How to Change a Password on a Mac: A Complete Guide
Changing your password on a Mac isn't a single-step process — it depends on which password you're talking about. Your Mac can involve several different passwords, and the method for changing each one varies based on your macOS version, account type, and how your Mac is set up. Understanding the differences before you start will save you from confusion and potential lockouts.
The Different Types of Mac Passwords
Before diving into steps, it helps to know what you're actually changing.
Login password (user account password): This is the password you type when you wake your Mac from sleep or boot it up. It's tied to your local macOS user account.
Apple ID password: This is separate from your Mac login. It's used for iCloud, the App Store, and Apple services. Changing it happens through Apple's website or your Apple ID settings — not directly in macOS System Settings.
FileVault password: On Macs with FileVault encryption enabled, your login password doubles as your disk encryption key. Changing your login password also updates this automatically.
Keychain password: macOS stores saved passwords in a keychain. This typically syncs with your login password, but can fall out of sync in certain situations.
Most people searching for how to change their Mac password are looking to change their login password — that's the primary focus here.
How to Change Your Mac Login Password
If You're Logged In and Know Your Current Password
This is the most straightforward scenario. The steps differ slightly between macOS Ventura/Sonoma and older versions, but the logic is the same.
On macOS Ventura, Sonoma, or later:
- Open System Settings (the gear icon in your Dock or Apple menu)
- Click your name at the top of the sidebar
- Select Password
- Enter your current password, then create and confirm your new one
- Click Change Password
On macOS Monterey or earlier:
- Open System Preferences
- Click Users & Groups
- Select your user account on the left
- Click Change Password
- Enter your old password, then your new password twice
- Click Change Password
🔐 If your Mac is connected to iCloud and uses the same password for both your account and Apple ID, macOS may prompt you to update both at the same time.
If You've Forgotten Your Password
This is where things branch significantly depending on your setup.
Recovery Mode (most common method):
- Shut down your Mac
- On Apple silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.): Press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears, then click Options → Continue
- On Intel Macs: Hold Command + R immediately after pressing the power button
- Select your administrator account and enter your recovery key or Apple ID if prompted
- From the macOS Utilities menu, open Terminal and type
resetpassword, then press Return - Follow the Reset Password assistant to create a new password
Via Apple ID (if enabled):
If you set up your Mac to allow Apple ID password resets, after several failed login attempts macOS will display an option to reset using your Apple ID. This is the simplest recovery path when it's available.
Changing Your Apple ID Password
Your Apple ID password is managed separately from your Mac login. To change it:
- Go to appleid.apple.com in any browser
- Sign in and navigate to Sign-In and Security
- Select Change Password
Alternatively, on your Mac:
- Open System Settings → click your name
- Select Sign-In & Security
- Click Change Password under the Apple ID section
After changing your Apple ID password, you may be prompted to sign back into iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services on all your devices.
Variables That Affect the Process
The exact experience depends on several factors:
| Variable | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| macOS version | System Settings vs. System Preferences layout differs |
| Chip type (Apple silicon vs. Intel) | Recovery Mode entry method is different |
| FileVault status | Determines recovery options available |
| Apple ID linking | Affects whether Apple ID can reset your login |
| Account type (admin vs. standard) | Admin accounts have more reset options |
| MDM/corporate enrollment | IT-managed Macs may restrict password changes |
Managed or work Macs are a significant variable. If your Mac is enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system — common in schools and workplaces — your IT department may control password policies. You may need to go through them rather than through standard macOS settings.
A Note on Password Managers and Keychain
After changing your login password, macOS may ask whether you want to update your keychain with the new password or create a new keychain. If your keychain password and login password were in sync, keeping them synced is usually the right move. If they've drifted apart (sometimes this happens after a forced reset), you may need to re-authenticate or reset the keychain separately through Keychain Access, found in your Applications → Utilities folder.
What Determines Your Specific Path
Whether you're doing a routine update or recovering from a forgotten password, the right method depends on your Mac's chip, your macOS version, how your account is configured, and whether your device is personally owned or managed by an organization. 🖥️ Each of those factors changes the steps — and in some cases, the options available to you entirely.