I've spent about four hours trying to reset the login password on my 2019 Intel MacBook Air, but every password variation is rejected. When I try using my Apple Account through the reset process, I receive a message saying that the supplied iCloud account was unable to unlock the volume. I'm signed in with the same Apple Account on the Mac and can verify it with a six-digit code. What options do I have to regain access without losing my files?
2 Answers
If FileVault disk encryption was enabled, the recovery key is what unlocks the volume. During setup, macOS may offer to store that key with your Apple Account, but if that option was skipped—or the key belongs to a different account—you’ll need the recovery key saved elsewhere. Without the correct password, recovery key, or an authorized account, erasing the Mac may be the only way forward.
That message usually means the Apple Account isn’t authorized to unlock the encrypted startup disk. An Apple Account login by itself doesn’t always provide a way to reset the Mac’s local password. Start the Mac in macOS Recovery and check the available password-reset options there. If none of them work, the remaining supported option may be to erase the Mac and reinstall macOS, which will remove the data on it.
The Apple Account shown on the Mac is the same one I’m entering, and it even accepts my six-digit verification code. Does that still mean it might not have permission to unlock the disk?