Can't type password to get into recovery mode on iMac

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Level 1

4 points

Can't type password to get into recovery mode on iMac

I'm trying to get into recovery mode, which I managed to do without any issues, even a couple hours ago.

I tried to do that again, but for some reason when I'm asked to type in my password, it won't type anything.

I've tried 3 different keyboards, but what I did notice is that it realizes the keyboard is working, because if I press on capslock it warns me and shows an up arrow, but still won't actually type the password.

Any help would be appreciated, let me know if there's any other information I need to provide.

iMac 21.5″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 1:47 AM

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Answer 1

LadyLexxie Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2023 2:29 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I've tried with a standard wired keyboard, a magic keyboard plugged in with the usb cable, and also a wireless keyboard with a usb dongle. None have worked, but they worked a few hours ago.

I also tried to boot to safe mode, but for some reason it won't do it. I've followed these instructions, again trying with all the keyboards, and it always boots normally.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

210,383 points

Sep 22, 2023 10:45 AM in response to LadyLexxie

NOTE: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

You should see this in the upper right hand corder of the login screen if you're successful:

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Answer 3

LadyLexxie Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2023 6:19 AM in response to LadyLexxie

I've managed to fix the issue by deleting the firmware password using the terminal

sudo firmwarepasswd -delete

This allowed me to both boot into safe mode and also back into recovery mode.

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,592 points

Sep 22, 2023 2:14 AM in response to LadyLexxie

If You are not already, please use a wired keyboard. You also may want to restart in Safe Mode to clear caches.

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

245,111 points

Sep 22, 2023 2:18 AM in response to LadyLexxie

Is this a wired USB KB?

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,592 points

Sep 22, 2023 5:47 AM in response to LadyLexxie

When booting into Safe Mode you hold down the Shift key until it restarts, this can take up to 10 minutes!!

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Answer 7

LadyLexxie Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2023 6:06 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I'm holding shift from the moment I click restart, up until it asks for my password to log in. I've tried this many times, and it never worked.

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Answer 8

LadyLexxie Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2023 6:11 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I read that it cannot boot to safe mode if there's a firmware password, which was the issue I had at the beginning. That's the password it physically won't let me type in anymore.

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Answer 9

BDAqua

Level 10

245,111 points

Sep 22, 2023 8:23 AM in response to LadyLexxie

Wow great work on your part! :)

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Can't type password to get into recovery mode on iMac

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