe.

Keychain asks for your old password after changing it

When prompted, enter your old password to unlock the keychain, then let macOS update it to the new one. If you don’t know the old password, you may need to reset the keychain (this will delete saved passwords).

Reset Password in Recovery Mode doesn’t work

If you’re on an Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3), you may need to use the “Password Reset” option in the Recovery menu instead of Terminal. If that fails, try using your Apple ID to reset via iCloud if you have Find My Mac enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing the current one?

No, you need your current password to change it from within macOS. If you’ve forgotten it, you’ll need to reset via Recovery Mode or use your Apple ID if FileVault is enabled.

Will changing my password affect my saved Wi-Fi passwords or app logins?

Possibly. Your login keychain stores those passwords. When you change your Mac password, macOS will prompt you to update the keychain. If you skip it, some saved passwords may become inaccessible.

How long should my password be?

Apple recommends at least 8 characters, but longer is better. A passphrase of 12+ characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols is much harder to crack.

Can I use the same password for my Apple ID and Mac login?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. If one is compromised, both are at risk. Keep them different for better security.

What if I’m an administrator and can’t reset another user’s password?

Make sure you’re logged in as an admin. If the option is greyed out, the user might be a “Managed Apple ID” or the Mac is enrolled in a device management program — contact your IT admin.

Does changing my password log me out of other devices?

No, changing your Mac login password doesn’t affect other devices. However, if you use iCloud Keychain, you may need to re-authenticate on other devices.

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