How do I reset my Apple computer without a password?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

To reset your Apple computer without a password, you can use the Recovery Mode feature. This option allows you to access various tools and utilities to troubleshoot and manage your Mac. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Start by shutting down your Mac completely.

2. Connect your Mac to a power source if it’s not already connected.

3. Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen. This screen typically displays a list of icons representing different startup disks.

4. On the startup options screen, you should see various icons, including your startup disk, a network recovery option, and an Options icon. Click on the Options icon.

5. After clicking the Options icon, you’ll be prompted to choose a language. Select your preferred language and click the right arrow button to continue.

6. Next, you’ll see the macOS Utilities window. From here, you can access different tools and options to manage your Mac. To reset your Mac, click on the “Reinstall macOS” option.

7. You’ll be guided through a series of prompts, including selecting your startup disk and agreeing to the license agreement. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the appropriate options according to your preferences.

8. Eventually, you’ll reach a step where you’re asked to select the disk on which to install macOS. Choose your startup disk, which is usually the default option, and click on the Install button.

9. The reinstallation process will begin, and it may take some time to complete. Ensure that your Mac is connected to a power source during this process to avoid any interruptions.

10. Once the reinstallation is finished, your Mac will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the setup assistant. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Mac as you desire.

It’s important to note that resetting your Mac without a password will erase all the data on your startup disk. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a backup of your important files before proceeding with the reset. If you don’t have a backup, you may lose your data permanently.

In some cases, if you’ve enabled FileVault encryption on your Mac, you may be prompted to enter the password for decryption during the reinstallation process. If you don’t remember the password, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Remember, this process is intended for resetting your Mac to its factory settings and should be used with caution. If you’re only looking to reset a user account password, there are separate methods available for that.