How do I retrieve forgotten Recovery key ?

Question

How do I retrieve forgotten Recovery key ?

I have forgotten the recovery key on my Mac and the password of the computer! I didn't use it for a couple of months and now I am completely stuck.

I'm not sure if there is a way to generate a new one through my iCloud account? I have seen that one could but the only problem is that my Mac requires only a 24 digit password not a 28 digit.

Not sure if there is anyway that I could recover it or get a new one. Let me know

Thanks :)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (M2, 2022)

Posted on Jul 10, 2024 7:46 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 10, 2024 5:43 PM in response to Needhelpplease-1

I suspect what you’re looking for is the File Vault Recovery Key. (File Vault is the Mac’s whole-disk encryption system)

If you are being prompted to enter it as part of the Mac’s “Forgot Password” process, it means that the option was NOT selected to save it to iCloud during the initial power-up setup of the Mac.

There is no means to recover it if it was misplaced.

It can only be reset (regenerated) on the Mac AFTER you’ve successfully logged-in.

Unfortunately w/o the recovery key, your prospects for resetting the Mac’s login password and recovering the data on the disk are bleak.

Reply

Answer 2

Jul 10, 2024 7:57 AM in response to Needhelpplease-1

A Recovery Key and a Password are 2 different things. Mac's don't use recovery keys.

Your Mac's log in password has no relation to any Recovery Key you can generate through iCloud. The recovery key is meant to let you regain access to your Apple ID, not your Mac.

If you forgot your Mac's password, regardless of length, then see the following support document.

click here ➜ If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

Reply

How do I retrieve forgotten Recovery key ?

Similar questions