Want to change your Mac password, for example because someone saw it, because you want a stronger password or because you took over someone else's Mac? That takes a few steps. This article explains how to change the password of your Mac or MacBook, what happens to your saved passwords and how your Apple Account password fits in.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. For a repair you usually do not need to give your password; more about that at the end.
Two different passwords
- Your Mac password (user account): to log in, install apps and change settings.
- Your Apple Account password: for iCloud, the App Store and Find My.
They can be the same, but can be changed separately.
Changing your Mac password
- Open System Settings and choose Users and Groups.
- Click the i symbol next to your user name.
- Next to Password click Change.
- Enter your old password, and the new one twice.
- Optionally enter a password hint. Do not use a hint that gives the password away.
- Click Change Password.
What happens to your keychain?
If you change your password this way, with the old password, your login keychain is updated automatically. Your saved passwords keep working. See passwords on your Mac.
If you reset the password without the old one (for example via Recovery mode), the keychain stays on the old password and the Mac sometimes asks for it. Then you can create a new default keychain in Keychain Access.
FileVault
If FileVault is on, you unlock the drive at startup with your new password. Your recovery key does not change. See FileVault recovery key.
Changing your Apple Account password
Go to System Settings, click your name, choose Sign-In and Security and click Change Password. You then enter your Mac password to confirm. Afterwards you sign in again on your other devices with the new password.
Changing another user's password
If you are an administrator on the Mac, you can also reset another user's password, for example a child's or colleague's. Go to Users and Groups, click the i symbol next to that user and choose Reset Password. Note: that user then gets a new login keychain, because the old password was not used. Passwords saved in iCloud Keychain do come back once they sign in to iCloud again.
A second user as a spare
A second administrator account with its own password is handy if you ever forget your own password. You can then log in with that account and reset your own password. Do keep that password safe.
Choosing a strong password
- Preferably at least twelve characters, or a sentence of a few words.
- Not your name, date of birth or something you also use elsewhere.
- Use Touch ID for daily login, so you do not have to type the long password every time.
Forgot your password?
Then you cannot change it this way. Read forgot your Mac password.
Your password and repairs
For most repairs your password is not needed. If something must be tested inside macOS, create a temporary extra user instead of giving your own password. If you do give your password, change it after the repair. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I log in without a password?
We advise against it. With Touch ID you log in quickly, and your Mac stays protected.
Does my Touch ID change if I change my password?
No, your fingerprints keep working. After a restart the Mac does ask for the new password first.
How often should I change my password?
Only if it may have leaked or someone else knows it.
