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How to reset MacBook password after all other options fail

Posted on 29/02/202411/08/2026 Raphael Gab-Momoh By Raphael Gab-Momoh No Comments on How to reset MacBook password after all other options fail
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This guide is born from personal experience, providing a step-by-step solution on how to reset MacBook password after all other options fail. You will be able to reset mac book password. Imagine the frustration of owning a brand-new MacBook, only to find that, after the return period has expired, your computer refuses to accept the correct password. Please see how to Fix Microsoft Outlook Not Syncing Issue, how to reset MacBook password after all other options fail, and how to create an EC2 Instance.

Despite trying numerous suggested fixes, none seem to work. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Follow along as I share the method that helped me resolve this exact issue.

Other useful guides can be accessed from this link: How to Install Azure Storage Explorer on Windows and GitHub Pages Deployment Guide also How to Install Azure DevOps Server 2022 and How To Use Logrotate For Managing Log Files In Ubuntu Linux and Configure Azure Container Registry for a secure connection

Reset MacBook password via safe mode

Mac’s Safe Mode is a unique troubleshooting feature integrated into macOS. It’s engineered to diagnose and potentially resolve a spectrum of Mac-related issues.

Activating Safe Mode triggers a sequence of diagnostic checks that selectively disable certain features and startup items. This process helps pinpoint and address software conflicts or underlying problems with system files, ensuring a smoother user experience.

The first step was to shut it down, as seen in the picture below

Reset-mac-book-password
shutdown from the system menu

Next, I did the following to enter safe mode:

  1. Held the black square power button on the keyboard to turn it back on
  2. Finally, continued holding the power button, held shift, and selected continue in safe Mode

Kindly be aware that when operating in safe mode, your applications will not function, thus capturing screenshots will be disabled. I won’t be able to share screenshots going forward and will be using screenshots from a mobile phone.

Select option

When you are in safe mode, you will be given the option of choosing between

  1. Macintosh HD
  2. Option

Select option. Once this is done, you will be prompted to proceed by selecting the continue button. Subsequently, the computer will automatically restart, leading you to the recovery mode of your device.

option-
option

Recovery mode:

There is recovery tab, file tab, edit tab, utility tab and windows tab. Navigate to the utilities tab and in that tab, select Terminal .

recovery-tabs
Tabs in recovery mode

Navigate to Utilities and select terminal

Screenshot-2024-03-01-at-1.45.19 PM

Reset password

With Terminal open, type resetpassword this will prompt the reset password terminal to open.

reset-password
Reset password typed

You will be shown the following words: If you do not know the password for any user on your Mac, you can deactivate your Mac and set new password for all users you click on the Deactivate Mac button. You will be shown that an internet connect is required for it.

Screenshot-2024-03-01-at-1.46.38 PM

With Deactivate Mac button clicked. This might take 1 minute and a new screen will pop open asking you for the following

  1. New password
  2. Verify password
  3. Password hint.

Proceed by entering the necessary information, and then you will have a new password ready to use with your Mac.

How to reset MacBook password after all other options fail
New password option

Conclusion

This article provides guidance on resetting a MacBook password when conventional online solutions fail. Additionally, by diligently following the steps outlined in the article, users can successfully reset their MacBook passwords. It is important to note that this would work for M1, M2 or even M3 architecture.

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Mac, Password Manager

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