Last night, September 15, 2025, I updated my MacBook Air (2020 model) to macOS 26 (Tahoe). After the update, my MacBook won't accept my password, even though I've been using it for over a year and am certain it's correct. In addition, the MacBook is not connecting to Wi-Fi, which is preventing me from using my Apple ID to reset the password.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Login issue
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.6
behzad154 wrote:
Last night, September 15, 2025, I updated my MacBook Air (2020 model) to macOS 26 (Tahoe). After the update, my MacBook won't accept my password, even though I've been using it for over a year and am certain it's correct. In addition, the MacBook is not connecting to Wi-Fi, which is preventing me from using my Apple ID to reset the password.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Login issue
Can the user explain ?
If you can not log into the computer " won't accept my password "
Then the operating system itself has not fully loaded
If the operating system is not loaded, how would you be able to " connecting to Wi-Fi "
Reset Computer Password for the Administrator Account Password
2 Methods, 1 for Apple Intel Computers and other 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
ITop 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
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
behzad154 wrote:
Last night, September 15, 2025, I updated my MacBook Air (2020 model) to macOS 26 (Tahoe). After the update, my MacBook won't accept my password, even though I've been using it for over a year and am certain it's correct. In addition, the MacBook is not connecting to Wi-Fi, which is preventing me from using my Apple ID to reset the password.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Login issue
Can the user explain ?
If you can not log into the computer " won't accept my password "
Then the operating system itself has not fully loaded
If the operating system is not loaded, how would you be able to " connecting to Wi-Fi "
Reset Computer Password for the Administrator Account Password
2 Methods, 1 for Apple Intel Computers and other 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
ITop 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
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
Redefiningrascoe wrote:
I get all the way to the options and continue but the tool bar with utilities never comes up for me:(
There are two difference methods to get into Recovery Mode
Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac
Terminal: In the Recovery app, choose Utilities > Terminal.
Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon
Terminal: Change settings via the command line. In the Recovery app, choose Utilities > Terminal
Aggggh. I upgraded to Tahoe 26, I had a common ssid name and changed it. Spent forever and could not get WiFi. All WiFi in my world including Macs, iPads, phones work, except the Mackbook Pro M1, that I upgraded to Tahoe 26. Changed terminal login, changed appleID and password, and still no WiFi on the Mackbook Pro. Help!!!!!!
Veteran74 wrote:
Looks like my post is stuck in the middle, but nothing has worked for me.
This might because your earlier posting is dated Sep 25, 2025 4:09 PM in response to behzad154
Where as, we are currently Sept 26, 2025 @ 08>00 Hrs EDT Local time
To get the replies to your question in chronological order by Date
Click on your User Name >> >> " Edit Profile and Preferences "
Scroll way down and look for >> >> " Other Preferences "
Change the >> >> " Default thread sort " to Oldest
Appreciate the explanation on the post.
does anyone have a solution for this?
Aggggh. I upgraded to Tahoe 26, I had a common ssid name and changed it. Spent forever and could not get WiFi. All WiFi in my world including Macs, iPads, phones work, except the Mackbook Pro M1, that I upgraded to Tahoe 26. Changed terminal login, changed appleID and password, and still no WiFi on the Mackbook Pro. Help!!!!!!
I have gone through all the instructions in this thread. I have changed passwords and I still cannot connect to the internet. I cannot sign in system setting “sign in to your apple account”. WiFi on the top bar is alive but I cannot use internet. Please help…..
That solve the problem, thank you
You are welcome 👍 🦉
I get all the way to the options and continue but the tool bar with utilities never comes up for me:(
Please what did you do that worked cos I've tried and did password reset over and over again but same issue it's not logged in
Looks like my post is stuck in the middle, but nothing has worked for me.
I’m having the same problem. Any solutions yet?
Nope, the whole thing is strange. I had hope but nothing is working, I am to far away from a Genius Bar so I am stuck.
macOS 26 update prevents login and Wi-Fi connection on MacBook Air
