MacBook locked after update

Question

Level 1

4 points

MacBook locked after update

Hi there,

After upgrading MacBook Pro (M1 Pro) from macOS Monterey to macOS Tahoe, FileVault automatically turned on — but I was never shown or provided a recovery key.

During installation, the system asked me to set a new password, but now when I enter that (or any other possible one), I get the message “Account is locked.” and there is no timer.

When I boot into macOS Recovery, I can authenticate with my Apple ID and access Terminal, but running resetpassword (or trying “Forgot password”) leads to this message:

“Your account is temporarily locked. Try again later.”

So far:

I can reach Recovery mode and Terminal.

fdesetup status returns command not found.

I have my 28-character recovery key, but the Mac asks for a shorter 24-character one instead.

The device is linked to Apple ID and I can pass Apple ID verification, but the local account stays locked.

macOS version is Tahoe, running on an M1 Pro MacBook Pro.

Why does my account stay locked?

Is there any safe Terminal method (other than resetpassword) that can reset password or unlock the FileVault user account? Neither of the options in recovery work for me and I just keep getting the message that my account is temporarily locked

Could repeated login attempts permanently block the device?

What’s the correct procedure to safely regain access to my account and data without erasing the drive?

Is there any way for me to have more attempts to log in?

MacBook Pro (M1 Pro)

macOS Tahoe (upgraded from Monterey)

FileVault automatically enabled, never shown a key, key was not added to keychain, iCloud sync is off

Apple ID linked and verified, but account on Mac is still locked.

Erasing the Mac is not an option, there are important files on it.

thank you!

MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)

Posted on Oct 29, 2025 2:36 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 29, 2025 10:01 AM in response to Mathevw

Mathevw wrote:

Hi there,

After upgrading MacBook Pro (M1 Pro) from macOS Monterey to macOS Tahoe, FileVault automatically turned on — but I was never shown or provided a recovery key.

During installation, the system asked me to set a new password, but now when I enter that (or any other possible one), I get the message “Account is locked.” and there is no timer.

hmmm...

yes the Tahoe seemed to enable filevault, but I never experienced "asked me to set a new password"—

that is disconcerting to say the least. I turned off Filevault after the installation via the >System Settings

see if there is anything here:

If your Apple ID is locked or disabled:

If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support

By default, the FileVault encryption password is set to your login password, but there is no requirement for them to remain the same.

If you encrypted your Mac’s boot disk with FileVault2 —this prevents you from using your Apple ID to reset your password

(since the password is used in FileVault’s encryption). Read this Apple support document for more information about FileVault.

ref: Protect data on your Mac with FileVault - Apple Support

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Oct 30, 2025 3:58 PM in response to Mathevw

Mathevw wrote:

thank you! I tried all the steps in those articles already and it seems like there are no issues with my apple ID.

During the installation it asked me to setup a new password, but also a hint. In no attempts was the hint presented to me so I wasn't even able to see if its later on asking for the new or old password... can I somehow force use of Apple ID? is my mac blocked? I still have hope given in Recovery it says "(...)temporarily locked".

I am trying to point you in the direction of Apple Support—

They can escalate this issue up the chain of command if Tier 1 support can not resolve the issue.

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

Mathevw Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 30, 2025 2:45 AM in response to leroydouglas

thank you! I tried all the steps in those articles already and it seems like there are no issues with my apple ID.

During the installation it asked me to setup a new password, but also a hint. In no attempts was the hint presented to me so I wasn't even able to see if its later on asking for the new or old password... can I somehow force use of Apple ID? is my mac blocked? I still have hope given in Recovery it says "(...)temporarily locked".

Reply