joephyditz

Q: keychain password does not work

I have a "vintage" (2009) 24" Mac, a 2016 12"Macbook, an iPad mini, and an iPhone 6.  I had trouble with Keychain a few months ago and created a new one.  Recently my Mac asked me for the Keychain password.  I entered what I had written down and it didn't work.  I keep getting the same screen when I power it on.  While I know that I can again create a new Keychain, I would prefer not to have to start over with all of my passwords.  The MacBook, iPad, and iPhone are all successfully using Keychain without a hitch.  Where do I go from here?  Thanks!

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5), (Late 2009 24")

Posted on Aug 21, 2016 5:44 PM

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Q: keychain password does not work

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  • by Johann.B,

    Johann.B Johann.B Aug 22, 2016 10:14 AM in response to joephyditz
    Community Specialists
    Aug 22, 2016 10:14 AM in response to joephyditz

    Hi joephyditz,

     

    I understand that you're being prompted for your keychain password, but that it is not accepting what you've written down as the correct password. I know that it's nice to be able to record your information through your keychain, so I'm happy to provide some direction to help with this!

     

    It seems that you may be able to simply reset the login keychain password to resolve this issue. Check out the steps we've outlined here:

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

    If you don't know your old password, the solution is to create a new login keychain.

    If you know your old password, use that password to update your existing login keychain:

    1. Open the Keychain Access app, which is in the the Utilities folder of your Applications folder. 
    2. From the Edit menu, choose “Change Password for Keychain 'login.'”
    3. Enter the old password of your user account in the Current Password field. This is the password you were using before the password was reset.
    4. Enter the new password of your user account in the New Password field. This is the password you're now using to log in to your Mac. Enter the same password in the Verify field.
    5. Click OK when done, then quit Keychain Access.

     

    Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities, cheers!