I forgot my login password and admin pw on M1 MacBook Air 2020. I was trying to reset the password via terminal by typing reset password. I used forgot all passwords option. But when it restarted, it is stuck in Activate Mac screen. It is not taking the new password. The only option now is to erase and reinstall software, but I want to backup my data first. Please help.
MacBook Air 13″
Hello Rad_pro,
So we see that you followed the steps listed at If you can't reset your Mac login password - Apple Support, but it isn't accepting the password. If that is the case, then the only means to progress will be to restore the Mac, which would result in data loss unless you'd been running Time Machine or another backup option.
There are options for restoring Mac data - listed at Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support - however it can result in the old password being reapplied and prevent you from using it should it remain forgotten.
Take care!
MacBook Air M1 (2020) stuck in recovery mode with Activate Mac screen
