How to Reset or Change Mac Administrator Password

Many macOS features are locked behind an administrator password check as a preventive measure against users tampering with settings that might have an adverse effect on the overall stability, security, or performance of their computer. As such having access to the admin account for the system is extremely important when tweaking the macOS to better suit the particular needs of the user. What to do, however, if you have forgotten your administrator password and the hint associated with it isn't helping at all? Fortunately, there are numerous methods for resetting or changing your admin credentials. Some of the easier ones are outlined below so pick one that seems the most convenient to you. 

Let's start with users who know their administrator password but want to change it to something new as a security measure. The first step in the process is to open the Mac's 'System Preferences' menu and then choose 'Users & Groups.' A list with all existing user accounts should be displayed. Pick your admin account and click on the 'Change password...' button. In the new window, enter the current password first followed by the new password that will be associated with the selected account. Repeat the new password. Lastly, do not forget to input a Hint message that will help you in case you forget the new credentials. 

If you do not remember what the admin password is and wish to reset it, the easiest way to do so is through AppleID, a feature first introduced in macOS version 10.7. Due to the fact that AppleID is also used to verify iTunes and application Store purchases, users are less likely to forget it. Before proceeding to change your admin password, however, make sure that the 'Allow users to reset password using Apple ID' option has been enabled on the computer. Start by going to System Preferences followed by 'Users & Groups.' Select the admin account and check if the checkbox in front of the 'Allow users to reset password using Apple ID' has been selected. If everything is as it should be, entering the wrong password three times in a row while trying to log into the admin account should result in a pop-up message with the following text - 'If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID.' Choose this option, enter the required credentials, and then create a new admin password. Restart your Mac device and enter the new admin credentials. 

Having access to another admin account on the same system can also help. Log in to it, open the 'Systems Preferences,' and go to 'Users & Groups.' Select the account you wish to create new credentials for and click the 'Reset Password' button. In the new window, enter a password of your choosing, repeat it, update the Hint message, and confirm the changes by clicking on 'Change Password.' Log out of the current account and enter the account with the newly created credentials. 

Users who cannot log into any of the existing accounts on their system can try to use 'Recovery Utility' to fix the situation. Start by rebooting the Mac, wait for the start-up sound, and immediately press the Command + R keys on your keyboard. Keep pressing the keys until the macOS Utilities window appears on the screen. From the available options, click on 'Utilities,' and then select 'Terminal.' Once inside the Terminal window type the reset password command and press the Return button on your keyboard. A new window will appear. Here, select the start-up drive of the system, pick the administrator account, and click on the 'Change Password' button. Fill in the required information, save the changes, and select the restart option available through the main menu.