Forgot Mac login password, stuck on Activate Mac screen

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Forgot Mac login password, stuck on Activate Mac screen

Hi, I forgot my Mac login password. (I know my apple ID and password) I think I tried wrong passwords too many times and now it says it's temporarily locked.

I'm stuck on "Activate Mac", and it says "Select a user you know the password for" and there is only one user, which is my Mac that I dont know the password for.

I checked so many videos on youtube to fix it and usually when they are stuck on the same page, Mac says "Select admin you know the password for" not "Select a user you know the password for" and there is always "Forgot all passwords?", which is something that I dont have on my screen!

I also checked "Find my" on my iphone and there is a lock emoji besides my Mac device so I'm wondering if it's fully locked and there is no way to fix this problem except for losing my whole data and resetting it.

I'm really frustrated right now because there is so many information for my work, I've been using my Mac literally for 4 years and I didn't back up my data. PLEASE HELP!!!

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Jul 13, 2026 12:20 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 13, 2026 12:31 PM in response to dokdodong

Take a deep breath.

Nothing gets better if you’re flustered.

Also, if you’re the only user on the computer, you most likely ARE the admin.

Then …

Make sure that your Cap Lock is “off”

Slowly and deliberately work thru the procedure outlined here:

If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

Read each instruction TWICE — preferably out-loud — before typing and entering EXACTLY what the dialog box is asking for.

This procedure covers a LOT of hardware, software, and individual setup configurations.

Some steps WILL NOT apply … so carefully move on until you’re successful.

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Answer 2

Jul 13, 2026 3:40 PM in response to dokdodong

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗

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.

Contact Support:

United States: 1-800-APLCARE.
Contact Support.

Additional Support:

Thanks again for reaching out. 👍🏼

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

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