Mac Pro password/fingerprint fail, recovery key length error

Touch ID does not and cannot replace the Mac login password. (Same holds for iPhone and iPad passcodes, too.)

The Mac login password is the basis for security and data encryption, not Touch ID. Touch ID is a means to avoid entering a more secure password as often, and not as a replacement for a login password.

A prompt for 24 characters is a FileVault Recovery Key, not a 28-character Apple Account Recovery Key.

Neither FileVault Recovery Key nor an Apple Account Recovery Key are particularly related to a forgotten macOS login too, though the FileVault key (when comfigured) is used to decrypt data when FileVault is enabled.

Here is the usual sequence for regaining access and for resetting a forgotten login password if needed:

• If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support
• If you can't reset your Mac login password - Apple Support

I would also use the login prompt field or the FileFault key input field to check your password input, just to see if something is causing the password to be input not as expected; maybe a stuck key or some other issue with the keyboard itself.

Your footer here also indicates a MacBook Pro and not a Mac Pro, so I will here assume this is a laptop, and not the rather large pedestal Mac Pro desktop / desk-side computer.

Devo1958 wrote:

Now when I enter my recovery key it only allows me to put in 24 characters

FileVault Recovery Key current?

Verify FileVault status from Terminal.app copy and paste:

fdesetup status

verify if FileVault Recovery Key current, From the Terminal.app copy and paste:

sudo fdesetup validaterecovery

“Enter the current recovery key:” type or paste in the Recovery Key and press ENTER\Return key to continue

(note: your psswd will not echo on screen type it in anyway, use the enter\return key to proceed.)

You will see:

True if the Recovery Key the current key;

False if no

ref: FileVault recovery key - Apple Support

Protect data on your Mac with FileVault - Apple Support

Devo1958 wrote:

Yes correct Mac Pro laptop.

MacBook Pro, not Mac Pro. Very different.

My login is connected to my apple account on my phone and iPad my login is the same as my apple account but is saying it is now locked. I have logged in and out on other devices using same password and account and no problem .

The Mac login user and password is not your Apple Account password, though the Apple Account password can optionally be used to access the login.

If the Apple Account is showing as locked, this is a matter separate from the macOS login, and the locked account commonly means the password specified is incorrect.

Here is how to (try to) regain access to the Apple Account:

• If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support

Do you know your Mac login username or shortname, and password? (This is not your Apple Account and password.)