MacBook Pro password not recognized after removal attempt

Mlle Do wrote:

Thank you.

OK, I realize I used the wrong password strategy when I lent out my computer. But still, I need to regain access now! When I try to change my password, it asks for the old one, which no longer works.... How do I fix this problem?

FYI, the "old" password is "new" password you created on your first attempt to change it...so you need to use that most recent password. If that password was blank, then it may be impossible to change the password through the "Users & Groups" System Settings. Or maybe the password change attempt failed....have you tried your original password?

You can try using the instructions in the following Apple article to reset the user account password, but it will involve rebooting the computer:

If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

I highly recommend you make a good backup of your data now while you are still logged into your user account because once you restart the computer you will not be able to access any of the data until the password is reset. And if you cannot reset the password using the instructions in the article I linked, then you will need to erase it & restore your data from a backup. Hopefully you already have a good backup.

FYI, I would never loan out my main computer to anyone because there is just too many ways things can go sideways. For example....Do you have your AppleID signed on this laptop? If not, then that other person could associate their AppleID to the laptop & lock you out of your device. Oh....and make sure you have a good backup just in case things do go sideways.

Welcome and thank you for sharing your concerns, Mlle Do. 😉

If you have forgotten your Mac login password; after trying three attempts, you should find an option to reset your password with your Apple Account.

From there, you simply follow the prompts and your Mac should simply restart like normal.

NOTE: You may need to sign back into iCloud and other services after the successful login.

For a complete step-by-step guide, click here.

Need more help?

• United States: 1-800-APLCARE.
• Contact Support.
• Mac Support.
• Mac User Guide.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

You can not literally remove the first or only Mac login password. You can set that User to auto-login, but that is not the same, and only recommended for Macs that NEVER leave your possession, EVER.

if you are an Admin user and logged in, use

settings > Login password ...

...and change the password to something VERY memorable but complex. If you use correctly-spelled dictionary-words, use a minimum of FOUR such words.

to loan your computer use:

settings > Users & groups > (add User) ...

... and create a New User -- NOT an Admin -- and give it a memorable password.

The rule of thumb used by savvy Admins is that a User only gets Admin access if they are competent to FIX any messes they make, and otherwise NOT.

Thanks again for sharing your concerns, Mlle Do. 😉

I read everything before posting.

I simply wanted to chime in with another option to consider.

Smiliñ 😎 Brian