The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.
You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.
We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.
The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.
You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.
We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.
My MacBook Air isn't allowing me back in (tells me I'm locked out). When I can insert the password, it tells me that I have to wait for e.g. 8 hours. Even then, it doesn't accept my password. What can I do?
This is Apple’s guidance for resetting your Mac’s login password:
If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support
Apple Silicon Mac:
1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.
2 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”
3 - Click Options, then click Continue.
4 - Top Tool Bar > Utilities > Terminal
5 - Type resetpassword (one word, no spaces)
6 - Press Return key
7 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password
Intel Mac:
1 - Restart computer and immediately hold Command + R keys
2 - Top Tool Bar > Utilities > Terminal
3 - Type resetpassword (one word, no spaces)
4 - Press Return key
5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password
This is Apple’s guidance for resetting your Mac’s login password:
If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support
Apple Silicon Mac:
1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.
2 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”
3 - Click Options, then click Continue.
4 - Top Tool Bar > Utilities > Terminal
5 - Type resetpassword (one word, no spaces)
6 - Press Return key
7 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password
Intel Mac:
1 - Restart computer and immediately hold Command + R keys
2 - Top Tool Bar > Utilities > Terminal
3 - Type resetpassword (one word, no spaces)
4 - Press Return key
5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password
Wow! Thank you so much!!!!!!!! It worked!
You’re welcome. 🙂
MacBook Air locked out, password not accepted
