Forget your Mac computer password? Don’t fret – there are several ways to do a password reset Mac users like you can try and gain access to your system again.

Each of these methods depends on how you have configured your Mac machine. Have a look at them and choose the most convenient way for yourself.

Method 1: With Your Apple ID

This is the most straightforward method for do a password reset Mac users can try first. If you still have control of the Apple ID linked to it, it should not need more than a few clicks.

A login screen suggests the user to do a password reset mac with their Apple ID account
Choose “reset it using your Apple ID”

Step 1: In the login screen, click the question mark right next to the password field. If you can’t find it, just enter any wrong password repeatedly until the machine is put on the security lock mode.

Step 2: Your Mac computer will present an option that is resetting your credentials using your Apple ID. Choose it.

Step 3: Type exactly your Apple ID and its password. Click Next.

Step 4: Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password for your Mac computer.

Step 5: Restart the operating system when it asks for it. You can use the new password to log in when the machine successfully boots up.

Method 2: Via Another Account

A setting screen with options related to users in a computer
Another admin account can be used to reset your Mac password.

If you forget your Apple ID but the machine is shared with another family member, you can ask them for help with your situation. As long as their account has administrative privileges, they can reset the password of your account too.

Step 1: Log in with the admin account belonging to your family member.

Step 2: Open System Preferences (through the Apple menu) and select “Users & Groups”.

Step 3: Click the lock on the screen and enter their username and password when the system asks for it.

Step 4: Select your account and click the Reset Password button.

Step 5: Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new login password for your account. When done, log out of that admin account. You can now log in to your Mac computer with the new password.

Method 3: With FileVault

A login screen suggests the user to reset their password using a key.
Choose “reset it using your Recovery Key”

FileVault is a default disk encryption application on Mac computers. It isn’t enabled by default and the user must manually turn it on to protect their sensitive information.

If you have set up FileVault on your Mac machine, you are given a recovery key for emergency use. FileVault always warns the user not to lose this key. Otherwise, their data might get lost forever.

A common use of this key is to do a password reset Mac systems need when the user fails to recall their login credentials.

Ideally, you should have written it down elsewhere and stored it away from your computer. You can now use it to reset your Mac password.Step 1: Click the question mark next to the password field on the login screen.

Step 2: Choose the option that says “Reset it using your recovery key”.

Step 3: Enter the key and select Next.

Step 4: Follow the system’s instructions to create a new password for your Mac account.

Final Words

If you have properly set up your Mac computer before, doing a password reset Mac or password reset Macbook shouldn’t be hard. There are plenty of ways to get it done,  thanks to Apple’s thoughtful design.

However, you should never run into this situation if you use a password manager. It can save every password of yours in a safe vault and allow you to get them for later use. There is no excuse for forgetting your Mac password ever again.