Cannot log in to iMac after forgetting password and Keychain
I've forgotten my password for my iMac and also my key chain. I'm unable to do anything. Ive tried changing my password but I still can't get in.
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Your Mac login password and Keychain password are normally the same, but they can become different.
Forgetting the Keychain password does not necessarily prevent you from resetting your Mac login password.
Before considering erasing your Mac, try Apple's password-reset options.
At the login screen, check that Caps Lock and the keyboard layout are correct.
If no reset option appears, enter the password up to three times and follow any instructions displayed. (Apple Support)
If you still cannot reset the password, start your Mac in macOS Recovery.
On an Apple silicon Mac, shut down the Mac, then press and hold the power button until the startup options appear. Select Options, then Continue.
On an Intel-based Mac, shut down the Mac. Press the power button, then immediately press and hold Command (⌘)-R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
If necessary, Option-Command-R starts Internet Recovery and installs the latest version of macOS compatible with the Mac. (Apple Support)
Once in Recovery, follow the password-reset instructions.
If asked to select a user whose password you know, choose “Forgot all passwords?” and continue with the onscreen instructions.
If the normal reset process does not provide a solution, choose Terminal from the Utilities menu, type resetpassword, press Return, and follow the Reset Password assistant.
Apple's instructions for resetting a forgotten Mac login password
If you are asked for a FileVault recovery key, enter that key.
It is different from an Apple Account recovery key. On macOS Tahoe 26 or later, the FileVault recovery key might be available in the Passwords app on another device signed in to the same Apple Account. (Apple Support)
After resetting your login password, macOS may ask you to create a new Keychain.
If this happens, information stored only in the previous Keychain may remain inaccessible without its previous password. (Apple Support)
If the available password-reset methods do not work, erasing the Mac and reinstalling macOS is a final option.
Erasing the Mac permanently removes the user accounts, passwords, and data stored on it.
Apple's instructions for starting macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac