How do I reset my admin password from Recovery?

Boot into Recovery > Utilities > Terminal > type resetpassword and press Enter. This opens the Reset Password utility. Select your user account and set a new password.

What if Recovery Mode does not work?

On Intel Macs, try Internet Recovery (Cmd+Option+R). For both Intel and Apple Silicon, create a bootable macOS USB installer using another Mac. Apple Silicon Macs can also use DFU mode via Apple Configurator.

Mac Recovery Mode — How to Enter, Use, and Troubleshoot Recovery Options

Errorrecovery

Overview

Complete guide to Mac Recovery Mode including how to enter on Intel and Apple Silicon, available tools, Internet Recovery, and troubleshooting recovery failures.

Key Details

Recovery Mode provides access to Disk Utility, Terminal, Reinstall macOS, and Restore from Time Machine
Apple Silicon: shut down, hold power button until 'Loading startup options', click Options > Continue
Intel Mac: restart, immediately hold Cmd+R until Apple logo appears
Internet Recovery (Cmd+Option+R on Intel) downloads Recovery from Apple servers if local recovery is damaged
Recovery Mode runs a minimal macOS environment from a hidden recovery partition

Common Causes

Mac not booting normally requiring disk repair or system reinstallation
Need to reset admin password via Terminal in Recovery Mode
Firmware password needs to be set or removed
Time Machine restore required after data loss
Need to disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) via csrutil in Terminal

Steps

1Enter Recovery: use the method for your Mac type (Apple Silicon or Intel — see details above)
2Use Disk Utility: select your disk > First Aid to check and repair disk errors
3Reinstall macOS: select Reinstall macOS — this preserves your files and settings
4Restore from Time Machine: select Restore from Time Machine Backup and choose a backup
5Access Terminal: Utilities > Terminal for command-line access (reset passwords, manage SIP, etc.)
6If Recovery fails to load: try Internet Recovery (Cmd+Option+R on Intel) or create a bootable USB installer

More in Recovery

mac-error-2002f-internet-recoveryMac Error -2002F — Internet Recovery Connection Failed

Error

mac-recovery-mode-detailed-guideMac Recovery Mode — macOS Recovery and Reinstallation Detailed Guide

Warning

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Reinstalling macOS from Recovery preserves your files, apps, and settings. It only replaces the operating system files. It is safe and commonly used to fix system issues.