Reset Your MacBook Password Without Data Loss: The Easiest Method

Updated at: 08/06/2025

Forgotten your MacBook password? Don't panic! Losing access doesn't mean losing your precious data. This guide offers the simplest, safest method to reset your password without wiping your hard drive. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you regain control of your MacBook quickly and easily, preserving all your files and settings. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Shut Down and Enter Recovery Mode

    • Shut down your MacBook.
    • Press and hold the Touch ID (power) button until the Mac OS goes to recovery mode. For other MacBooks: Press and hold Command + R, then press the power button until recovery mode appears.
    For M1/M2 users: Press and hold the Touch ID (power) button until the Mac OS goes to recovery mode. For other MacBooks: Press and hold Command + R, then press the power button until recovery mode appears. For M1/M2 users: Press and hold the Touch ID (power) button until the Mac OS goes to recovery mode. For other MacBooks: Press and hold Command + R, then press the power button until recovery mode appears.
    Shut Down and Enter Recovery Mode

  2. Access Recovery Mode Options

    • Click "Options", then "Continue".
    Click "Options", then "Continue".
    Access Recovery Mode Options

  3. Prepare for Password Reset

    • Ensure your Wi-Fi is connected. Click the admin icon, then "Forget all passwords".
    Ensure your Wi-Fi is connected. Click the admin icon, then "Forget all passwords".
    Prepare for Password Reset

  4. Authenticate with Apple ID

    • Log in with your Apple ID (the one associated with the MacBook).
    Log in with your Apple ID (the one associated with the MacBook).
    Authenticate with Apple ID

  5. Open Terminal and Initiate Reset

    • Go to Utilities > Terminal.
    • Type `resetpassword` and press Enter.
    Type `resetpassword` and press Enter. Type `resetpassword` and press Enter.
    Open Terminal and Initiate Reset

  6. Verify Identity and Reset Password

    • Select "I forgot my password", then follow the prompts to verify your identity using your Apple ID and a verification code.
    Select "I forgot my password", then follow the prompts to verify your identity using your Apple ID and a verification code.
    Verify Identity and Reset Password

  7. Set New Password

    • Set a new password.
    Set a new password.
    Set New Password

  8. Restart and Verify

    • Restart your MacBook and log in with your new password.
    Restart your MacBook and log in with your new password.
    Restart and Verify
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Tips

  • This method avoids data loss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Apple ID or Password

Reason: Entering the wrong Apple ID or password during the password reset process will prevent you from accessing your account and resetting your MacBook password.
Solution: Double-check your Apple ID and password for typos and ensure you're using the correct credentials associated with your MacBook.

2. Choosing a Weak Password

Reason: Selecting a weak or easily guessable password leaves your MacBook vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Solution: Create a strong, unique password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

FAQs

What if I've forgotten my Apple ID password as well?
If you've forgotten both your MacBook password and your Apple ID password, resetting your MacBook password becomes more complex. You'll need to recover your Apple ID password first, likely through Apple's recovery process involving security questions or a verification code sent to a recovery email or phone number. Once you've regained access to your Apple ID, you can then follow the steps outlined in this guide to reset your MacBook password.