How to Change Your Password on macOS: A Deep Dive

So, you need to change your macOS password? No problem. It’s a crucial security measure, whether you suspect a breach, are simply adhering to best practices, or just want to freshen things up. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how to do it, ensuring your Mac remains fortress-like. There are several methods you can use, all fairly straightforward.

Here’s the direct answer: You can change your macOS password through System Settings or using the passwd command in Terminal. System Settings is the GUI (Graphical User Interface) method most users prefer. For the command-line savvy, Terminal offers a quicker, though less visual, approach.

Changing Your Password via System Settings (GUI)

This is the most common and user-friendly method. Follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select “System Settings.” You may also see it labeled as “System Preferences” on older macOS versions.
2. Navigate to Users & Groups (or Users): In System Settings, look for “Users & Groups.” It might simply be labeled “Users” on older versions. Click on it.
3. Select Your User Account: You’ll see a list of user accounts on your Mac. Select the account for which you want to change the password. Ensure you’re selecting the correct account, especially if you have multiple users on your machine.
4. Click the “Change…” button: Next to the “Password” label, you’ll find a button that says “Change…” or something similar. Click this button.
5. Enter Your Old Password: A window will pop up asking for your current password. Type it in carefully. Mistakes here will prevent you from proceeding.
6. Enter Your New Password: Now, enter your new password in the “New password” field. Choose a strong password – a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is highly recommended. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
7. Verify Your New Password: Enter your new password again in the “Verify” field to confirm you’ve typed it correctly. This step is crucial to avoid typos.
8. Password Hint (Optional but Recommended): In the “Password hint” field, provide a hint that will help you remember your password if you forget it. Do not enter your actual password as the hint! A good hint might be related to a significant date or a place that only you know.
9. Click “Change Password”: Once you’re satisfied with your new password and hint, click the “Change Password” button.

Your password is now changed! You’ll need to use your new password to log in the next time you restart or log out of your Mac.

Changing Your Password via Terminal (Command Line)

For those comfortable with the command line, Terminal offers a more direct route. Here’s how:

1. Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in the “Utilities” folder within your “Applications” folder, or simply search for “Terminal” using Spotlight (Command + Spacebar).
2. Type the passwd Command: In the Terminal window, type the command passwd and press Enter.
3. Enter Your Old Password: Terminal will prompt you to enter your current password. Type it in and press Enter. Note that the cursor won’t move as you type your password – this is a security feature.
4. Enter Your New Password: Terminal will then prompt you to enter your new password. Type it in and press Enter. Again, the cursor won’t move.
5. Verify Your New Password: Finally, Terminal will ask you to re-enter your new password for verification. Type it in and press Enter.
6. Success: If everything goes smoothly, Terminal will simply return you to the command prompt without any error messages.

Your password is now changed using the command line!

Changing Your Login Password Using Recovery Mode (If You’ve Forgotten Your Password)

If you’ve forgotten your password, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode. This process is slightly more complex but essential when you’re locked out.

1. Start or Restart Your Mac in Recovery Mode:
   • Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, etc.): Shut down your Mac. Then, press and hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options.” Click “Options,” then click “Continue.”
   • Intel-based Macs: Restart your Mac and immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
2. Open Terminal in Recovery Mode: Once you’re in Recovery Mode, go to the “Utilities” menu in the menu bar and select “Terminal.”
3. Reset Password Using resetpassword: In the Terminal window, type resetpassword and press Enter. This will launch the Reset Password assistant.
4. Select Your User Account: In the Reset Password window, select the user account for which you want to reset the password.
5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The Reset Password assistant will guide you through the process of creating a new password. You might need to enter your Apple ID credentials.
6. Restart Your Mac: Once you’ve reset the password, restart your Mac.
7. Create a New Keychain (If Prompted): After logging in with your new password, you might be prompted to create a new keychain. This is because your old keychain was encrypted with your old password. Creating a new keychain is generally the easiest option.

FAQs about Changing Your macOS Password

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns:

1. How often should I change my macOS password?

While there’s no magic number, a good rule of thumb is to change your password every 3 to 6 months. This helps mitigate the risk of password compromise. However, if you suspect any security breach, change it immediately.

2. What makes a strong macOS password?

A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of:

• Uppercase letters
• Lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols (!@#$%^&*)

Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthday, or common words.

3. Can I use the same password for my Apple ID and my macOS account?

No! It’s highly recommended to use different passwords for each account. If one account is compromised, the other remains secure. Using the same password creates a single point of failure.

4. What if I’ve forgotten my macOS password and don’t have another administrator account?

As described earlier, you can use Recovery Mode to reset your password. The resetpassword utility is your lifeline in this scenario.

5. Will changing my macOS password affect my iCloud password?

No. Your macOS account password and your iCloud password are separate. Changing one won’t affect the other.

6. What is a keychain, and how does changing my password affect it?

A keychain is a secure storage container for your passwords and other sensitive information. When you change your macOS password, the keychain associated with your account is also affected. After changing your password, you may need to update your keychain password or create a new keychain.

7. Can I change my password on a shared Mac?

Yes, but only for your own user account. You need to log in to your account to change your password. You cannot change the password for other user accounts unless you are an administrator.

8. How do I enable automatic login on macOS?

While convenient, automatic login is generally not recommended due to security concerns. However, if you understand the risks and still want to enable it:

1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
2. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and authenticate with an administrator password.
3. Click “Login Options.”
4. From the “Automatic login” dropdown menu, select your user account.
5. Enter your password when prompted.

9. What if I can’t remember my password hint?

If your password hint doesn’t jog your memory, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode to reset your password.

10. Can I use a password manager to change my macOS password?

No, password managers don’t directly change your macOS account password. They are used to generate and store strong passwords for websites and applications. You still need to manually change your macOS password as described above. However, they’re invaluable in creating and remembering that new strong password.

11. What should I do if I suspect someone knows my macOS password?

Change your password immediately! Also, review your system for any suspicious activity, such as new user accounts or unfamiliar applications. Run a malware scan to be safe.

12. Is it possible to disable the password requirement when waking my Mac from sleep?

Yes, but this is highly discouraged due to security risks. If you choose to do so:

1. Go to System Settings > Lock Screen.
2. Under “Require password,” select “immediately” or your preferred time.
3. To remove the password requirement entirely, select “never”. This will disable the password requirement upon waking the Mac from sleep.

Important note: Disabling the password requirement means anyone with physical access to your Mac can access your data when it wakes from sleep.