How to Reset a Mac Password in macOS Sierra

If you’re locked out of your Mac running macOS Sierra because you forgot your login password, you can reset it without reinstalling the system. This guide walks you through the three main methods: using your Apple ID, using the recovery mode, and using another admin account. You’ll need your Mac, a stable internet connection for the Apple ID method, and—if you’re using the recovery method—a few minutes of patience.

What You’ll Need

• Your Mac (obviously)
• Your Apple ID and password (if you set up the option to reset via Apple ID)
• Another admin account on the Mac (if you have one)
• A stable internet connection (for Apple ID method)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Reset via Apple ID (at the login screen)

1. Restart your Mac. If you’re currently at the login window, you can skip this step.
2. At the login screen, enter any wrong password three times. After the third attempt, a message will appear: “If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID.”
3. Click the arrow next to that message, or click the “Reset it” link.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new login password. You’ll also be asked to create a password hint (optional).
6. Once done, click “Reset Password” and then log in with your new password.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode

1. Restart your Mac. Immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears.
2. Release the keys when you see the macOS Utilities window.
3. From the top menu bar, click Utilities and then select Terminal.
4. Type resetpassword and press Enter. A separate “Reset Password” window will open.
5. Select the volume that contains your macOS installation (usually named “Macintosh HD”).
6. Select the user account for which you want to reset the password.
7. Enter the new password twice, and add a hint if you like.
8. Click Save (or Reset), then quit Terminal and restart your Mac.
9. Log in with your new password.

Method 3: Reset via Another Admin Account

1. Log in to your Mac using another administrator account (one that you know the password for).
2. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu (or from the Dock).
3. Click Users & Groups.
4. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter the admin password to unlock settings.
5. Select the user account whose password you want to reset from the list on the left.
6. Click the Reset Password… button.
7. Enter a new password, verify it, and add a hint if you like.
8. Click Reset Password to save changes.
9. Log out and log in with the new password.

Common Mistakes

• Not waiting for the third wrong password attempt: The Apple ID reset option only appears after three failed attempts. If you haven’t tried wrong passwords, you won’t see the link.
• Using the wrong keyboard shortcut: For Recovery Mode, you must press Command (⌘) + R immediately after restarting, before the Apple logo appears. If you wait too long, your Mac will boot normally.
• Forgetting to select the correct volume: In the Reset Password utility, if you have multiple volumes, choosing the wrong one may result in the user not appearing or the reset not applying to the correct system.
• Typing the password with Caps Lock on: Passwords are case-sensitive, so double-check that Caps Lock is off when entering your new password.
• Not using the same Apple ID as the one associated with the Mac: If you use a different Apple ID, the reset will not work.

Tips

• Enable FileVault before you need it: If you have FileVault enabled, the recovery method may ask for the FileVault recovery key instead of allowing a simple reset. Keep that key safe.
• Use a password hint: When setting a new password, add a hint that only you would understand. It can save you from future lockouts.
• Write down your password: It sounds obvious, but keeping a secure note (e.g., in a password manager) can prevent this situation.
• After resetting, update your Keychain: Your login keychain is encrypted with your old password. After a reset, macOS may ask if you want to create a new keychain or update the password. Choose “Update Keychain Password” if you want to keep your saved passwords and Wi-Fi networks.

Troubleshooting

• Apple ID reset option doesn’t appear: This option is only available if you enabled it in System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options > “Allow user to reset password using Apple ID”. If it’s not enabled, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode or another admin account.
• Recovery Mode doesn’t load: If your Mac is stuck on a blank screen or the Apple logo, try again with a different key combination. On some Macs, you may need to hold Option+Command+R to access Internet Recovery (requires internet). If that fails, try resetting the NVRAM (restart and hold Command+Option+P+R until you hear the startup chime twice).
• Reset Password utility says “This Mac is managed by a school or business”: If your Mac is enrolled in an organization’s management system, you may not be able to reset the password locally. Contact your IT administrator.
• You get “Your password could not be reset” error: This often happens when the Mac is not connected to the internet (for Apple ID method) or when the Apple ID is not associated with the Mac. Check your network connection and try again.
• After reset, you can’t unlock the login keychain: When you log in for the first time after a reset, macOS will detect that the keychain password doesn’t match. Click “Update Keychain Password” to sync it, or “Create New Keychain” if you don’t need old saved passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose any data when I reset my password?

No. Resetting your password does not delete any files, apps, or settings. It only changes the password used to log in.

Can I reset the password if I don’t have an Apple ID?

Yes. You can use Recovery Mode (Command+R at startup) and the Reset Password utility. No Apple ID is required for that method.

What if I also forgot my Apple ID password?

You’ll need to recover your Apple ID password first (go to iforgot.apple.com). If you can’t, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode or another admin account.

Does this work if FileVault is enabled?

If FileVault is on, the recovery method may require the FileVault recovery key. If you don’t have it, you may not be able to reset the password without erasing the disk. If you have the key, you can unlock the disk and then reset the password.

Is there a way to reset the password without restarting?

If you’re already logged in as another admin, you can reset via System Preferences. If you’re at the login screen, you must restart to access Recovery Mode.

Will my keychain passwords be lost?

Not necessarily. When you log in after a reset, macOS will ask if you want to update the keychain password. If you choose “Update Keychain Password”, your saved passwords will be preserved. If you choose “Create New Keychain”, old saved passwords will be lost.

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