How to Recover Mac Password: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

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Did you forget your Mac password? Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

It happens to many users. Sometimes, we forget it. Other times, a system glitch causes login issues. But the good news is — you can fix it.

In this full guide, we’ll explain how to recover Mac password using easy, safe, and proven methods. You don’t need to be tech-savvy. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be back into your Mac.

Let’s begin.

1. How to Recover Mac Password: Complete Beginner Guide

If you’re stuck at the login screen, here’s where to start.

There are many ways to reset or recover your Mac password. The method you use depends on how your Mac is set up. Some users have Apple ID linked. Others don’t. Some have FileVault enabled, which changes the process.

But no matter your setup, there’s a way to get back in.

What Happens If You Forget Your Mac Password?

You’ll be locked out. You can’t access your files or apps. But don’t panic. Your data is still safe. You just need the right method to unlock your Mac.

Step-by-Step Overview

  • Try using your Apple ID
  • Use macOS Recovery
  • Reset using another admin account
  • Try Terminal commands
  • Use FileVault recovery key
  • If all fails, do a factory reset

We’ll now explain each of these.

2. Reset Mac Password Using Apple ID

This is the easiest method. If your Apple ID is linked, you can reset the password directly from the login screen.

Steps to Reset with Apple ID

  1. At login, click the question mark or “Reset it using your Apple ID”.
  2. Enter your Apple ID and password.
  3. Follow the instructions to set a new Mac password.

What If Apple ID Doesn’t Work?

  • You may not have linked it.
  • Internet connection may be needed.
  • Apple ID lockout can also block this method.

If it fails, move to the next method.

3. Recover Mac Password via Recovery Mode

macOS Recovery lets you reset your password using built-in tools.

Use macOS Recovery

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it on and press Command + R until the Apple logo shows.
  3. Click Utilities > Terminal.
  4. Type resetpassword and press Enter.
  5. Select the user and set a new password.

Important Notes

  • If FileVault is on, you need the recovery key or another admin.
  • Internet may be required on newer Macs.

4. Forgot Mac Admin Password? Here’s What to Do

If you’re locked out of the only admin account, it can be tricky — but it’s still possible.

Reset Admin Password Using Another Account

  1. Login to another admin user on the same Mac.
  2. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
  3. Click your user > Reset Password.

No Other Admin Account?

You must use Recovery Mode or Apple ID to reset it.

5. Reset Mac Password Without Apple ID

If you don’t have Apple ID access or didn’t link it, you can still reset the password.

Use Terminal in Recovery Mode

  1. Boot into macOS Recovery (Command + R).
  2. Go to Terminal.
  3. Enter the command: resetpassword
  4. Follow the reset steps.

Use FileVault Recovery Key

If FileVault is on:

  1. At login, click “Enter Recovery Key”.
  2. Type the 24-character recovery key.
  3. Set a new password.

6. Change Password Using Another User Account

Sometimes a family member or coworker has another admin account.

Reset Password from Other Admin

  1. Log into their account.
  2. Go to Users & Groups in settings.
  3. Select your account > Reset Password.

What If They Forget Too?

Use macOS Recovery or factory reset as the next option.

7. Recover Mac Password on M1 or M2 MacBooks

Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs have a new recovery system.

Enter Recovery on M1/M2 Macs

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Hold the Power button until “Loading startup options” shows.
  3. Click Options > Continue to enter Recovery.

Reset Password from Here

Use Terminal → resetpassword or use the Recovery Assistant to reset.

8. Bypass Mac Login Screen Safely

Trying to bypass a password is not always secure. But here’s what works in emergencies.

Use Safe Mode or Guest User

  • Reboot your Mac and hold Shift to enter Safe Mode.
  • Some Macs allow login via a Guest account (limited access).

Limitations

  • You can’t reset passwords from Guest.
  • Use this only to access internet or backups.

9. Use Terminal Commands to Reset Mac Password

Advanced users can reset passwords via Terminal.

Terminal Steps in Recovery Mode

  1. Boot into Recovery Mode.
  2. Open Terminal.
  3. Type: bashCopyEditresetpassword
  4. Choose your account and reset password.

In Single-User Mode (Intel Macs Only)

  1. Boot into Single-User Mode (Command + S).
  2. Type: bashCopyEditmount -uw / rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone reboot
  3. Set up a new admin account on restart.

10. Use FileVault Key to Unlock Mac

FileVault adds security. But you’ll need a recovery key.

What Is FileVault?

FileVault encrypts your data. Without the password or recovery key, no one can access your files.

How to Use the Recovery Key

  1. On the login screen, click “Enter Recovery Key”.
  2. Enter the 24-character code.
  3. Reset your Mac password.

11. Factory Reset Mac Without Password

This is a last option. Use it only when nothing else works.

Steps to Factory Reset

  1. Boot into macOS Recovery.
  2. Choose Disk Utility.
  3. Erase your disk (Macintosh HD).
  4. Return to Recovery and choose Reinstall macOS.

Warning

All data will be erased. Only use if you have a backup or don’t need the files.

12. iCloud and Find My Mac in Password Recovery

iCloud helps in cases of theft, loss, or password issues.

Unlock via iCloud

  1. Go to iCloud and log in.
  2. Open Find My Mac.
  3. Choose your Mac and Erase It.
  4. Reinstall macOS from scratch.

Good to Know

You’ll need your Apple ID afterward to set it up again.

13. How to Secure Your Mac After a Password Reset

Security matters even more after a password reset.

Actions to Take

  • Change all passwords (Apple ID, Mac login, keychain).
  • Remove old recovery keys and create new ones.

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

This adds extra protection. If someone steals your password, they still can’t log in without a second step.

14. Common Mistakes in Mac Password Recovery

Many users make errors that delay recovery.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Trying too many times and getting locked out.
  • Forgetting the Apple ID or recovery key.
  • Skipping backup before a factory reset.

Stay Prepared

  • Always keep a recovery method active.
  • Store recovery keys in a safe place.

15. When to Contact Apple Support to Recover Mac Password

If nothing works, Apple can help.

What They’ll Ask For

  • Your Apple ID and proof of ownership.
  • Your device serial number.

How to Reach Them

  • Visit the Apple Support site.
  • Use Live Chat or schedule a call.
  • Go to an Apple Store if needed.

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Conclusion

Now you know how to recover Mac password — with or without Apple ID, with Recovery Mode, Terminal, or a factory reset.

The key is to stay calm and try each method patiently.

Tip: Once you’re back in, set up your security better — enable FileVault, use strong passwords, and store recovery keys safely.

FAQs About How to Recover Mac Password

1. Can I recover my Mac password without Apple ID?
Yes. You can use Terminal, another admin account, or Recovery Mode.

2. What if I forgot both my Mac and Apple ID passwords?
You’ll need to reset your Apple ID first. If that fails, try Recovery Mode or contact Apple.

3. How can I reset password on M1 Mac?
Hold the power button to enter startup options. Use Terminal or Recovery Assistant.

4. Is it safe to factory reset my Mac?
Factory reset erases all data. Only do it if you have a backup and no other options.

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