How to reset your Mac login password using your Apple ID

macOS KB-125

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to reset your Mac login password using your Apple ID. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

If you've forgotten your Mac login password and use an Apple ID with iCloud, you can reset your password directly from the login screen without needing another administrator account. This method works on macOS Catalina (10.15) and later, including Sonoma and Sequoia. Below, we'll walk you through the process step by step.

Before You Begin

Confirm the following prerequisites are in place before attempting the reset:

Your Mac must be running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later.
You must have previously signed in to your Mac with an Apple ID, and your user account must be linked to your Apple ID via iCloud.
Your Mac needs an active internet connection, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
You need access to a second device (iPhone, iPad, or another computer) to verify your Apple ID if prompted.

Tip: If you don't see the option to reset with your Apple ID at the login screen, your account may not be linked to iCloud. In that case, you'll need to use another administrator account on the Mac or boot into macOS Recovery instead.

Quick Fix Steps

At the Mac login screen, enter any password three times in a row.
When the message appears, click "Reset it using your Apple ID" or the question mark icon next to the password field.
Enter your Apple ID email address and password, then follow the prompts.
Create a new Mac login password when prompted, then restart your Mac.
Log in with your new password.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Trigger the Password Reset Prompt

On your Mac's login screen, click in the password field and deliberately type an incorrect password three times. After the third attempt, a message will appear beneath the password field saying something similar to: "If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID."

Alternatively, click the small question mark (?) icon next to the password field, then select "Reset it using your Apple ID" from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Enter Your Apple ID Credentials

A new window will appear asking you to enter your Apple ID email address and password. Type these in carefully, then click Next or press Return.

Tip: If you've forgotten your Apple ID password as well, you can recover it by visiting iforgot.apple.com from another device.

Step 3: Complete Two-Factor Authentication

If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID (which is the default for most accounts), a verification code will be sent to your trusted devices or phone number. Enter the six-digit code when prompted to continue.

Step 4: Set Your New Mac Password

Once your Apple ID is verified, you'll be asked to create a new password for your Mac account. Choose a strong password and follow Apple's on-screen guidelines. You'll also have the option to add a password hint to help you remember it in future.

Important: Make sure your new password is something you can remember but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using personal details like your name, birthday, or simple sequences like "123456". If you're using a password manager, now is a great time to save your new credentials there.

Step 5: Restart and Log In

After setting your new password, your Mac will restart automatically. When it boots back up, enter your new password at the login screen to access your account.

Troubleshooting

The Apple ID Reset Option Doesn't Appear

If you don't see the option to reset using your Apple ID, try the following:

Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet. Look for the Wi-Fi icon at the top-right of the login screen and connect to a network if needed.
Confirm you're running macOS Catalina or later by checking Apple Menu > About This Mac from another account if possible.
Check that your user account is linked to your Apple ID. Go to System Settings > Apple ID (or System Preferences > Apple ID on older versions) and verify your account is signed in.

Your Apple ID Password Is Also Forgotten

If you can't remember your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it first. Use another device to visit iforgot.apple.com and follow Apple's account recovery process. Once your Apple ID is accessible, return to your Mac and try the password reset again.

Two-Factor Authentication Code Isn't Arriving

If you're not receiving your verification code:

Make sure your trusted iPhone or iPad is connected to the internet.
Check that your trusted device's software is up to date.
Try requesting the code again, or use an alternative trusted phone number if you have one set up.

Reset Succeeds but New Password Doesn't Work

If the reset completes but the new password is rejected at the login screen, try restarting your Mac once more. If the issue persists, you may need to reset your password using macOS Recovery instead.

Alternative: Reset Using macOS Recovery

If the Apple ID method isn't available or isn't working, you can reset your password using macOS Recovery as a fallback:

Restart your Mac and hold Command (⌘) + R immediately after the Apple logo appears.
When the macOS Utilities window appears, select Utilities > Terminal from the menu bar.
Type resetpassword and press Return.
Follow the prompts to select your user account and set a new password.
Restart your Mac and log in with your new credentials.

Important: The Recovery method requires you to know your existing password or have FileVault turned off. If FileVault is enabled and you don't know the password, the Apple ID method described above is your best option.

If you've tried all the steps above and still can't regain access to your Mac, our support team is happy to help. Please Open a Ticket with details about your situation, including your macOS version and the steps you've already attempted.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

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