Reset your Mac password through your Apple ID

If you have forgotten your Mac login password, the fastest way back in is through your Apple ID. When you enter your password incorrectly three times at the login screen, macOS shows a reset option: a small question mark button. Click it, and you will be asked to enter your Apple ID email and password. Once you do, macOS will let you create a new login password without erasing anything on your computer.

This method works on any Mac running macOS 10.7 or later, as long as your Apple ID is linked to your user account. You do not need to restart the computer or use another device — everything happens at the login screen itself.

If you do not see the question mark button after three wrong attempts, your Apple ID may not be linked to this account. In that case, move to the next method.

Key Takeaways

  • The question mark button appears after three wrong password attempts at the login screen and lets you reset using your Apple ID without losing files.
  • If you do not have an Apple ID linked to your account, you can reset your password using another administrator account on the same Mac.
  • If you are the only administrator and have no Apple ID linked, you will need to use Recovery Mode and your Apple ID to regain access.
  • Resetting your password does not erase your files, but you should write down your new password somewhere safe so you do not forget it again.

Reset your password using another administrator account

If your Mac has more than one user account and at least one other account has administrator privileges, that person can reset your password for you without you needing to know their password. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), click Users & Groups, select your account, and click the lock icon to unlock the settings. Then click "Reset Password" and create a new one.

This method is straightforward and does not require Recovery Mode or an Apple ID. The administrator resetting the password does not need to know your old password, only their own.

Reset your password in Recovery Mode

If you are the only administrator on your Mac and your Apple ID is not linked to your account, you will need to use Recovery Mode. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R as it boots. When the macOS Utilities window appears, click Utilities in the menu bar, then select Terminal.

In the Terminal window, type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window will open. Select your user account from the dropdown, enter a new password twice, and click "Reset Password." Restart your Mac and log in with your new password.

Recovery Mode is more involved than the other methods, but it works on any Mac regardless of whether an Apple ID is linked. You will need to be comfortable opening Terminal, but the steps are the same every time.

Use your Apple ID to reset in Recovery Mode if you forgot your security questions

Some older Macs use security questions instead of an Apple ID for password recovery. If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, you can still use Recovery Mode with your Apple ID. Restart, hold Command + R, go to Utilities > Terminal, type resetpassword, and when the window opens, click "Reset using Apple ID." Enter your Apple ID email and password, then create a new Mac login password.

This path is less common on modern Macs, but it exists as a backup if the security question route is blocked.

What to do if you do not remember your Apple ID password

If you have forgotten both your Mac password and your Apple ID password, you will need to recover your Apple ID first. Go to iforgot.apple.com on another device or computer. Enter your Apple ID email, answer your security questions or use a recovery key if you have one, and follow Apple's steps to reset your Apple ID password. Once your Apple ID password is reset, you can use it to unlock your Mac.

If you do not have access to your security questions or a recovery key, Apple can verify your identity through your phone number or a trusted device. The process takes a few minutes but may require you to wait for a verification code.

Prevent future lockouts by linking your Apple ID now

After you regain access to your Mac, link your Apple ID to your user account so you never face this situation again. Go to System Settings, click your name at the top of the sidebar, and look for an option to link your Apple ID if it is not already connected. You can also set up a password hint — a phrase that appears at the login screen to jog your memory without giving away the actual password.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere find, like a password manager or a locked drawer. Many people forget passwords a second time because they do not write them down after resetting.

When to call Apple Support

If none of these methods work — for example, if you have no other administrator account, no linked Apple ID, and cannot access Recovery Mode — contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity and walk you through additional recovery steps, though the process may take longer than the methods above. Have your Mac serial number ready, which you can find in System Settings under About This Mac.

You can reach Apple Support through their website, by phone, or by visiting an Apple Store in person. If your Mac is under warranty or you have AppleCare, support is included at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my password erase my files?

No. Resetting your login password does not touch your files, photos, documents, or any other data on your Mac. It only changes the password you use to log in. Your files remain exactly as they were.

What if I see a message that says my account is managed by my organization?

If your Mac is managed by a workplace or school, you may not be able to reset your password yourself. Contact your IT department or help desk — they have tools to reset it for you and may require you to verify your identity first.

Can I reset my password without restarting my Mac?

Yes, if you have another administrator account on the same Mac or if your Apple ID is linked to your account. Both methods work from the login screen or System Settings without a restart. Recovery Mode does require a restart.

How long does it take to reset my password?

Using the Apple ID question mark button or another administrator account takes a few minutes. Recovery Mode takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to recover your Apple ID password first, add another 5 to 10 minutes depending on which verification method Apple uses.

What if I keep forgetting my password?

Consider using a password manager like iCloud Keychain, 1Password, or Bitwarden to store your Mac password securely. You can also enable Touch ID or Face ID on your Mac so you do not have to type your password every time you log in.