Reset a forgotten Mac sudo password

By Zennith Tech Lab • Published 2026-05-22 •
macOSSecurityHardwareSystem Administration

Locked out of your Mac administrator account? Learn the immediate Recovery Mode command to reset lost admin credentials.

Mac Sudo Password Bypass

Reboot macOS in Recovery mode, open Terminal from Utilities, and run resetpassword to immediately reset your lost admin password.

# Step 1: Boot into Recovery Environment

Depending on your Mac processor architecture (Apple Silicon vs. Intel), follow these startup keys:

1. Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3: Shut down completely. Hold the power button down until "Loading startup options" pops up. Click Options, then Continue. 2. Intel Processors: Shut down completely. Turn on and immediately hold Command (⌘) + R keys down together until the Apple log appears.

# Step 2: Launch Terminal Tool

Do not complete standard login screens. 1. Go to the top menu bar, select Utilities, then click Terminal. 2. Type the following command and hit Enter:

``bash # Trigger the central user pass override window resetpassword ``

# Step 3: Configure New Credentials

A custom window will launch. Select your admin account, set your new password, confirm, and reboot your Mac system in normal mode.

# Security & Privacy Metrics

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