How to Reset a MacBook Password if You Forgot It
Forgetting a MacBook login password is stressful, but macOS includes reset options. The exact path depends on your Apple Account, FileVault settings and whether you have a recovery key.
Restart and Try Carefully
Restart the MacBook and try the password again. Check Caps Lock and keyboard language before assuming the password is wrong.
Your Mac login password is not always the same as your Apple Account password.
Use Login Window Reset Options
At the login window, look for a question mark or reset message near the password field. You may need to enter a password incorrectly a few times before reset options appear.
Follow the onscreen instructions. macOS may ask for your Apple Account, a recovery key, or another administrator account.
Use macOS Recovery
If the login-window reset options do not work, use macOS Recovery. On Apple silicon Macs, shut down, then press and hold the power button until startup options appear. On Intel Macs, restart and hold Command-R.
From Recovery, follow Apple’s reset-password steps for your Mac setup.
What About FileVault?
If FileVault is enabled, you may need your recovery key or Apple Account recovery option. Without the required recovery information, encrypted data may not be recoverable.
After Resetting
After creating a new password, restart and log in. macOS may ask to create a new keychain if it cannot unlock the old one.
FAQ
Can I log in without a Mac password?
No. Apple says you cannot disable or bypass the login password, but you may be able to reset it.
Is my Apple Account password the same?
Not necessarily. Your Mac login password and Apple Account password can be different.
Will resetting the password delete files?
Password reset itself is not meant to delete files, but encryption and keychain access can affect what you can recover.
Bottom Line
Use the login-window reset options first, then macOS Recovery if needed. Keep your recovery key and Apple Account access safe before a password problem happens.