M2 MacBook Pro password not working on lock screen prompt but works on restart

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Level 1

4 points

M2 MacBook Pro password not working on lock screen prompt but works on restart

Hello Apple Community,

I have observed a strange issue on my MacBook Pro with Apple M2 Pro chip, running macOS Sonoma 14.1.1 (23B81).

On the lock screen, where it says "Touch ID or Enter Password", the Touch ID works but the password doesn't.

I am sure that I am not typing the password wrong, because when I type in any sudo command in the terminal and it asks me for password, I input the same and it works. The same happens after restarting the machine, I type in the password and it works perfectly fine - as expected.

This is an annoying issue because "unlock with Touch ID" option expires after a few days and I have to type in the password to "renew" it, and in that scenario I currently have no option but to force shutdown the MacBook, start again and then log in (with the same password).

As you can see, I have updated to latest macOS version available but the problem persists. I have tried all combinations - running on battery, connected to power; with and without accessories connected - nothing changes.

It would have been helpful if there were a shutdown menu on the lock screen, like it has for the log-in screen on top right, as I don't like to do force shutdown/restart via the power button.

Please help me fix this.

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Jan 25, 2024 12:09 AM

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Answer 1

auztbd Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 11, 2024 11:48 AM in response to HWTech

Thank you for your response. Looks like Apple has fixed the bug - I updated to macOS 14.3 and it's now accepting the password I type in.

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Answer 2

Jan 25, 2024 8:56 AM in response to auztbd

I have seen this occur with some of my organization's Sonoma Macs. About the only time I have encountered it though is after a fresh install of Sonoma and the lock screen activates. Since it has been a very intermittent issue, I have not figured out a solution yet or exactly what is causing it. Since these Sonoma laptops don't have my fingerprint registered, I haven't been able to really investigate (also did not realize it may only fail with the password, but not a fingerprint). I'll have to see if I can reproduce the issue sometime & confirm.

I haven't really seen anyone else mention this issue on this forum, so I the conditions to reproduce the issue may be a bit rare.

You can provide Apple with product feedback here (Apple won't respond):

Product Feedback - Apple

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M2 MacBook Pro password not working on lock screen prompt but works on restart

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