I recently got a new MacBook Pro and forgot both my login password and recovery key. I'm stuck at the screen asking for the password to log in. Touch ID normally works, but it isn't available right now, and the tutorials I've found either show options that aren't appearing or require the recovery key. What are my options for resetting the password and getting back into the Mac?
1 Answer
Touch ID can’t replace the password every time—after a restart, logout, or certain security checks, macOS requires the actual login password first. On the login screen, try entering the password a few times and look for a question-mark icon or a message such as “Reset it using your Apple Account.” If that option appears, follow it to create a new password. You can also start macOS Recovery by shutting down the Mac, then holding the power button until “Loading startup options” appears. Choose Options, then use the password-reset utility if it’s available. If FileVault is enabled and neither the Apple Account reset nor the recovery key works, the remaining supported option may be erasing the Mac and restoring from a backup. Apple Support or an Apple Store can confirm the available recovery path before you erase anything.
Yes, I’m at the regular Mac login screen. I can usually use Touch ID, but it’s asking for the password this time and I don’t see a reset option.