Here is the Apple page on where you can reset your password in Recovery mode: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860, and here is the other page (linked on the first page) to try if you didn't have success with the first page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212190. Upon reading those 2 pages, it feels like if you don't have an Apple ID, it seems almost impossible to reset your password, so I hope you have access to an Apple ID.
If you've also tried all the incredible recovery options listed in this CNET link, and you're still locked out, then I don't know. I'm guessing your school has an administrator account with the Macbook as well.
Answer from Aeronautix on Stack ExchangeApple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102633
If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support
If asked to sign in to your Apple Account, enter your Apple Account email or phone number, then enter its password. You may be asked to enter a verification code sent to your other devices. You can then select the user to reset the password for. If asked to select a volume to recover, select your startup disk, such as Macintosh HD.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › computing › laptops › forgot your mac password? here are 4 easy ways to regain access
Forgot Your Mac Password? Here are 4 Easy Ways to Regain Access - CNET
April 11, 2025 - A new window will show up, waiting for you to enter a command. Type "resetpassword" as one word, without the quotes, and press Return. Close the Terminal window, where you will then find the Reset Password tool.
Videos
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How to reset your MacBook password when locked out?
You can reset your MacBook password with your Apple ID:
- 1. Make sure you are in the login window.
- 2. Enter the password up to three times, and then you will see the password reset option.
- 3. Click Reset it using your Apple ID.
- 4. Enter your Apple ID and the password, and then you can reset your password.
- 5. Click the account you want to reset the password.
- 6. Please enter the new password and verify it.
- 7. Now, you can restart your Mac and enter the new password.
easeus.com
easeus.com › computer instruction › reset mac password if you forgot the password [with four simple methods]
Reset Mac Password if You Forgot the Password [with Four Simple ...
How to reset a Mac password in Terminal?
You can reset a Mac password in the Terminal easily in Recovery Mode on Mac:
- 1. Enter the Recovery Mode on your Mac.
- 2. Click Utilities and then choose Terminal.
- 3. After you open the Terminal, you can type in resetpassword and press the Enter key.
- 4. Then, you can reset the password and restart your Mac.
easeus.com
easeus.com › computer instruction › reset mac password if you forgot the password [with four simple methods]
Reset Mac Password if You Forgot the Password [with Four Simple ...
Forgot MacBook password no question mark. How to reset it?
There are four methods you can reset your MacBook password:
- 1. Reset with Apple ID.
- 2. Reset with another Mac account.
- 3. Reset with FileVault.
- 4. Reset the password with Terminal in Recovery Mode on Mac.
easeus.com
easeus.com › computer instruction › reset mac password if you forgot the password [with four simple methods]
Reset Mac Password if You Forgot the Password [with Four Simple ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/mac › password recovery for older macbook pro
r/mac on Reddit: Password Recovery for older MacBook Pro
May 21, 2024 -
EDIT: Holy shit! I just remembered the password! Thanks for all the responses, I'm bookmarking this page for the next time!
Not sure if this is the best sub for this question, if not let me know where I might inquire.
I was hoping to get some files (old photos, mostly) off my 2006 MacBook Pro A1151. I haven't touched it in many years. It starts up fine, but... I've forgotten the password I set for it :(
What's the best way to get what I need from the disk? Can I use 'target disc mode'? I'd rather not remove the HD, but if I did, would it be locked?
TIA for any advice or help!
Top answer 1 of 3
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Restart your Mac. While it is restarting, press and hold the Command + R keys until you see the Apple logo. If you see the login screen, you will have to restart and repeat this step again until you get to Recovery Mode. How to Reset Your Admin Password on a Mac Go to the Apple Menu at the top and click Utilities. This will open a drop-down menu. Then click Terminal. How to Reset Your Admin Password on a Mac Type “resetpassword” in the terminal window. Don’t use any space in between the words. How to Reset Your Admin Password on a Mac Then hit Enter. This will open the Reset Password Assistant screen
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Mac Recovery Mode was first introduced in 2011 with Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) and is stored mostly in a hidden SSD/HDD partition. If you had Lion install then you can activate Standard Recovery mode otherwise it is specific CD/DVD for the Mac To start recovery mode on Intel Macs immediately press and hold one of the following key combinations while booting until you see the startup screen: Command-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery System. … Option-Command-R: Start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. … Option-Shift-Command-R: Start up from macOS Recovery over the internet.
NordPass
nordpass.com › blog › how to reset mac password
How to reset or change your Mac password | NordPass
Start your MacBook and wait for the login screen to load. Click the question mark icon next to the password field. ... Enter your FileVault recovery key. Create a new password for your device.
Ascendant USA
ascendantusa.com › 2025 › 02 › 28 › how-to-reset-mac-password
Reset Mac Password | Recover Access Without Losing Data
February 28, 2025 - To change your password while in Recovery Mode, begin by restarting your Mac and booting into Recovery Mode as previously outlined. Once you’re in Recovery Mode, access the Terminal from the Utility menu and type ‘resetpassword’. Executing ...
Currys
currys.co.uk › techtalk › computing › forgot-your-mac-password-heres-how-to-reset-it.html
Forgot your Mac password? Here's how to reset it | Currys
October 28, 2025 - Yes, you can – but only if you’ve set up a recovery option like a hint or another admin account. If you haven’t, your Apple ID is your main way back in. If you’re stuck, try restarting your Mac and using macOS Recovery to reset the password.
EaseUS
easeus.com › computer instruction › reset mac password if you forgot the password [with four simple methods]
Reset Mac Password if You Forgot the Password [with Four Simple Methods]
September 17, 2025 - How to reset Mac password when I forget the password? You can reset Mac passwords with Apple ID, another admin account, FileVault, and you can reset passwords on Mac in Recovery Mode.
MacKeeper
mackeeper.com › blog › mac tutorials › forgot your mac password? here’s how to reset it
Forgot Your Mac Password? Here’s How to Reset It
September 18, 2025 - If you were out of luck and didn’t ... the Mac password. ... Shut down your Mac. Press the Power button and use the Command (⌘) + R key combination to enter the Recovery mode....
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › mac-computers › nkv00-i-m-locked-mac-os-forgot-password.html
Locked Out of Your Mac? Expert Solutions to Reset Password and Recover Access
If locked out of your Mac without a backup, start by restarting in Recovery Mode (Command + R). Use the Terminal to reset the password with 'resetpassword' command. Alternatively, try Apple ID password recovery if linked.
LastPass
blog.lastpass.com › posts › forgot-mac-password
Forgot Mac Password? Here's How to Reset It Easily - The LastPass Blog
December 4, 2024 - Next, you’ll want to choose how you’ll reset your Mac login password if you forget it. Choose “Create a recovery key and do not use my iCloud account.” · Finally, store a copy of your recovery key in a safe place. Bonus tip: Reset using Single-User mode or Target Disk mode.
Trend Micro Cleaner One
cleanerone.trendmicro.com › home › how to › what to do if you forget your mac password
What to Do if You Forget Your Mac Password - Apple & Microsoft News,Tutorials,Security Tips|Cleaner One Blog
June 5, 2023 - Hold the power button + Command Key + R. Keep holding until you see the loading bar on the screen. Once booted into Recovery Mode, go to Disk Utility > Continue > Utilities Terminal.
MacPaw
macpaw.com › how to › tips & tricks › guides
Forgot Mac password? Here's how to reset your password
July 4, 2025 - Now, your Mac will boot into recovery mode — when you see the load bar appear, you can let go of the keys. The next thing to do is to select ‘Disk Utility’ and click Continue. Now, follow these steps: Go to Utilities > Terminal. Type ...
JumpCloud
jumpcloud.com › home › blog › how to reset your mac password
4 Ways to Reset Your Mac Password - JumpCloud
Click the question mark icon next to the password field. If you do not see a question mark, hold down the power button until your device shuts down. Afterwards, press the power button to restart your Macbook.
Published July 10, 2024
HelloTech
hellotech.com › home › how to reset your admin password on a mac
How to Reset Your Admin Password on a Mac : HelloTech How
January 26, 2023 - If you see the login screen, you will have to restart and repeat this step again until you get to Recovery Mode. Go to the Apple Menu at the top and click Utilities. This will open a drop-down menu.
Setapp
setapp.com › how-to › how-to-reset-lost-mac-password
Forgot Mac password? Easy ways to reset password on a Mac in no time
February 8, 2025 - Now, you've enabled the Recovery Key on your Mac and will be able to regain access if you forget your Mac password. Recovery mode is Apple's emergency option that lets you restore your device and regain access. This was the method that saved me. With it, you can still reset your Mac password even if you didn't link your Mac with your Apple Account.
Macworld
macworld.com › home › software › how-to
How to recover and reset a forgotten Mac password | Macworld
May 14, 2025 - On an Intel Mac: Restart the Mac and press and hold Command and R until the Apple logo appears. See How to use Recovery mode on a Mac. Once in Recovery you can change the password for the Mac, even if you don’t know the password.
Asurion
asurion.com › connect › tech-tips › how-to-remove-or-change-macbook-password
Need to remove or change your MacBook password? Here's how | Asurion
5 days ago - If you have not already done so, turn off your MacBook. Press the Power button, but quickly press and hold command and R until you see a progress bar appear. For newer models that use Apple's M1 processor, hold down the Power button until you're given a list of options, then select Recovery.
Back Market
help.backmarket.com › hc › en-us › articles › 5715862214044-I-forgot-my-password-and-I-m-locked-out-of-my-Mac
I forgot my password and I'm locked out of my Mac – Back Market - Help Center - USA
You may land here automatically, ... and more. Step 6. In the menu bar, select “Terminal”. Step 7. Type "resetpassword" in the terminal window....
Applivery
applivery.com › home › docs › how to reset mac passwords
How to reset Mac passwords
May 29, 2025 - On macOS Mojave and earlier, you’ll need to enter an incorrect password three times. After the third attempt, a similar prompt will appear. The message will continue: “…reset it using your Apple ID.” Click the arrow next to Restart to begin the process. The Mac will reboot and open directly into Recovery Mode, displaying a pop-up window prompting the user to log in with their connected Apple ID.