You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

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

i forgot my administrators username and password to make changes in system preferences

i forgot my administrators name and password

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 7, 2023 10:34 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 8, 2023 7:44 AM

Reset Computer Password  for the Administrator Account Password


Intel Computer


1 - Shutdown the computer 


1A - Restart computer and immediately hold the two keyboard combo Command  r 


1B - 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 


2 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal


3 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces


4 - Press Return key


5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password


Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Computer 


1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.


2- Do not  attempt a Restart to access this feature. The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards 


 3 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”


4 - Click Options, then click Continue. 


5 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal


6 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces


7 - Press Return key


8 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 8, 2023 7:44 AM in response to elsamaria26

Reset Computer Password  for the Administrator Account Password


Intel Computer


1 - Shutdown the computer 


1A - Restart computer and immediately hold the two keyboard combo Command  r 


1B - 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 


2 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal


3 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces


4 - Press Return key


5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password


Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Computer 


1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.


2- Do not  attempt a Restart to access this feature. The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards 


 3 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”


4 - Click Options, then click Continue. 


5 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal


6 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces


7 - Press Return key


8 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

i forgot my administrators username and password to make changes in system preferences

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