How do I reset my password if I can't log into my macbook?

How do I reset my password if I can't log into my macbook? The password field will not accept any input.

I've tried safe mode and disc utility without success.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

MacBook, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Jul 17, 2016 11:52 AM

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10 replies

Jul 18, 2016 12:12 AM in response to sandrafromtarpon springs

Boot into recovery mode holding Command + R at startup. Select Utilities from the menu bar then Terminal. In Terminal type in resetpassword then return. Select the startup disk, user account, then enter the new password. When finished click Save then restart.



After resetting the password you need to reset keychain.

If your Mac keeps asking for the login keychain password - Apple Support



If the password field is not accepting any input then the password itself isn't the issue.

Jul 19, 2016 10:18 AM in response to sandrafromtarpon springs

Try a restart.


Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.


Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.


Isolating an issue by using another user account


If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account. Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.


Safe Mode - About


Safe Mode - Yosemite

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How do I reset my password if I can't log into my macbook?

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