Level 1

16 points

Password not accepted since updating to MacOS Sequoia 15.2

My laptop updated to MacOS Sequoia 15.2 the other night. I was able to log in to the laptop at the time. Coming back to my MacBook Pro M1 now, it won't accept my device password, even though it was definitely correct.

I was able to use use my fingerprint, and immediately changed my password (using the password that it wouldn't accept in the lock screen!).

Again, the lock screen won't accept my new (very simple) password. Nor the old one.

I rebooted, and now I can't log in at all. It just won't accept my password.

How can I get out of this cycle of change password >> won't accept new password >> change password >> etc etc?

Thanks.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Dec 16, 2024 6:24 AM

Top-ranking reply

Owl-53

Level 10

102,373 points

Posted on Dec 16, 2024 7:31 AM

Follow the advise from @ jefferythefrog - First

If and only if all else fails and it should not

Reset Computer Password for the Administrator Account Password

2 Methods, 1 for Apple Intel Computers and one for Apple M1 / M2 / M3 / M4 Silicon Computers

Choose the appropriate method for this computer

Intel Computer

Shutdown the computer

Restart computer and immediately hold the two keyboard combo Command r

If using a Bluetooth Keyboard with Rechargeable Battery - Cable the Keyboard to computer for this unique purpose. Bluetooth Kernel may not load soon enough to execute the 2 keyboard commands

Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal

Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces

Press Return key

Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

Apple Silicon M1 / M2 / M3 / M4 Computer

Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down

If using a Bluetooth Keyboard with Rechargeable Battery - Cable the Keyboard to computer for this unique purpose.

Do not attempt a Restart to access this feature. The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards

Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”

Click Options, then click Continue.

Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal

Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces

Press Return key

Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

View in context

29 replies

Jan 30, 2025 4:08 AM in response to Owl-53

Hello,

this workaround obviously helps, and I Did it several times already, but I've had this effect already about 4 times on 2 different (and unrelated) Macs.

1 MacBook Pro M2 and

1 Mac mini M4

After shutting down or sending the Macs to sleep, I was not able to log in anymore.

After setting a new password using the steps above and in case of the iMac even using the same password, everything went fine for about 1 month.

I had this problem on the MacBook wit Sequia 15.2 and 15.3 with the Mac mini only with Sequia 15.3 (so just today)

So, I really guess, it's a Sequia problem, because I did not have this issues beforehand (using Macs for decades now :-))

Also, my issue is not about special characters, as I'm only using ASCII - Characters

As the MacBook is my business pc and resetting the password always introduces a lot of re-login and configuring work afterwards, I'd really like to know if there is a way to prevent this effect to happen.

Pjm-se

Level 1

4 points

Mar 4, 2025 9:49 PM in response to BabyDinosaur

It happens 3-4 times a week that my password is not accepted in the morning after a nights sleep.

Sometimes I notice it works after a few tries but usually I need to reboot and then my password is accepted.

Dec 16, 2024 9:39 AM in response to BabyDinosaur

you're welcome.

Dec 19, 2024 7:27 AM in response to Owl-53

This is the way.

Owl-53

Level 10

102,373 points

Dec 19, 2024 7:38 AM in response to TheSenatorDC

TheSenatorDC wrote:

This is the way.

I am sort of guessing

The provided methods worked for your computer ?

If so, you are welcome.

Owl-53

Level 10

102,373 points

Dec 19, 2024 7:56 AM in response to TheSenatorDC

Ouch.

At the sometime >> Good Work 👍<< On your part and thank you too

Do come back to the Apple Support Communities ( ASC ) in the future if additional questions may arise.

Jan 14, 2025 7:20 AM in response to ralph.w

ralph.w could you please verify if your problem perhaps belongs in this thread instead? Your problem sonds an awful lot like mine, but perhaps not like the original post of this thread.

Jan 14, 2025 9:27 AM in response to jeffreythefrog

Thanks so much for your help and time in helping me and others to be able to get back into our Macs. Very appreciated!

Jan 14, 2025 9:36 AM in response to DanceNana2022

you're welcome. :)

Feb 12, 2025 11:55 AM in response to BabyDinosaur

Upgraded to Sequoia 15.3 and now the sudo command on the terminal is not accepting my usual password. Worked fine before upgrading, this is a serious issue, any ideas ?

Thanks !

Feb 26, 2025 9:29 PM in response to BabyDinosaur

Same issue here - 15.3.1 on a M1 Mac mini.

jspeedd

Level 1

8 points

Mar 1, 2025 8:46 PM in response to jspeedd

It mostly happens on the Lock Screen but I have had it happen on the first login as well.

Mar 5, 2025 10:18 AM in response to Pjm-se

I'm also have this problem.

Mar 11, 2025 7:19 PM in response to ralph.w

I'm experiencing the same issue. Where you able to correct it?

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Password not accepted since updating to MacOS Sequoia 15.2