Q: Can't enter login password

Problem: When login screen comes up, unable to type in password--the password area just fills in completely with dots

Solutions tried: turning off keyboard by pressing power button for 10 sec, leaving off for 10 sec, then turning keyboard power button on by pressing for 10 sec sometimes works; if that fails, system has to be restarted

Specs: iMac, OS X El Capitan version 10.11.6

Does anyone have a solution for this?

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Jul 28, 2016 4:39 PM

I have this question too

Q: Can't enter login password

All replies

Helpful answers

by Kappy,

Kappy Jul 28, 2016 5:06 PM in response to quilting_gnome
Level 10 (271,755 points)

Desktops

Jul 28, 2016 5:06 PM in response to quilting_gnome

That's normal. Your password is never supposed to be visible.

Each letter is replaced by a large black dot: .
Reply options

Link to this post

by quilting_gnome,

quilting_gnome Jul 28, 2016 11:17 PM in response to Kappy
Level 1 (4 points)

Desktops

Jul 28, 2016 11:17 PM in response to Kappy

I guess I didn't explain it well enough. I know the password fills in with dots as you type it. What's happening, though, is that the black dots fill in without typing. As soon as you try to type in the password, the black dots fill the box completely and everything locks up.
Reply options

Link to this post

by Kappy,

Kappy Jul 28, 2016 11:40 PM in response to quilting_gnome
Level 10 (271,755 points)

Desktops

Jul 28, 2016 11:40 PM in response to quilting_gnome

I've seen such reports but have not found a definitive solution. I did find these two links: OS X- Unable to type while Mouse Keys is enabled - Apple Support and Reset a login password.
Reply options

Link to this post

Q: Can't enter login password

All replies Helpful answers

by Kappy,

by quilting_gnome,

by Kappy,

All replies

Helpful answers