How do I recover a forgotten MacBook password?
forgot my password for my macbook
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Forgot MacBook password
MacBook Neo 13″, macOS 26.6
Question marked as
How to Reset a Forgotten MacBook Password
Forgot your MacBook password? Don’t worry — you can often reset it without erasing your files.
These steps are for your MacBook Neo 13-inch running macOS 26.6.
Option 1: Reset Your Password From the Login Screen
Start your MacBook and wait for the login screen.
Select your user account and enter an incorrect password up to three times.
If a reset message appears, click the available option, such as “Restart and show password reset options” or “Reset it using your Apple Account.”
Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need your Apple Account password, a verification code, or your FileVault recovery key.
If no reset option appears, try macOS Recovery below.
Option 2: Reset Your Password Using macOS Recovery
Shut down your MacBook. If you’re at the login screen, click the Apple menu and select Shut Down. If that isn’t possible, press and hold the power button until the Mac turns off.
Open startup options. With your Mac shut down, press and hold the power button until Loading startup optionsappears.
Enter Recovery. Select Options (the gear icon), click Continue, and select an administrator account if prompted.
Start the password reset. If you see “Forgot all passwords?”, select it and follow the instructions. If that option isn't available, look for Forgot password? or the password reset assistant.
Complete verification. Depending on your setup, you may need your Apple Account credentials, a verification code, or your FileVault recovery key. Follow the prompts to create a new login password.
Restart your Mac. Once the reset is complete, restart and sign in with your new password.
If the Reset Assistant Doesn't Appear
From the macOS Recovery menu bar, select Utilities → Terminal. Type the following command and press Return:
resetpassword
If the Password Reset window opens, follow the instructions. If it doesn't, return to Recovery and follow any on-screen guidance.
Important: Don't select Erase Mac unless you understand that it can remove local data. Resetting your login password may also require you to update access to your login keychain.
For Apple's official instructions, visit If you forgot your Mac login password.