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Can't reset admin password

I was trying to install some software on my iMac when I was asked for my admin password. It had been a while and apparently the password I had in mind was wrong. Luckily I have enabled the option to change my password with Apple ID, so I logged out, tried to log in with the (wrong) password and after three times was given the option to log in with my Apple ID to change the admin password. The Apple ID was accepted and I entered a new password. But when the iMac tries to log in with that new password 0.1 seconds later, it doesn't accept it. I'm at a loss what the problem is.


Any idea what it could be? I'd prefer not to go in recovery mode as I can currently still access my iMac (don't have the password required to log in). Thanks.

iMac 27", macOS 10.14

Posted on May 2, 2020 10:38 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 2, 2020 12:17 PM

Start with this: Change or reset the password of a macOS user account - Apple Support. If you have no success, then try this:


Please print out a copy of these instructions. You will not be able to access them online.


Reboot the computer. At or before the chime, press and hold down the COMMAND-S keys to start into Single-user Mode. You will boot to a black screen with scrolling white text, release the keys and wait until it finishes. Enter the following lines at the command prompt pressing RETURN after each:


    mount -uw /

               ^     ^  Note spaces

    rm /var/db/.applesetupdone 

        ^    Note space

    reboot


After you reboot the computer you will be taken to the Setup Assistant. When you get to the point where you are asked to set up your new user account, create a new admin account. Be sure to name this user account something different than any other account that already exists on the system. When you finish the Setup Assistant, it will automatically log you into the new account.


You need do nothing more. Log into the Admin account only when you need to, such as installing or upgrading software. Log into the Standard account for your normal computer uses. If you prefer using just one account, the admin account, then you will need to make some changes as discussed below.


You can transfer your files from the old account to the new one. See Transferring files from one User Account to another. Once you have moved all your files into your new account, you can delete the old account using Accounts or Users & Groups preferences.


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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 2, 2020 12:17 PM in response to 22225861

Start with this: Change or reset the password of a macOS user account - Apple Support. If you have no success, then try this:


Please print out a copy of these instructions. You will not be able to access them online.


Reboot the computer. At or before the chime, press and hold down the COMMAND-S keys to start into Single-user Mode. You will boot to a black screen with scrolling white text, release the keys and wait until it finishes. Enter the following lines at the command prompt pressing RETURN after each:


    mount -uw /

               ^     ^  Note spaces

    rm /var/db/.applesetupdone 

        ^    Note space

    reboot


After you reboot the computer you will be taken to the Setup Assistant. When you get to the point where you are asked to set up your new user account, create a new admin account. Be sure to name this user account something different than any other account that already exists on the system. When you finish the Setup Assistant, it will automatically log you into the new account.


You need do nothing more. Log into the Admin account only when you need to, such as installing or upgrading software. Log into the Standard account for your normal computer uses. If you prefer using just one account, the admin account, then you will need to make some changes as discussed below.


You can transfer your files from the old account to the new one. See Transferring files from one User Account to another. Once you have moved all your files into your new account, you can delete the old account using Accounts or Users & Groups preferences.


Can't reset admin password

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