The supplied iCloud account was unable to unlock this volume

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Level 1

6 points

The supplied iCloud account was unable to unlock this volume

Just tried to log in to my Mac Mini and it won’t recognise the password I use across multiple devices that is absolutely the correct password.

Had to opt to try to reset, and it had me log in to my Apple account only to then tell me, after I “Allowed” the device and entered the verification code, that…”The supplied iCloud account was unable to unlock this volume.”

Did some more digging on Google and one bit of advice was to change my Apple account password, which I did, but to no effect.

I’m completely locked out of my 2 year old Mac Mini. What?

How do I fix this without losing everything and what on earth is this problem all about exactly?

thank you

NJ

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Apr 21, 2023 12:57 PM

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Answer 1

Drew_7

Community Specialist

Apr 23, 2023 11:53 AM in response to NJSCOT

Hi NJSCOT,

From what you've shared it sounds like you're unable to reset your Mac login password with your Apple ID. We recommend reviewing all other available steps as outlined here: If you forgot your Mac login password

Option 1: Restart and show password options

1. If you see the option to restart and show password reset options, click it to restart your Mac. Then take one of these steps:

* Sign in with your Apple ID, if asked. You might also be asked to enter the verification code sent to your other devices.

* Enter your FileVault recovery key, if asked. It's the long string of letters and numbers you received when you turned on FileVault and chose to create a recovery key instead of allowing your iCloud account (Apple ID) to unlock your disk.

2. Select a user that you want to reset the password for, then click Next.

3. Enter your new password information, then click Next.

4. When the password reset is completed, click Restart.

We hope this helps.

Take care.

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Answer 2

NJSCOT Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 24, 2023 7:48 AM in response to Drew_7

No Drew, that's not it at all.

I haven't forgotten the login for my Mac Mini. I have used this password for some time and it is very memorable, to me, for very specific reasons. I attempted it multiple times, made sure CAPS lock wasn't on...all of that.

The Mac Mini, however, no longer wanted to play ball and had, inexplicably, decided to just lock me out.

After going through the steps to reset the password, which included me creating a new password for my Apple account just to eliminate that as being the issue, I am presented with "The supplied iCloud account was unable to unlock this volume".

...with no further option to reset. Completely locked out of a device I only purchased, new, just two years ago.

After an evening tearing what little hair I have left out wondering why this was happening, I decided to go and have a cup of tea; relaxed, chilled, and just forgot about it for the evening. Upon heading to bed I decided to give my original password one more go, and lo-and-behold it lets me in.

There is no answer to this question, because it was just some absolute random nonsense from an Apple product, but if I relied on this device for my work I'd be worried right about now.

Thank you for your reply, but none of the steps you've described resolved the issue for me.

NJSCOT

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The supplied iCloud account was unable to unlock this volume

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