Password prompt for location services on new Mac mini with automatic login

even if you choose to login automatically, you still must have set up a password when setting up your Mac for the first time.

if you can't remember that password, please see If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support.

There are things you cannot do without a password. That’s the way it is. Add a password for your account. Write it on a sticky and put it where you can find it. When you need it, like when trying to enable location (or updating the OS).

You need the same user password that you used to setup the Mac and automatic login.

If you forgot that password…?

see > If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

Thanks to a respected contributor @leroydouglas

if in doubt about admin from your logged in user account,  from Terminal.app copy and paste —

dscacheutil -q group -a name admin

What exactly does that command echo back ?

Kinnair wrote:

Yes I appreciate that, I used the "same" password to set up the Mac first time, then changed my password to an empty one.... When I try to use the same (original set-up) password, it keeps telling me it's wrong.

To establish a parallel between macOS and iOS:

Following a system update, upgrade, shutdown, or restart, users are required to manually enter their device passcode, regardless of whether Face ID is enabled.

This security requirement applies equally to macOS systems

Kinnair wrote:

Yes I appreciate that, I used the "same" password to set up the Mac first time, then changed my password to an empty one.... When I try to use the same (original set-up) password, it keeps telling me it's wrong.

In macOS 26 Tahoe and for many years now

Having a Blank or Non Existing Password is not possible

This would be because of Security Reasons

The Secure Enclave is a dedicated secure subsystem integrated into Apple system on a chip (SoC). The Secure Enclave is isolated from the main processor to provide an extra layer of security and is designed to keep sensitive user data secure even when the Application Processor kernel becomes compromised.

So try to convince us again