Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Unknown Administrator Password

The last administrator didn't pass on the administrator password used in setting up the iMac and MacBook Pro not the user accounts the Administrator password. Can see the user ID but the password is unknown, Help!

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 21, 2021 1:19 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 21, 2021 7:22 PM

Hi sgbiii,


Did you enable Root User, or have a corrupted administrator?

Also, do you forgot an administrator password? Reset the password.

  1. Boot your mac to Recovery Mode by pressing Command+R during startup.
  2. Go to Utilities in the menu bar and click on Terminal
  3. in the terminal type:
resetpassword

Press enter.

Click on “Forgot all Passwords”

Enter your password

Restart your Mac

Or do this when FileVault is enabled.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860




Try Reinstalling macOS

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/erase-and-reinstall-macos-mh27903/mac

make sure you backup your mac first.


Or do this

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204012

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 21, 2021 7:22 PM in response to Encryptor5000

Hi sgbiii,


Did you enable Root User, or have a corrupted administrator?

Also, do you forgot an administrator password? Reset the password.

  1. Boot your mac to Recovery Mode by pressing Command+R during startup.
  2. Go to Utilities in the menu bar and click on Terminal
  3. in the terminal type:
resetpassword

Press enter.

Click on “Forgot all Passwords”

Enter your password

Restart your Mac

Or do this when FileVault is enabled.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860




Try Reinstalling macOS

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/erase-and-reinstall-macos-mh27903/mac

make sure you backup your mac first.


Or do this

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204012

Mar 21, 2021 2:02 PM in response to sgbiii

sgbiii Said:

"Unknown Administrator Password: The last administrator didn't pass on the administrator password used in setting up the iMac and MacBook Pro not the user accounts the Administrator password. Can see the user ID but the password is unknown, Help!"

-------


Deleting the Account:

Why would you want to use someone else's account? Seems like a hack, on your part. If a used device, then I'd say be honest about it and just delete the account. What I would recommend is backup up your Mac today. Once backed up, proceed with deleting that user.


Backing Up the Mac First:

What I would consider doing is creating a backup of your Mac prior to deleting this current user? That way, you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go working afterwards. It is always important to backup your Mac prior to making any major change to it, such as an update installing or a user deletion.

Unknown Administrator Password

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.