How do I reset a Mac password using a different administrator account? (2024)

An administrator account is a type of user account that has more rights and control over the Mac than a standard account. An administrator account allows you to install software, change system settings, create and delete other user accounts, and reset passwords. You can have more than one administrator account on your Mac, and you can switch between these accounts by logging out and logging in with a different username and password.

Before you try to reset your password using another administrator account, make sure you have one. To do this, you can view the list of users on the login screen. If you see more than one name with a person icon and a gear, these are administrator accounts. You can also consult the Users & Groups preference pane in System Preferences. If you see a padlock icon in the bottom left, click it and enter an administrator password. Then you will see a list of user accounts on the left, and the accounts with Admin under their names are administrator accounts.

To log in with a different administrator account, you need to know the username and password. If you don't, you may need to ask the person who created or owns it. Once you have the login information, you can sign out of your current account by clicking the Apple menu and choosing Sign Out. You will then be presented with the login screen where you can enter the username and password of the other administrator account and click Login.

Once you are logged in with a different administrator account, you can reset your password by following these steps: Open System Preferences, click the padlock icon and enter the administrator password, select your account from the list and click Reset Password, enter a new password, confirm it and add a hint if desired, click Change Password and close System Preferences, log out of the other administrator account and log in with your account and new password.

If you never want to forget your password again, there are a few options available. Consider writing down your password and keeping it in a safe place, such as a wallet or a locked drawer. Alternatively, you can use a password manager app, such as 1Password or LastPass, to store and generate passwords for you. iCloud Keychain is another option that lets you sync your passwords across all your Apple devices and access them with your Apple ID. Additionally, setting a password hint can remind you of your password without revealing it. Finally, if you enable FileVault, your data will be encrypted and you can unlock it with your iCloud account or a recovery key if you forget your password.

If you don't have another administrator account on your Mac, you may need to use a different method to reset your password. One option is to use Recovery Mode, a special mode that allows you to troubleshoot and repair problems with your Mac. To use it, restart your Mac and hold down the Command and R keys until you see the Apple logo. You can then follow the onscreen instructions to reset your password using your Apple ID or the Terminal app. Another option is to contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for assistance.

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