How can I reset MacBook Air password?

Question

Janeway3000 Author

Level 1

15 points

How can I reset MacBook Air password?

My elderly Dad has forgotten his MacBook Air log in password.

His admin account now says it's locked.

He has an M1 silicone chip MacBook Air.

He can get to the Mac OS Recovery screen, by holding down the power button.

The first screen shows:

'Mac HD' on the left

and

'Options - Continue' on the right

He clicks on 'Options' and then 'Continue'

Next what appears is:

'Select an admin user you know the password'

and

'Forgot all passwords?'

He clicks on 'Forgot All Passwords?'

But then it asks him to select wifi and enter a wifi password which he can't seem to manage to do.

Is there a way to bring up the terminal screen easily, so he can just reset his admin log in password without having to connect to wifi ?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 15, 2024 10:16 PM

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Answer 1

kaz-k

Level 9

50,178 points

Oct 16, 2024 8:21 AM in response to Janeway3000

Hi,

Following steps for resetting your password.

From the Apple menu, go to “System Preferences.”
Select “Users & Groups.”
Click the “Info” button next to your username.
Next to the password field, click “Change…”
Enter your current password in the “Old Password” field.
Enter your new password in the “New Password” field.

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Answer 2

Oct 16, 2024 8:23 AM in response to Janeway3000

No, there is not Recovery requires an internet connection (it will use Apple Account credentials to reset the password). It's asking for the password to whatever WiFi network you usually use.

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