I can’t remember the gazillion times I have forgotten my passwords.
It’s really jarring to remember the gazillion passwords for so many subscriptions and apps we now have on our devices.
However, those can be reset with the existing email, whose steps aren’t cumbersome.
When it comes to passwords for main IDs, such as the Apple ID, then you are in trouble if you don’t remember it. Of course, it isn’t impossible, but it’s not easily possible either.
Apple is aware that people do forget passwords and it’s a personal hell, so they have a few tricks up its sleeve reserved for such scenarios.
From unlocking your MacBook with your Apple Watch to enabling FileVault – these tools will let you in without much hassle. I said much, as there is some hassle.
These inbuilt tools will help you regain your MacBook in a few steps.
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How to Unlock MacBook Pro Without Password
You can regain access to your MacBook Pro without a password. There are many ways to do so, but I have listed the 5 easiest methods.
Method 1: Unlock with Watch
Only look at this method if you have an Apple Watch and your MacBook shares Apple ID with it.
This trait gives you immediate access to your Mac when you’re wearing your Apple Watch. You can wake up your Mac without typing a password.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to log in by entering your password manually the first time you log in after you turn it on, restart your Mac. Soon after that, Apple Watch will let you in.
The other advantage of setting up your Apple Watch to unlock your MacBook is that it allows you to enter your administrator password. Its benefits are seen in Safari, approving app installations, unlocking a locked note, or even unlocking settings in System Preferences.
If you have set your MacBook with your Apple Watch, you can make a change in System Preferences, your Mac prompts you to approve with Apple Watch.
How to set it up:
Make sure that your Mac and Apple Watch meet the system requirements for Auto Unlock.
The devices should follow the setup given below:
- Your MacBook’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth should be turned on.
- Your MacBook and Apple Watch are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
- Your Apple ID is using two-factor authentication.
- Your Apple Watch is set up for a passcode.
Now, go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Now click on Security & Privacy.
Tap on ‘Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac’ or ‘Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac.’
Method 2: Reset your MacBook’s password by resetting your Apple ID
If you can’t access your MacBook, the easiest way is to reset your Apple ID.
Step 1: When you are at the login screen, tap on your user account and click on the question mark in the password field.
Step 2: Click the arrow next to ‘reset it using your Apple ID’.
Step 3: Enter your Apple ID and password, then click ‘Next’.
Step 4: Create a new password, and give a new hint.
Keep in mind that if you can’t remember your Apple ID or password, the Apple ID account website can help you find it.
You simply have to go to the Apple ID account website, click on ‘Forgot Apple ID or password’, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
Method 3: Using a different admin account
You can use a different admin account to unlock your MacBook without a password.
If in case you share your MacBook with friends or family members and you forgot the password, they can reset it for you. Remember that to do this, they (or you) need access to an admin user account.
The users who first set up the Mac have an admin account by default. But you can also keep tabs by logging in to your account and going to System Preferences. Now, go to Users & Groups and see the list of user accounts on your MacBook.
You’ll see all the account names – if any of them says “Admin,” you can reset user passwords.
Go to the ‘Users & Groups’ screen, tap on the lock and enter your admin name and password when indicated. Now, select the user you need to reset the password for and then click on the button labeled Reset Password and follow the instructions.
Method 4: Recovery Mode
If neither of the aforementioned methods works, you’ll need to boot your MacBook into Recovery Mode which will give you access to the password reset tool.
You can begin by completely powering down your Mac.
From here, the process is a bit complicated.
For Intel MacBook users, press and hold the Command and R keys on your keyboard, then press the power button. Now, hold Command+R until you see a progress bar below the Apple logo.
You can also get into Recovery Mode by restarting your MacBook and then trying to time the keyboard combo or Command+R.
For M1(Pro & Max) MacBook users, turn off the computer and then press and hold the power button until you see an options button. Tap on it and then select Recovery.
Your MacBook is now in Recovery Mode, so click on ‘Utilities’ in the menu bar followed by Terminal. You’ll see a new window waiting for you to enter a command. So, type ‘resetpassword’ as ONE WORD without the quotes, and hit ‘Return.’
Now, close the Terminal window. Here, you will find the Reset Password tool. Follow the onscreen process, which includes signing in with your Apple ID and then selecting the user account you need to change the password for.
Method 5: Use Reset Password Assistant if FileVault is enabled
If you have turned on FileVault, you could be able to reset your password using the Reset Password assistant. Follow the steps listed below:
Step 1: Wait till your login screen loads up. You’ll see a message saying that you can use the power button on your Mac to shut down and start up again in Recovery OS.
Step 2: Press and hold the power button until your MacBook is switched off.
Step 3: Press the power button once again to turn it on.
Step 4: When the Reset Password window appears, select ‘I forgot my password’ on the screen.
Step 5: Now tap on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 6: Enter the FileVault recovery key or the Apple ID password to unlock the disk ‘Macintosh HD’ and then select the Next button. You’ll see that the startup volume will be unlocked.
Step 7: Here, you’ll see a list of user accounts. Select the account whose password you want to reset.
Step 8: Then tap on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 9: Now, enter a new password. Ensure that you verify the password along with a new password hint. Now click on the ‘Next’ button.
Your account password is now successfully reset. Ensure that you restart your MacBook. When it boots, log in to your account with your new password.
Method 6: Use Recovery key through FileVault
If you have turned on FileVault encryption and created a recovery key, you can use it to reset your login password.
To do so, go to your MacBook and choose the Apple menu. Now click on Restart or press the Power button on your computer and then choose Restart.
For the next step, click on your user account, tap on the question mark in the password field and click the arrow next to ‘reset it using your recovery key.’
You’ll have to enter the recovery key, then click on ‘Next.’ Follow the directions to reset your login password.
FAQs
How do I unlock my MacBook Pro if I forgot my password?
You will have to reset your MacBook Pro if you forgot your password.
- Choose the Apple menu > Restart, or press the Power button on your Mac.
- Now click Restart.
- Click your user account, click the question mark in the password field, then click the arrow next to ‘reset it using your Apple ID.’
- Enter your Apple ID and password, then click Next.
What happens if you forget your Mac password?
Try entering the wrong password three times at the sign-in screen if you’ve forgotten your password. After three wrong answers, you’ll see an ‘If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID’ message. Tap on the button and enter your Apple ID details to reset your password.
How do I unlock a disabled MacBook?
To unlock a disabled MacBook
- Head to iforgot.apple.com.
- Type your Apple ID email.
- Follow the on-screen messages to unlock your account.
If you still can’t access your MacBook, get in touch with an Apple expert.
Is it possible to unlock a Mac without a password?
Yes, you can unlock a Mac without a password by using another admin account. If in case you share your Mac with friends or family members and they forgot their password, you might be able to reset it for them. Keep in mind that you need access to an admin user account.
How do I find my Mac username and password?
You can find your Mac username and password in the Finder window. Now go to ‘Home.’ Your account name appears next to the house icon at the top of the Finder window.
Conclusion
These are the ways to unlock MacBook Pro without Password.
It’s quite hard to access devices when we forget the main password given that there are so many devices that need passcodes.
But with proper steps, you can unlock MacBook Pro without a password.
Have you ever forgotten your Mac’s password? What steps did you take? Did you find the aforementioned steps helpful? Let us know in the comments below.
See also
