Password entered to change Security & Privacy 'preferences' is refused.

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Level 1

31 points

Password entered to change Security & Privacy 'preferences' is refused.

I have not been able to unlock Microphone access in Security & Privacy preferences.

According to this webpage I should be able to access Security & Privacy options with the same password I use to log into my MacBook Pro. -> Change or reset the password of a macOS user account in macOS Mojave or earlier - Apple Support

However, that password is not being accepted after I click the lock on the Security & Privacy screen.

How do I fix this without creating a new password?

Thanks.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Aug 17, 2023 9:53 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

60,422 points

Aug 18, 2023 5:24 PM in response to dymar

Sometimes things just go wrong and a simple reboot will magically fix things. Be glad when a fix is so simple. If you encounter the same problem over & over, then it is time to worry about what it causing the problem and finding a permanent fix.

FYI, every device sooner or later needs to be rebooted...some more often than others. Even if I'm not experiencing any issues, if my device has not been rebooted in a long time, then I will do so just as a bit of preventative maintenance.

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Answer 2

dymar Author

Level 1

31 points

Aug 18, 2023 4:46 PM in response to dymar

I was able to 'fix' this by restarting my Mac.

I used the same password that had not worked prior to the reset.

Why would a password work some of the time but not at other times?

More specifically, what can one do short of restarting to fix the issue?

Thanks.

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Answer 3

dymar Author

Level 1

31 points

Sep 10, 2023 2:28 PM in response to HWTech

Thanks, I know the value of Restart. But it can be a major interruption when you have Private (&/or Private TOR -- e.g., in Brave) browser windows and tabs open that you don't want to disappear forever.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

245,201 points

Sep 10, 2023 3:03 PM in response to dymar

Have you used Disk Utility's Disk First Aid?

Other than that EtreCheck is a FREE simple little diagnostic tool to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac. It will not display any personal info.

https://www.etrecheck.com/

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Answer 5

dymar Author

Level 1

31 points

Sep 11, 2023 1:50 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks, I use First Aid frequently. So far, never any issue reported from that.

I'll try EtreCheck next time it happens. Since the system restart 'cured' it (following my original post here) I haven't had it happen again.

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Password entered to change Security & Privacy 'preferences' is refused.

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