How to Reset Your Password on a Mac

The fastest way to reset a forgotten Mac password

If you have forgotten your Mac login password, the fastest route depends on whether you remember your Apple ID password. If you do, you can reset it directly at the login screen without restarting into recovery mode or erasing anything. Click the question mark icon below the password field, wait 30 seconds, and you will see an option to reset using your Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID email and password, create a new Mac password, and you will be back at your desktop within a few minutes.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password either, or if that option does not appear, you will need to restart into macOS Recovery and use the account recovery tools there. This takes longer but works on any Mac. The steps are the same whether you have an Intel Mac or an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, or newer).

Key Takeaways

If you remember your Apple ID password, you can reset your Mac password at the login screen by clicking the question mark icon and waiting 30 seconds.
If you do not remember your Apple ID password, restart into macOS Recovery by holding Command and R while your Mac starts up.
In Recovery mode, open Utilities from the menu bar and select Reset Password to create a new Mac login password.
If you have a recovery key from two-factor authentication set up on your Apple ID, you will need it to complete the reset in Recovery mode.
After resetting your password, restart your Mac normally and log in with your new password.

Reset your password at the login screen using your Apple ID

This method works if you can remember your Apple ID email address and password. At the login screen, look below the password field for a small question mark icon. Click it and wait about 30 seconds. A message will appear saying you can reset your password using your Apple ID.

Click the arrow next to that message. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID email address and password. Once you do, macOS will ask you to create a new password for your Mac login. Type the new password twice to confirm it, then click Reset Password. Your Mac will return to the login screen, and you can log in with your new password immediately.

This method does not erase any files or settings. Everything on your Mac stays exactly as it was.

Reset your password using macOS Recovery

If you do not see the question mark icon at the login screen, or if you do not remember your Apple ID password, you will need to use macOS Recovery. Shut down your Mac completely. Then turn it back on and immediately hold down Command and R together. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This usually takes 10 to 20 seconds.

Your Mac will boot into Recovery mode, which looks different from the normal desktop. You will see a menu bar at the top with "Utilities" in it. Click Utilities and select Reset Password from the dropdown menu. A window will open asking which user account you want to reset the password for. Select your account from the list.

You will then be asked to verify your identity. If you have an Apple ID set up on this Mac, enter your Apple ID email and password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID, you will need your recovery key — a 24-character code that Apple gave you when you set up two-factor authentication. If you do not have this key and cannot remember your Apple ID password, you will need to contact Apple Support.

What to do if you do not have your Apple ID recovery key

If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID but do not have your recovery key, you have two options. The first is to try logging into your Apple ID account on another device (an iPhone, iPad, or another Mac) and look for the recovery key in your account settings under Security. If you find it, write it down and return to the Reset Password window on your Mac.

If you cannot find your recovery key on another device, you will need to contact Apple Support directly. You can reach them through apple.com/support or by calling the Apple Support phone number for your country. Have your Mac serial number ready — you can find it by clicking the Apple menu and selecting About This Mac. Apple can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access to your account.

Restart your Mac after resetting your password

Once you have created your new password in Recovery mode, the Reset Password window will close. You will be back at the Recovery mode desktop. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select Restart. Your Mac will restart normally.

At the login screen, enter your username and your new password. You will be logged in to your Mac. All your files, applications, and settings are still there — resetting your password does not erase anything.

Prevent password lockouts in the future

Write down your Apple ID password and store it somewhere safe, separate from your Mac. A password manager like iCloud Keychain (built into macOS) or a third-party app like 1Password or Bitwarden can store it securely so you do not have to remember it, but you should still know how to access your Apple ID account if you lose access to your Mac.

If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID, save your recovery key in a safe place — not on your Mac. Print it out or store it in a password manager. This key is your backup if you forget your Apple ID password and need to reset your Mac password later.

Consider setting up a recovery contact on your Apple ID account. This is another person (usually a family member) who can help you regain access if you get locked out. You can add a recovery contact in your Apple ID settings on any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Mac password without knowing my Apple ID password?

Not easily. If you do not remember your Apple ID password and do not have your recovery key, you will need to contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity through other information and help you regain access. Have your Mac serial number and the email address associated with your Apple ID ready.

Will resetting my password erase my files?

No. Resetting your password through either method — the login screen or Recovery mode — does not erase any files, applications, or settings. Everything stays on your Mac. You are only changing the password you use to log in.

What if I do not see the question mark icon at the login screen?

The question mark icon only appears if your Mac is connected to the internet and your Apple ID is set up on this Mac. If you do not see it, use macOS Recovery instead. Hold Command and R while your Mac starts up, then use the Reset Password tool in Utilities.

How long does it take to reset my password in Recovery mode?

The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how fast your Mac starts up and how quickly you enter your information. Restarting into Recovery mode takes the longest part — the actual password reset is usually done in 2 to 3 minutes.

Can someone else reset my Mac password if they have physical access to my Mac?

Yes, if your Mac is not protected by a firmware password. If you are concerned about this, you can set a firmware password (also called a security password) in Recovery mode under Utilities > Firmware Password Utility. This prevents anyone from booting into Recovery mode without the password, which makes your Mac much harder to access without your permission.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.