Have you ever needed to download a new software on your Mac but couldn’t because you didn’t have the admin password? It can be frustrating to be locked out of your own device, but don’t worry – you’re not alone. So, how do you figure out the admin password on your Mac? In this article, we’ll give you several methods to try so you can regain access to your computer.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Figuring Out the Admin Password on a Mac
The admin password on a Mac is one of the most important security features on the operating system. In fact, without it, you can’t make any significant changes to your computer, especially when it comes to access certain features such as installing new software or changing system settings. This is a beneficial safety feature, as it ensures that nobody else, such as unauthorized users or children, can make any major changes to your computer.
However, there may be times when you forget your own admin password, and it can be challenging to figure out how to get it back. Don’t worry, though – there are several methods you can use to regain control of your Mac.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you get started, make sure you have done the following:
1. Created a new admin user. – With this user, you can make changes to your account settings and add a new password.
2. Created a backup. – Always backup your files before you do anything that may put them at risk of being deleted.
3. Checked if your Mac is connected to Apple ID. – If it is, you can reset your password using iCloud.
4. Have a spare admin password – If you have previously assigned someone else as an admin, you can use their password in combination with yours and regain access.
Method 1: Use Recovery Mode to Change the Password
If you’ve forgotten your admin password on your Mac, you can use the Recovery Mode feature to reset your password. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Open Spotlight and search for the "Terminal" application.
Step 2. Enter ‘resetpassword’ in the Terminal window and press Enter.
Step 3. Select your hard drive’s name.
Step 4. Choose the admin account that you wish to reset the password and type in a new password.
Step 5. Click ‘Save’ and then ‘Restart’.
Pros:
– Recovery Mode is integrated into the operating system, so you don’t need to download any additional software.
– It’s simple and straightforward to use if you know the necessary steps.
Cons:
– If your Mac has been protected with FileVault, you won’t be able to use Recovery Mode to reset your password unless you have at least one user authorized to unlock the disk.
– You need a stable internet connection to use Recovery Mode.
Method 2: Use an Apple ID to Reset the Password
If your Mac is connected to your Apple ID, you can use this method to reset your password. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R.
Step 2. Once the Mac is in Recovery Mode, choose the option to reset the password with your Apple ID.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID login details.
Step 4. Choose the admin account that you wish to reset the password and type in a new password.
Step 5. Click ‘Save’ and then ‘Restart’.
Pros:
– It’s a simple and easy method if you’ve connected your Mac to your Apple ID.
– You can perform the reset from any device that is signed in to the same Apple ID.
Cons:
– This method requires you to have an active internet connection.
– If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password as well, you can’t use this method.
Method 3: Use Terminal to Create a New Admin User
This method involves replacing the original admin account, so if there were any personalized settings and files, they would be lost. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + S.
Step 2. When you’re in Single User Mode, type "/sbin/mount -uw /" and press Enter.
Step 3. Type "rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone" and press Enter.
Step 4. Reboot your Mac and create a new admin account using the Setup Assistant.
Pros:
– You don’t need an internet connection to perform this method.
– If you can’t recover your password, creating a new admin user is a good option.
Cons:
– Any personalized settings and files of the original admin user will be lost.
– It’s difficult for users who are not familiar with MacOS Terminal commands.
Method 4: Use Another Admin Account to Change the Password
If there are other admin accounts on your Mac, you can use one of them to regain access to your original admin account. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Log in with a different admin account.
Step 2. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
Step 3. Choose the original admin account and select "Reset Password".
Step 4. Follow the prompts to create a new password.
Pros:
– It doesn’t require you to have additional software or a stable internet connection.
– This method is quick and easy, without any complicated steps.
Cons:
– It only works if you have another admin account available.
– It doesn’t provide any reassurance if other admin accounts can reset your password easily.
Why Can’t I Figure Out the Admin Password on My Mac?
There can be many reasons for why you can’t figure out the admin password on your Mac. These are some of the most common ones:
1. You’ve simply forgotten it. It can be challenging to remember all the different passwords we use, especially if you haven’t used your Mac in a while.
Fix: Use one of the methods outlined in this article to recover your password.
2. You don’t have an internet connection. If you’re trying to use the Recovery Mode option, you’ll need a stable internet connection to access the feature.
Fix: Check if your internet connection is working and ensure it is stable.
3. Your Mac is protected with FileVault. If your Mac has been protected with FileVault, you’ll need at least one user authorized to unlock the disk.
Fix: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to unlock the disk and then use one of the methods outlined in this article.
Additional Tips
1. Always create a backup before trying to reset your admin password, as any files saved on your device may be lost otherwise.
2. Create a password reset disk, which can be used to reset the admin password without losing any files.
3. Use a password manager to store your passwords safely, reducing the chance of you forgetting them.
5 FAQs about How to Figure Out Admin Password on Mac
Q1: What is the default admin password on a Mac?
A1: There is no default password for the admin account on a Mac. You need to set one yourself when creating your user account.
Q2: Can I use a reset disk to reset my admin password?
A2: Yes, you can use a password reset disk to regain control of your admin account by following the steps outlined in the Disk Utility application.
Q3: Does resetting the admin password delete any files on my Mac?
A3: It depends on the method you use to reset your password. Some methods, such as creating a new admin account, can result in you losing all data associated with your original admin account.
Q4: Does resetting the admin password affect any applications on my Mac?
A4: Resetting your admin password should not affect any applications on your Mac. However, if the original admin account was used for any specific applications, those applications may not function correctly until the password is reset.
Q5: Is there a way to avoid forgetting my admin password again?
A5: Yes, you can store your password safely using a password manager or by creating a password hint that will remind you of the password when you forget it.
In Conclusion
Losing your admin password on a Mac can be stressful, especially if you need to complete a task urgently. However, there are several ways to recover your password, whether you’ve forgotten it or someone else has changed it without your knowledge. The methods outlined in this article should help you regain access to your Mac in no time. Remember to always create backups and take precautions to avoid losing data when attempting to reset your password.