How to find the administrator password on a Mac (2024)

One of the most forgotten passwords for regular Mac users is the administrator password. Since it's not necessary for most basic functions, it's not uncommon to lose track of it.

In this article, we will help you find the administrator password on a Mac and give you ways to recover or reset it if necessary.

How to find the administrator password

Unlike most computer accounts, the Mac does not have a default administrator password. The administrator name and password are entered during the initial installation. If you didn't do this yourself or if it was done for you, it's best to ask the person who did it. Most of the time, users already have administrator accounts without realizing it. To check if the account you are using has administrative rights:

1. Click System Privileges in your Dock, or click the Apple menu and select System Preferences from the drop-down list.
   
2. Find and click the Users & Groups icon.
   
3. Find your current username in the list on the left. If the word Admin appears below your username, it is an administrator account. Any user with Admin under their name is an administrator account.
   
4. As an administrator, you can enter both your login name and password when you need an administrator password.

Recovery of lost passwords

There are a few ways to recover a password, depending on which password you lost and whether you have third-party password managers.

Use Apple ID to reset your password

If your default Mac login is an administrator account and you've forgotten your login password, you can recover it using Apple ID. You can do this by following these steps:

1. On the Mac login page, a reset prompt will open if you enter an incorrect password three times. If you cannot correctly identify your password, continue with step 2.
   
2. A window should appear asking you to restart and showing password reset options. Click the prompt and wait for the computer to restart.
   
3. A Reset Password window should appear asking you for your Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID email address and password. If you have also forgotten your Apple ID, click the Forgot Apple ID and Password link below. This will redirect you to Apple's password recovery page.
   
4. Click next.
5. If two-step verification is enabled, you will be asked to enter the security code. Once entered, click Confirm.
   
6. If the computer has more than one user, select which account password you want to reset and then click Next.
7. You will be asked to enter a new password, confirm the new password, and then create a password hint.
8. Click next.
9. When you're done, click Restart.
10. Type your new password.

Use a different administrator account to reset locked administrator accounts

If you know the password for another administrator account, you can log in and reset other locked administrator accounts. To do this you must:

1. Use the administrator name and password of an account you have access to.
2. Click the Apple menu and then select System Preferences. Alternatively, you can also access System Preferences from your dock.
   
3. Click Users & Groups.
   
4. Click on the padlock icon.
   
5. Enter your current administrator name and password.
   
6. Find the name of the administrator account you want to reset.
   
7. Click the Reset Password button.
   
8. You will be asked to enter a new password, confirm the new password, and then enter a password hint. When you're done, click Change Password.
   
9. Click on the Apple icon.
   
10. Select Logout from the menu.
    
11. Sign in to the account you just reset. Both administrator accounts should now be available.

Reset passwords with FileVault

FileVault is a useful tool that helps prevent unauthorized access to your Mac. It also has the added benefit of helping you reset forgotten passwords via Password Reset. If FileVault is enabled, you can use the assistant as follows:

1. At the login page, wait until you see a message telling you that you can use the Mac's power button to restart into recovery mode.
   
2. When the message appears, press and hold the power button until your computer turns off. Press the power button again to turn it on.
3. The Reset Password window should appear with instructions on how to change the current password. Follow the steps as indicated by the Reset Password Assistant.
   
4. When you're done, click Restart.
5. Log in with your new password.

Use a file recovery key

FileVault has the ability to set a file recovery key that you can enter in place of a password to instantly reset an account. You do this by following these steps:

1. On the login screen, enter an incorrect password three times until you see a message indicating that you can use the recovery key.
   
2. Click the play icon next to the message.
   
3. The Password text field becomes the Recovery Key text field. Enter your recovery key. Remember to capitalize letters and use hyphens when entering.
   
4. Follow the instructions provided, then click Reset Password when you're done.
   
5. Restart your computer and log in with your new password.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the above methods work for you, the next step is to get in touchApple supportand see if they can reset your passwords remotely. Usually, they can unlock your accounts without having to resort to a complete system reinstallation.

Admin password tips

When using a Mac, it's best to keep a few things in mind when it comes to the administrator password so you can never access your computer again:

• Passwords are case sensitive. Make sure Caps Lock and Num Lock are not enabled when you enter them.
• If there is a question mark icon next to the password entry, you may have provided a password hint. See if this helps you remember your password.
• Try logging in with the password field empty. Some users never bother to assign a password, but then forget about it. If your administrator account has a blank password, correct it immediately. Unsecured accounts make your computer vulnerable.
• To avoid being locked out of your Mac due to forgotten administrator passwords, set up a secondary administrator account. This allows you to reset the password for other administrator accounts, as shown above. However, make sure you don't forget both passwords as this will make the exercise useless.
• The technician setting up your Mac will need to know the administrator password. Ask them to give it to you before you leave the store. Better yet, ask them to create a secondary administrator account whose password you know.
• Write down your passwords and keep them in a safe and accessible place.

Preventing exclusions

Administrative passwords prevent your Mac from being changed by regular users, but if you forget them, you won't be able to access your computer. Knowing how to find the administrator password on a Mac or completely reset it will save you time and effort.

Do you know of other ways to find the administrator password that are not listed here? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.