Reset admin password mac single user mode Reset Mac Admin Password Using the Single-User Mode Single-user mode is more of a superuser account on your Mac that lets you do admin level tasks on your machine. One of the most common support issues users and admins encounter directly relates to lost or forgotten passwords. How to reset password in yosemite? Mar 11, 2024 · Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. Oct 11, 2021 · Use single-user mode to reset your administrator account password This method might look confusing from a first look, but it's probably the leading method between experienced Mac operating system users. Sep 22, 2025 · To change or reset your Mac user account password, start by clicking the Apple menu icon and selecting System Preferences. In the event that you have forgotten the login password to your Mac (for whatever reasons). Jan 15, 2024 · How to reset admin password on Mac? Just access it by pressing the Command key and S during startup. This'll create a brand new Apr 14, 2008 · I was follow the blog MAC OS HELP AND TIPS and cam across a great tip to fix Leopard lost Administrator privileges. Also learn how to change Mac password when you know your current password. AppleSetupDone' and reboot. Immediately press and hold the Command (Apple) key and one of the following: the "s" key for single-user mode. 0 Please help me. 2. Dec 3, 2015 · Daniel Holt guides us through how to reset an administrator password on Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite and El Capitan. Sep 18, 2024 · If you forgot the password to your Mac or you need to create a new administrator account but you do not know the password of any administrator user account on the computer, or you just want to see the Setup Assistant again, this guide will show you how to trick your Mac into thinking it has never been set up before without wiping any of your data. If you have forgotten the mac admin password foloow the below steps mentioned to reset the mac password easily. Oct 12, 2023 · Get admin controls without admin account on MacBook Pro there is no admin account on my Mac. (If you end up back on the login screen after a flash of the black screen with white lettering, enter your password Sep 5, 2025 · Here’re 4 ways to help you reset Mac password if you forgot your MacBook password. Feb 2, 2020 · Wait until the Mac launched the “single user mode” = command line like textual interface List all Mac OS X user accounts with their corresponding usernames In order to actually set a new password for an existing (admin) account, you first need to figure out the actual “username” of available user accounts. press enter This will let you create a new admin account Jan 13, 2018 · 5. Getting admin access without the Setup Utility: another option, for the sake of completeness. This works for Intel-based Macs, though newer models have restrictions. I have entered into single user mode, entered all the commands suggested (including the spaces) and it isn't working. type without the quotes: "rm /var/db/. wait for terminal show 3. Jan 25, 2023 · Learn how to reset your admin password on a Mac using recovery mode, your Apple ID, or another admin account. As such, I no longer have access to administrator priveleges, and cannot grant them to my new user account. Shut down your Mac, then start up from macOS recovery as described previously. 6), Leopard (10. If you know another method, please suggest it. If you are unable to boot your Mac from recovery mode due to some reason like corrupt or missing partition you can reset the mac admin password from single user mode otherwise. [Re-Titled by Moderator] Oct 13, 2023 · The Setup Assistant will walk you through setting up the Mac. plist ” and press enter. Wait for the machine to boot into single user mode and you will see a # prompt. If you find yourself in this situation, you can… Jun 8, 2009 · Normaly with this issue id just pop in the install disk and reset it from there, except neither of them have the install disk, and my install disk is to current for the machine. Mar 25, 2019 · I lost admin access when I tried to change user name on my Mac. What possibilities exist to reset the password without having the OS X installation disc(s) ? Jul 29, 2024 · Hutch76 wrote: It's strange - as I have tried to log in but don't have the password. Jun 2, 2023 · See if you can create a new administrator account by restarting the Setup Assistant: Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. ” Jun 12, 2012 · If you're running OS X on the imac Single user mode would do the trick unless there's open firmware password protection in place To go into single user mode Press the power button to start the computer. 3. Jun 13, 2025 · Restart your Mac Enter the password of your Mac user account Use the reset options in the login window Use the reset options in Recovery If you can’t reset your login password Restart your Mac Restart your Mac. Reset Mac admin password in OS X10. May 26, 2013 · Another Terminal Method for Snow Leopard Reboot the computer and hold the COMMAND and S keys down to enter single user mode. If you need to reset the administrator password on a Macintosh, you can boot to single-user mode to change it. Apr 16, 2018 · Here's how to change the admin password on your Mac if you've forgotten it and can't make system changes. To reset the admin password on a G5 running OS X 10. Feb 13, 2014 · Reset the password of the old account from the Users & Groups preference pane. (If you end up back on the login screen after a flash of the black screen with white lettering, enter your password and it will return to the black Dec 9, 2012 · how do i reset password on SNOW LEOPARD without the installer cd? My parents can't remember their password (and/or username possibly?) to their desktop, whose OS is 10. restart your Mac while holding the Command+S keys together and wait until the white text stop scrolling across the black screen. 3. How can I unlock single-user mode to get my password back? Aug 7, 2025 · Single User Mode is a troubleshooting m o de on Mac that provides users with direct access to the operating system through a text-based terminal. Nov 8, 2024 · Learn how to reset your Mac’s admin password using Apple ID, Recovery Mode, or another admin account. Apr 18, 2024 · You may have heard of single-user mode and wondered how it works. Nov 19, 2011 · Here's one method to reset the password without the install disc: 1. Backup your data, troubleshoot errors, and enhance security with FileVault for a successful password reset. Start SQL Server in single user mode. Dec 28, 2024 · If the Disc isn't encrypted See if you can create a new administrator account by restarting the Setup Assistant: Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. boot computer and hold the "apple" key and the "s" key. Access the Terminal or macOS Recovery mode to remove the file ". If you aren't you can use Recovery Mode on your Mac to open the Reset Dec 6, 2009 · There is actually a full screen mode you can use (as others have said, you really don't want to run in single user mode). Fill in “ mount –uw / ” and press enter. Find your way to the single-user mode by pressing the Command + S during startup. 6 (Snow Leopard). Apr 22, 2025 · Learn different methods to bypass the administrator password on a Mac in case you get locked out of your system. 2 days ago · How to boot into Single User Mode on Mac? Here is how to enter Single User Mode as your Mac boots up. Enter /sbin/mount -wu / when the prompt appears to mount the filesystem Enter rm /var/db/. Nov 22, 2024 · Mac (MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air/iMac) stuck on login screen after entering password? macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey stuck on login screen? This is a tough call for Mac users, but relax, in this post, we will introduce several proven troubleshooting ideas to fix Mac stuck on login screen after entering password or after update, no matter what causes the issue. type and press return after each bold command Jun 17, 2014 · Windows is built somewhat completely different to mac/linux and there is no real single user mode. How to reset local user passwords from the macOS recovery partition 0 Comments May 29, 2020 · I received a FileVault-protected MacBook running macOS Catalina and do not know the administrator login password. In this mode, only a single user can log in and use the computer. type without the quotes: "/sbin/mount -uaw" 5. Oct 31, 2024 · Learn how to change or reset your Mac password using multiple methods, from admin account to Apple Account. Fix login issues quickly and securely. Type the new password and hit enter key. Reset the password using Apple ID, Recovery Mode, or Single-User Mode. I don't have the original install CD either the second mac for firmware Jun 17, 2014 · Windows is built somewhat completely different to mac/linux and there is no real single user mode. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know and how to boot into it. ” Choose your main hard drive and select your user account. Simply follow the steps below to get started. Feb 10, 2025 · Unlock your Mac with ease: Discover how to reset your Mac password using Terminal. app will be empty, so none of these methods can be used. Though Mac Single User Mode is no longer available on the M1 Macs, it still works efficiently on the Intel-based Macs. Jan 4, 2024 · Besides above easy and safe ways, Terminal also helps you to reset Mac admin password with command line in single user mode, but it seems a little difficult and is not recommended. May 23, 2021 · The first thing you need to do to create an admin account from a Single User Mode is shut down your Mac. If you are running OS X 10. If you need to reset an administrator account, there are a couple of things you can try: Feb 21, 2023 · Single-User Mode is another way to create an admin account on your Mac without an existing admin. Jan 25, 2014 · If you lost sa password and dont have windows authentication login,then sa password can be reset by following steps-: 1. • Type "passwd <username>" and replace “<username>” with the short name of the user - Mac mini (PowerPC) Dec 15, 2023 · You should be able to login to the admin user and reset the password on the standard user account that you have them using. 2 - Press and hold the power Jun 20, 2020 · I consider this to be essential knowledge for troubleshooting Macs. If FileVault 2 is enabled, you need to enter a password to start up in single user mode, and the list of accounts in Reset Password. I tried several but the mac doesn't enter recovery mode. Oct 30, 2017 · Change the Admin Password with Mac OS X Single User Mode If you’re in IT, or just fixing Grandmas Mac, it’s not too uncommon to get a machine where you don’t have the admin users password. Open “Terminal. Mar 25, 2023 · Resetting admin password with single user boot - posted in Mac OS: I just recently purchased a MacBook Pro from a friend who is into storage auctions so the computer is legally in rightfully mine After incorrectly entering a user password three times at the Mac login screen, a message appears saying "If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID" Click the arrow button to bring up a "Reset Password" dialog Enter the Apple ID login information that is tied to the OS X user account and click “Reset Password” Sep 16, 2006 · How do I reset Tiger Mac OS X 10. • Type "sh /etc/rc" and press Enter/Return. Create a new user when prompted, but you do not need to setup iCloud or anything else for that user. Since Mac OS X 10. Mac admins or users savvy around Terminal can easily reset a password and have the affected account back to work within minutes. apple. Dec 14, 2010 · Turn on your Mac and boot in single-user mode by pressing Apple+S. Ways to Reset Mac Password via Terminal Using Single-User Mode Resetting your Mac password through Single-User Mode can be a lifesaver when you’re locked out of your account. Repair old Admin user account Log into the new Admin user. Aug 27, 2020 · See if you can create a new administrator account by restarting the Setup Assistant: Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. How can you reset the admin password Mac OS X single user mode? However, if you want to know how to reset admin password mac single user mode, dig down this article until the end to find an answer. Is there still a possibility to recover the admin password? 3 days ago · Forgot Mac Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air password? This post helps recover, change or reset Mac admin password. Using Single User Mode: 1. 5 system. Click on “Reset Password” to change the password for the account, and hence, regain control. Type “passwd shortusername” (replace shortusername with the name of original admin account. Apr 25, 2011 · If you’re in IT, or just fixing Grandmas Mac, it’s not too uncommon to get a machine where you don’t have the admin users password. May 16, 2014 · Why can't I enter single user mode on my Mac Mini for an admin password reset? Hi, I recently created a new user account for my mac and deleted the old one, not realising that this was the only account with admin priveleges. Hold down ⌘ + S while rebooting the machine. 4, Apple allows. . AppleSetupDone Enter reboot At this point, it should run the colorful little setup utility that ran when the machine was new. Single-user mode Mac OS X‘s command line Single User Mode. How to Create Admin Account on Mac | Reset Password on Mac, Restore Admin account on Mac, DFU Restore M1, M2 or M3 MacBook Pro/Air & IPSW Reinstall macOS + DFU Mode 3 different ways! Mr. Reboot your Mac and at the login screen, instead of your username type >console and leave the password empty. Jun 7, 2024 · Discover the steps to reset your Mac password using Terminal. You can utilize it to factory reset your Mac when you don't have the correct admin password or Apple ID. Then press Enter. This allows forgetful users to create a new admin account when they're locked out of Mac due to forgetting password. release keys 4. Resetpassword I have not the possibility to choose the admin account but it'sĬhoosen standard account and i think that if I reset the password in this way When in the terminal, in recovery mode, I type As I have explained in my question, withįileVault enabled single user mode does not work. 5: Administrator user changes to standard that talks about using the Install disk to reset the master password. Mac computers have security features to protect user data, making it hard to delete accounts without proper access. Enter a new password and click “Save. Feb 2, 2017 · I pressed command + r and clicked power button and release it (command + r) when I saw apple logo. The need to reset or recover your admin password for your account can happen for a variety of reasons - we were once in this position when we messed around with settings on our Mac and then forgot. 6 install disk, then hold command s and boot the machine into Single User Mode (aka root). 8 without a system disk, boot into Single User Mode by holding Command+S at startup. press enter 6. Launch your Mac into the single user mode. Aug 28, 2014 · Once you’re authenticated as a system admin, select the account whose password you want to reset from the left-hand pane. Reboot the Mac and hold down Command+S at boot t Jul 23, 2025 · Single User Mode gives you direct access to your Mac’s core system through command line. You should just enable the guest user and only allow them to login as a guest. How do I get admin controls without an admin account? MacBook Pro m1 macOS Sonoma 14. Jan 4, 2024 · Is OS X repeatedly asking for login keychain password after changing Mac password? Actually you can reset keychain password even without the old password. Here's how to Reset Mac admin password with single user boot. If you have FileVault enabled, you will have to first decrypt the drive using the old admin user password. Apr 22, 2025 · Learn how to reset or bypass the Administrator password on a Mac using various methods like another admin account, Recovery Mode, and Single-User Mode. If the current macOS you are logged into is not an "admin", then your only option is to attempt to reset the password of the other user account using the instructions in the following Apple article: If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support If you cannot do so, then you will need to start over with @SidneySM: As for not messing with the root password in single-user mode, it's the only way I know to reset the Admin password without an install disc. • At the chime (or grey screen if your chime is turned off), hold down Command+S on your keyboard to enter single-user mode. Then restart it in a Single User Mode by turning it on while pressing and holding Jul 15, 2025 · Alternatively, use your Apple ID or 2 other methodsIf you're logged into your Mac with your Apple ID account, you may be able to use it to reset your admin password. Is there still a possibility to recover the admin password? Dec 1, 2019 · I was thinking to press command + S when the Mac starts , in order to create a new admin, but with FileVault enabled single user mode does not work. Jan 15, 2024 · Reset Mac Password without Administrator via Single-User Mode Multi-user operating systems like Mac OS X and Linux integrate a mode that boots into a solitary superuser account. 4), then you reset the admin password by booting from the installation DVD, selecting "Reset Password" from the Utility menu. There should be hashed value, which you could simply delete. Navigate to Users and Groups and unlock the settings with your admin password. 5. AppleSetupDone file under /var/db/ (note the dot before the filename because it's hidden) and reboot. - Wait until you see a black screen with white text. Apr 6, 2022 · Reset Computer Password for the Administrator Account Password Intel Computer 1 - Restart computer and immediately hold Command + r keys 2 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal 3 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces 4 - Press Return key 5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password Apple Silicon M1 Computer 1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down. Once it boots into single-user mode, you have to mount the hard disk in write mode, delete the . Below is an example of a script file that you can reset your Mac admin password:#!/bin/bash# Th May 11, 2021 · How to Reset a MacOS Password with Terminal via Recovery Mode This method to reset your Mac’s user password is applicable to all the recent versions of macOS, and doesn’t require to type any complicated commands in Terminal. Jun 20, 2011 · 1 If the machine doesn't have an Open Firmware Password set, you can reset the password with single-user mode (if it does, you won't be able to access single-user mode without entering the Open Firmware password). Whether you leverage your Apple ID, utilize Recovery Mode, create a new admin account, or access Single-user Mode, it’s possible to reset your password and maintain access to your data and applications. Feb 21, 2022 · (Admin) (single user) User account is locked after many attempts of trying password i forgot the password on my laptop macbook pro M1 model A2338. Reboot the Mac and hold down Command+S at boot to enter into the command line. Practical solutions for all scenarios. As soon as you hear the startup tone, press and hold ⌘ + S until you see a black screen with white lettering. 4 Tiger: Login to Single User Mode. Type reboot and login with Q: What are the steps to reset a password on a Mac using Terminal? A: To reset your Mac password using Terminal in Recovery Mode, follow these steps: Access “Utilities” from the Apple menu. Get step-by-step guidance to regain access quickly and get back to business! The guide to disable Single User Mode on Mac How to repair hard disk in Mac Single User Mode Thus it is still necessary and beneficial for you to know how to use Mac Single User Mode and repair your hard disk. (If you end up back on the login screen after a flash of the black screen with white lettering, enter your password Macos Single User Mode MacOS single user mode is a special mode that can be used to troubleshoot issues with your Mac. ” Type “resetpassword” (as a single word) and press “Return. The administrator's password was locked. 4 admin password by using single-user mode bought a used PowerBook G4 on Ebay. Does anyone know how I can reset the admin acount using single user mode commands? I can do it on my Mac Book pro but it doesn't seem to work the same way on 10. Apr 22, 2024 · Learn how to reset your administrator password on a Mac using various methods like another admin account, Apple ID, Recovery Mode, and Single-User Mode. The Powerbook still can run to the normal screen. ) When the prompt appears type the following command lines pressing RETURN after each: fsck -fy Apples store the password info in the /etc/passwd file }which is only used when booting to single user mode. I consider this to be essential knowledge for troubleshooting Macs. (c) Click ok,and then restart SQL service . Mar 16, 2013 · If you dont' have the 10. In which case, you will have to reboot the Mac into recovery mode and reset the passwords for all user accounts. Here we have three reset or recovery methods. How do I perform a factory reset or otherwise prepare the laptop for a new user? An If you have forgotten the mac admin password foloow the below steps mentioned to reset the mac password easily. I also don’t remember the password. Jan 4, 2024 · Single user mode is a special startup environment, which boots Mac to a terminal-like interface where users can run commands to do what they want on Mac, such as repairing startup drive or creating new admin account etc. Feb 11, 2025 · Learn how to reset your Mac admin password using Recovery Mode with our step-by-step guide. Jan 16, 2022 · See if you can create a new administrator account by restarting the Setup Assistant: Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. None of the methods above resets the password of the login keychain. Dec 1, 2019 · I was thinking to press command + S when the Mac starts , in order to create a new admin, but with FileVault enabled single user mode does not work. (If a lock appears and a password request, there is a firmware password. 4. I have locked single user mode 2 weeks ago (for security reasons). If the machine is joined to AD, and the user exists in AD, the password needs to be the one in AD, not the local machine version. 5), Tiger (10. Quick, secure solutions for every Mac user. THere is first the Apple Document Mac OS X 10. Only one user account and that account is "Standard". Unlock MacBook Pro without a password. May 21, 2022 · Also, in order to even permit the Mac to boot into Single User Mode, you have to customize or disable System Integrity Protection, and that requires the user's admin password. opendirectoryd. Sep 25, 2025 · To change a standard user to an administrator, reboot the Mac in Single User Mode by pressing Command + S. However, I am unable to update and install software without a password. I stupidly forgot the password to my MacbookPro. Sep 13, 2019 · As of Catalina, if you forget the password to any account with the SecureToken enabled, no other users can reset that account password unless you know the current password. how do i do that? May 6, 2024 · Single User Mode; Forgot Admin Name & Password mini So, a few years back I reset and wiped my mini, intending on selling it. This can be useful if you’re having trouble logging in, or if you’re trying to fix a problem with your Mac. Customer: I need to change the admin password XXXXX single user mode on a 10. (If you see no option to restart, press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off. Now all the users who are a member of the host’s Dec 25, 2014 · OS X- Changing or resetting an account password (Snow Leopard and earlier). But please be noted that if you are running an Intel-based Mac with an Apple T2 Security Chip, you need to change Full Security to No Security in Startup Security Utility under Mac Recovery Mode first. Change an Admin Password in Mac OS X Single User Mode This is a multistep process but it’s easy to follow: First you need to enter Single User Mode. Nov 15, 2024 · Removing an admin account on a Mac without the password can be difficult. Sep 18, 2025 · Reset Mac password with Terminal in single-user mode This is a geeky way to reset your Mac password (including the administrator password), and it requires you to write a few commands in the Terminal, so make sure to enter the commands exactly as indicated below. **Resetting Admin Password in Single-User Mode:** - Restart your Mac and hold down Command + S while it's booting to enter Single-User Mode. Thanks Apple! (NOT) May 5, 2021 · If you can’t remember your Mac's login, you can create a new administrator account by using the single user mode of your Mac. (If you end up back on the login screen after a flash of the black screen with white lettering, enter your password and it will return to the black Single-user mode under Mac OS X gives you all root privileges without root password. I know I did not use my name for the user or admin, but I cannot remember what I used and I forget whether or not my login ID is the same as my admin or account ID. This method involves booting your Mac into a command-line interface and creating a new admin account from there. Feb 11, 2018 · Try this: • Power on or restart your Mac. You have to know it or take it to Apple. (If you end up back on the login screen after a flash of the black screen with white lettering, enter your password and it will return to the black How can you reset the admin password Mac OS X single user mode? However, if you want to know how to reset admin password mac single user mode, dig down this article until the end to find an answer. Aug 10, 2010 · Forgot Mac Password? How to Reset Your Mac Password (with or without CD)Stage 1) Boot into Single User Mode and remove a setup file Restart the Mac holding down the Command+S keys, this will take you into Single User Mode and it’s Terminal interface You’ll need to check the filesystem first: fsck -fy Next, you must mount the root drive as writeable so that changes will save: mount -uw Feb 16, 2013 · If you have Snow Leopard (10. Run Updated March 2022, Reset Mac OSX password using Single User Mode- First you need to enter Single User Mode. applesetupdone 7. press enter 8. Reset Admin Password Mac Single User Mode After resetting your password and logging back in to your account, you might see an alert that the system was unable to unlock your login keychain. Sep 5, 2025 · Here’re 4 ways to help you reset Mac password if you forgot your MacBook password. Jun 20, 2020 · You may be able to create a new administrator account by restarting the Setup Assistant: Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. Fill in“ launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com. Jan 28, 2021 · See if you can create a new administrator account by restarting the Setup Assistant: Boot into Single User Mode: Start/restart your Mac. For Snow Leopard and earlier without installer DVD How to reset your Mac OS X password without an installer disc | MacYourself Reset OS X Password Without an OS X CD — Tech News and Analysis How To Create A New Administrator Account - Hack Mac ⚠️ ⚠️ 4321vets Aug 22, 2023 · If no other solution is successful, you have the option to reset your password by erasing your Mac. If you remove it from AD, the local account reasserts itself. Dec 27, 2023 · To reset the admin password, try the following steps: 1. Boot into single user mode by holding command-S on boot up. type without the quotes: "reboot" 9. (If you end up back on the login screen after a flash of the black screen with white lettering, enter your password and it will return to the black Use One Admin Account to Reset Another Admin Account. If you find yourself in this situation, you can easily change the Admin password, or any other users, simply by booting into Mac OS X ‘s command line Single User Mode. Type command "fsck -fy" to check the hard drive for errors. 11 and above you may need to verify with your Apple ID password while resetting the password. Type “sh /etc/rc” and hit Return/Enter key. (a) open sql server configuration manager (b) Select your instance and click properties,and set -m of -f parameter in startup parameter. When you're asked to select an admin user you know the password for, choose Erase Mac from the Recovery Assistant menu in the menu bar. At the prompt, type 'mount -uw /' then 'rm /var/db/.