anyone can reset password of my mac in Recovery mode?

Hi there,

I have a mac with apple id signed in.

By entering recovery mode, I can use the Terminal and do "resetpassword", then instantly I can chose a new password and log in to my mac and see all my files, including iCloud drive files....

I think there's a step to verify apple ID before I can reset password? Now this feels really insecure....


13.6, intel mac

Posted on May 21, 2024 7:01 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 21, 2024 7:58 AM

If one this that concerned about Security >>>


Use Startup Security Utility to set a firmware password


Setting a firmware password prevents your Mac from starting up from any internal or external storage device other than the startup disk you’ve selected unless the firmware password is entered. You can turn on, turn off, or change the firmware password using Startup Security Utility.


When the firmware password is turned on, each time you start up from macOS Recovery or from a storage device other than the one selected in Startup Disk settings, you need to enter the firmware password.

After you restart your Mac, changes to the firmware password take effect.

  1. In the Recovery app, choose Utilities > Startup Security Utility.
  2. If requested, enter an administrator user name and password.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Turn on the firmware password: Click Turn On Firmware Password, enter a new password, reenter it to verify the password, then click Set Password.
    • Turn off the firmware password: Click Turn Off Firmware Password, enter the password, then click Turn Off Password.
    • Change the firmware password: Click Change Password, enter the old password, enter a new password and verify it, then click Change Password.
  1. Click Quit Startup Security Utility.



Set a firmware password on your Mac


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.


Similar questions

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 21, 2024 7:58 AM in response to rockman44413

If one this that concerned about Security >>>


Use Startup Security Utility to set a firmware password


Setting a firmware password prevents your Mac from starting up from any internal or external storage device other than the startup disk you’ve selected unless the firmware password is entered. You can turn on, turn off, or change the firmware password using Startup Security Utility.


When the firmware password is turned on, each time you start up from macOS Recovery or from a storage device other than the one selected in Startup Disk settings, you need to enter the firmware password.

After you restart your Mac, changes to the firmware password take effect.

  1. In the Recovery app, choose Utilities > Startup Security Utility.
  2. If requested, enter an administrator user name and password.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Turn on the firmware password: Click Turn On Firmware Password, enter a new password, reenter it to verify the password, then click Set Password.
    • Turn off the firmware password: Click Turn Off Firmware Password, enter the password, then click Turn Off Password.
    • Change the firmware password: Click Change Password, enter the old password, enter a new password and verify it, then click Change Password.
  1. Click Quit Startup Security Utility.



Set a firmware password on your Mac


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.


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anyone can reset password of my mac in Recovery mode?

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