recovery mode admin password not working

intel iMac20,2, MacOS Ventura 13.6 -- note that this device *does* have a T2 security chip


Previously I successfully used the Recovery Mode System Security tool to set up booting from a USB drive -- the Ventura mentioned above is that USB drive.


I was following the Apple instructions to change boot drive (back to the internal drive). Those instructions involve entering the System Security tool again. I was able to enter recovery mode, and to enter the admin password that is requested. To enter the System Security tool, it requires authenticating with an admin password (even though you cannot get to the tool without having authenticated with an admin password.)


The problem I am running into is that no matter which admin account or password I use to try to authenticate for the System Security tool now, it rejects the password. I am absolutely 100% positive that I entered my regular password correctly -- and to be completely certain I changed the password on my second admin account to something extremely easy to type... but no joy. (I was able to select the name of the second admin account -- I am not having the problem some people have had about not being able to select the second account... just with having ANY passwords accepted.)


I even hauled out an Apple Magic keyboard and connected it to my USB to be sure that it was not an issue with my Corsair keyboard. Didn't help.


In the meantime I discovered that the posted instructions fail to mention that at the level where one would ask for the System Security tool, that one of the menu items allows you to set the startup disk, so for this immediate purpose I no longer need to authenticate to the tool -- but still, why is it refusing my password that I am 100% sure is correct?


Note: this device has a T2 security chip (but it is NOT an M* series CPU), so the older method of using the Utilities tool to set the boot disk does not apply.)

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Sep 26, 2023 10:53 PM

Reply
2 replies

Sep 30, 2023 9:29 AM in response to sandra-leigh

Greetings Sandra-leigh,


To ensure that we're on the same page, care you referring to your firmware password? If so, the following details can assist you:


"If you forgot your firmware password

If you can't remember your firmware password, schedule an in-person service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Bring your Mac to the appointment, and bring your original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase."


You can find more details here: Set a firmware password on your Mac


If you need further assistance, we suggest that you reach out to Apple directly concerning this issue. They will be able to look further into this with you: Get Support


Best wishes.


Oct 2, 2023 11:04 AM in response to sandra-leigh

I believe you will need to authenticate using an admin user account & password for an account on the internal macOS SSD.


Unless you want to restrict being able to boot from an external drive, there is no need to use recovery mode. If you want to change the default Startup Disk to the internal SSD instead of the external drive, then modify it in the Startup Disk System Settings.


If you cannot authenticate to the T2 security chip using an admin user account & password from an account on the internal SSD, then you will need to perform a clean install of macOS through Internet Recovery Mode (unless you can boot a macOS USB installer without needing to authenticate). A clean install is when you erase the whole physical SSD (Intel Macs only) followed by reinstalling the OS. If you have issues with Internet Recovery Mode or a USB installer, then you may need to perform a firmware "Revive" or perhaps even a firmware "Restore" (the firmware restore on an Intel Mac then usually requires reinstalling macOS through Internet Recovery Mode).

Revive or restore an Intel-based Mac using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


I have encountered authentication bugs/issues with the T2 security chip where only one user account may be shown, sometimes without its actual name, but represented by its UUID identifier.....while other times the password for another user worked for the name of a different user. This occurred even when I could boot & log into each admin user account on the internal SSD boot drive.


recovery mode admin password not working

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