Reset your Mac login password from Recovery

Issue

The standard steps to reset the password of your Mac user account don't succeed, try the steps on this page.

Start up from macOS Recovery

Determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, then follow the appropriate steps to start up from macOS Recovery:

• Apple silicon: Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window. Select the gear icon labeled Options, then click Continue.
• Intel processor: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘)-R until you see an Apple logo or other image.

When asked for your recovery key

• Enter your FileVault recovery key. 
  • Use the FileVault Personal Recovery Key Lookup tool to access the recovery key for your Bowdoin Mac.
• When prompted to reset your password, click Reset Password.
• Select a user to reset the password for.
• After successfully authenticating, click Exit.
• Choose Apple menu  > Restart.