Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password

Summary

Learn how to change or reset an account password in Mac OS X, including the original administrator account password. You might need to do this when someone has lost or forgotten his or her account password.

Products Affected

Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.1, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X 10.5

Tip: If you forget your login password, and your home folder is protected by FileVault, see I forgot the password to my encrypted home folder.
 

Resetting a user's password

Note: These steps are for Mac OS X v10.3 or later. For information about resetting a password in Mac OS X v10.2.8 or earlier, see the Additional Information section below.

1. Log in with an administrator account. Tip: If you don't know the password of any administrator accounts, see "Resetting the original administrator account password" below.
2. From the Apple menu choose System Preferences.
3. From the View menu choose Accounts.
4. Click the lock button if it appears locked; enter the administrator password.
5. Select the username whose password you want to change.
6. Click the Reset Password button (Mac OS X v10.3 and v10.4) or the Change Password button (Mac OS X v10.5 or later).
7. Enter a new password in both the Password and Verify fields, and add a hint if desired.
8. Click the Reset Password button (Mac OS X v10.3 and v10.4) or the Change Password button (Mac OS X v10.5 or later).
9. If a dialog box appears with the message "Your Keychain password will be changed to your new account password," click OK.

Important: Passwords for administrator accounts should not be blank.