jcarruth19 wrote:
I am trying to use the Terminal to create a bootable USB drive. After a few tries and searches, I finally got the code right (I'm hoping) and then it asks for my password. Since no one else uses this machine, and I am rather lazy and don't want to type a password every time, hundreds of times a day, I just use spacebar, as I have on all my Macs. I am now on a Mac Mini. This password works on the Mac Mini everywhere else, except in the Terminal.
When the terminal asks for a password, I hit the spacebar, and it rejects this as my password. I go to Users & Groups > My Name Admin > Password > Change. I press spacebar for old password, and 1234 for new password, and it tells me that the passwords don't match.
Apparently I need a real password to complete my task in Terminal, but the system won't let me change it.
Now I am stuck.
Now what?
Thanks for your help.
There are two methods as outlined below
One for Intel Computers
The other for Apple Silicon Computers
Reset Computer Password for the Administrator Account Password
➡️ Intel Computer
Shutdown the computer
Restart computer and immediately hold the two keyboard combo Command r
If using a Bluetooth Keyboard with Rechargeable Battery - Cable the Keyboard to computer for this unique purpose. Bluetooth Kernel may not load soon enough to execute the 2 keyboard commands
Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal
Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces
Press Return key
Follow the prompts and remember the New Password
➡️ Apple Silicon M1 / M2 /M3 Computer
Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down
If using a Bluetooth Keyboard with Rechargeable Battery - Cable the Keyboard to computer for this unique purpose.
Do not attempt a Restart to access this feature. The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards
Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”
Click Options, then click Continue.
Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal
Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces
Press Return key
Follow the prompts and remember the New Password