Forgetting your MacBook password is an unfortunate situation no one wants to face, but don’t worry—regaining access is straightforward. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to reset your password on a MacBook Air, M1, M2, or Pro when you’ve forgotten it, helping you quickly restore access to your device.

Guide to Recovering a MacBook Password with an Intel Chip

Below is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide to reset your password on a MacBook with an Intel chip—simple enough for anyone to do:

Step 1: Shut down your MacBook.

Step 2: Press and hold the Command (⌘) + R keys, then press the power button.

Step 3: Go to the Utilities menu and select Terminal to open the command-line window.

Step 4: In Terminal, type the command resetpassword and press Enter.

Step 5: After confirming your Apple information, select Next.

Step 6: Enter the verification code, then click Verify.

Step 7: Set a new password and click Next to complete the MacBook password reset process.

Guide to Recovering a MacBook Air M1 Password

If you’ve forgotten the password for your MacBook Air M1, follow these steps to regain access:

Step 1: Turn off the device, then press and hold the power button until you see the gear icon. Select Options and click Continue.

Step 2: From the Utilities menu, select Terminal.

Step 3: Type the command resetpassword and press Enter.

Step 4: If your Mac is linked to iCloud, click Deactivate Mac and confirm by selecting Deactivate.

Step 5: Sign in to iCloud and reset your password to complete the process.

Guide to Changing Your MacBook Password

Regularly updating your MacBook password enhances security and helps you manage access more effectively. Here’s a detailed guide to quickly and safely change the password on your MacBook Air, M1, M2, or Pro:

Step 1: Go to System Preferences → Users & Groups.

Step 2: Click on Change Password.

Step 3: Enter your old password, new password, and verification, then click Change Password to finalize the process.

The steps outlined in this article provide a detailed solution for users facing a forgotten MacBook password. By resetting the password on your MacBook Air, M1, M2, or Pro, you can confidently regain access to your device without needing third-party assistance.