What password am I supposed to use?

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Level 1

8 points

What password am I supposed to use?

Last week, I "upgraded" to OS Catalina. This screwed up several things. My Firefox browser is pretty much useless -- even after updating it -- and my Logitech wireless mouse lost the zoom, back/forward, etc., settings I had. Another thing it did, for some reason, was lock out my Apple id. So, not only was I unable to sign in and ask questions here, but I also couldn't fix the mouse, because I needed to sign in/unlock the preferences. FINALLY got my account unlocked today, and reset the password. Tried to fix the mouse, but when I typed in the new password, the box began shaking. (I assume that means, "no?") I tried the last 2 passwords I had, but those didn't work either. So, how exactly am I supposed to unlock it? Is there some other password I need? (I understand the need for security, but what the heck good is it if I can't even get into my own computer?!?!) I'm using a 2012 Mac mini. (Does this mean I'm due for a new computer? If I am, it sure as heck won't be an Apple . . . )

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 05:24 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 26, 2025 05:46 PM in response to pakcyclist

The login password for the Mac should not have changed because of an OS upgrade.

And your Apple ID and password are not usually what you would use to login to your Mac's computer user account.

Here is Apple's guidance for resetting the computer password:

If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

If you still can’t reset your password, then see:

If you can’t reset you Mac login password - Apple Support

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Answer 2

pakcyclist Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 26, 2025 06:23 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Didn't even KNOW I had a Mac password! When I turn on my computer, after booting up, it brings up my browser, and I start surfing the net. All these years, I never had to type a password to log in. So, if I have one, I have no idea what it is. (And, in preferences, I can't change it without knowing the original one.) I tried a few passwords I frequently used years ago, but none worked. Anyway around that? (If I hit "log out" when shutting down, I'll need the password to log in, won't I? Since I don't know it, does that mean I won't be able to use the Mac again?)

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Answer 3

pakcyclist Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 26, 2025 08:20 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Checked that out. It said to restart, which I did, then go to "user account," which does not show up anywhere on my Mac. Against my better judgement, clicked on "log out." It then prompted me to enter the password, which I don't know. I clicked on "?", which showed a hint which didn't help any. (Nothing else showed up about resetting passwords, using Apple id, recovery, etc., that was mentioned in those articles. My screens look very different than those. Remember, this is a 2012 model. ) Only other options on the screen were to shut down, sleep, or restart. Decided to restart. Fortunately, after I did, it DIDN'T ask for a password, login, etc., -- as usual -- and I was able to get back on the browser. I checked for "MacOS Recovery" and don't see that anywhere. Anything else I can try?

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Answer 4

Feb 26, 2025 09:25 PM in response to pakcyclist

It's very possible that you had a password that was simply empty (null) and the computer was accessed by pressing the return key at the login prompt. It wasn't recommended, but it was allowed - call it a bug. And if you had setup the computer to automatically login at startup then you would never have been prompted for your password all these years... until now with Catalina.

You might get around this by going to System Preferences > Users & Groups and changing the password there. In the field that asks for the old password simply press the return key and move on to the next field that asks for a new password. Another allowed password variation may have been a single tap of the spacebar, so you might give that a try for the old password as well. If neither of these happens to match the old password then you haven't lost anything but the moment of time it takes you to try this.

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