cant remember username to log in

Question

cant remember username to log in

I somehow made it so the usernames don’t just show up on log in screen on my mini Mac. I know my password but can’t figure out user name. I’ve tried all the combos of my name I can think of—-nothing works. I DONT need to reset password as I remember it. Just need to figure out username (or reset it). I have tried ALL the suggested ways (google search AND Apple support) to do this! It never gives me the option to go to utilities to do a reset—-after turning off, when I start it up it just goes immediately to the log in page (with the lovely trees 😏). HELP PLEASE

Mac mini, macOS 15.6

Posted on Sep 22, 2025 11:38 AM

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Answer 1

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albfrompocatello Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2025 12:11 PM in response to albfrompocatello

I figured it out! 😅

I had to hold the power button down THE WHOLE TIME until it got to the ‘options’ screen. Then I was able to go in, see my user names and go from there. Maybe this will help others with a similar problem. 😀

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

153,778 points

Sep 22, 2025 4:52 PM in response to albfrompocatello

Explained in How to start up from macOS Recovery - Apple Support.

It is Step 2 under Mac with Apple silicon (with emphasis):

Press and hold the power button again. As you continue to hold it, your Mac turns on and loads startup options. When you see “Loading startup options” or the Options icon, release the power button.

If you forgot your login password, If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support includes those instructions if the preliminary steps fail.

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