I recently bought a 2026 MacBook Pro and can't remember the password for the account used to log in. I also no longer have the recovery key. The Mac is currently at the normal login screen; Touch ID isn't being accepted, so I need to enter the password. The tutorials I've found either show options that aren't available on my Mac or require the recovery key. Is there another legitimate way to reset the password and get back into the computer?
1 Answer
Since you’re at the Mac login screen, this is probably the local Mac account password rather than your Apple Account password. Touch ID normally requires the account password after a restart or occasionally for security reasons, so it can’t replace the password indefinitely. Try selecting the account, entering an incorrect password a few times, and waiting for a reset option such as “Forgot all passwords?” or “Reset it using your Apple Account.” If that option doesn’t appear, restart while holding the power button until startup options appear, then choose Options and use the password-reset tools in macOS Recovery. If FileVault is enabled and neither the account password nor a recovery key is available, Apple generally can’t decrypt the existing data; the remaining supported option may be erasing the Mac and reinstalling macOS. That removes the files, so check whether they’re backed up or synced before proceeding. You can also contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase.
Yes, I mean the password on the computer’s login screen. I can usually use Touch ID, but it’s forcing me to enter the password this time and I can’t remember it.