Hi,
I have entered the correct password to log in to my account on the Macbook Pro (M3) but it doesn't recognize it for some reason. I have shut down the computer but when I open it, it says the account is locked for 15 minutes. I entered the password, but it does not recognize it. I have used the same password. I think it's in some loop that prevents it from accepting any passwords. How to fix this?
Your Secure Enclave or local password cache got stuck in a bad state, it happens sometimes after updates or failed unlock attempts.
To resolve this you can, wait out the lock timer completely, then restart in Recovery Mode (hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options”). From there, choose Options > Continue, then go to Utilities > Terminal and type resetpassword.
Follow the prompts to reset using your Apple ID. Once back in, head to System Settings > Touch ID & Password and change your password again to resync the local keychain.
This clears any cached lock loop that might’ve caused the issue.
Your Secure Enclave or local password cache got stuck in a bad state, it happens sometimes after updates or failed unlock attempts.
To resolve this you can, wait out the lock timer completely, then restart in Recovery Mode (hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options”). From there, choose Options > Continue, then go to Utilities > Terminal and type resetpassword.
Follow the prompts to reset using your Apple ID. Once back in, head to System Settings > Touch ID & Password and change your password again to resync the local keychain.
This clears any cached lock loop that might’ve caused the issue.
"Macbook Pro M3 keeps my account locked: Hi, I have entered the correct password to log in to my account on the Macbook Pro (M3) but it doesn't recognize it for some reason. I have shut down the computer but when I open it, it says the account is locked for 15 minutes. I entered the password, but it does not recognize it. I have used the same password. I think it's in some loop that prevents it from accepting any passwords. How to fix this?"
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Troubleshooting a Locked Mac Account:
Give it a few, as the more times you try this incorrectly, you'll be locked out even longer.
Reset the Password Using the Login Screen:
You'd go through your Apple ID to perform this. Find out more here: If you Forgot your Mac Login Password - Apple Support. Make sure that caps lock is not enabled when typing it. No Success? Go here: If you can't Reset your Mac Login Password - Apple Support
iamshivam wrote:
Your Secure Enclave or local password cache got stuck in a bad state, it happens sometimes after updates or failed unlock attempts.
To resolve this you can, wait out the lock timer completely, then restart in Recovery Mode (hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options”). From there, choose Options > Continue, then go to Utilities > Terminal and type resetpassword.
I've seen this have devastating consequences for users of the 2018+ Macs with T2 security chips or M-series CPUs. Unfortunately I don't recall the gory details, but there were a couple of posts on this forum within the last couple of years, but I know they were left with absolutely no other recourse but to erase the Mac & start over....including starting over with their data that had no backups.
Instead follow the most recent versions of Apple's official documentation. I really wish I had the link to that other thread which showed how bad the "resetpassword" option is these days since it all depends on the user's current circumstances (including hardware model) as well as system configuration.
Macbook Pro M3 keeps my account locked
