How To Reset a MacBook Pro Without Password?

Can’t remember the login password of you MacBook? You have to get into the recovery mode if don’t have any other option left. To do this you’d need to hit “Command + R”.

It will initiate macOS recovery mode, and then you’ll be able to access Disk Utility; its function is to wipe disks clean for Macs at their default factory settings.

Nonetheless, there exist other means of execution. So, why would someone reset their MacBook Pro password?

Let’s say your current possession is a previously owned MacBook Pro, which has not been cleared of the previous owner’s details.

Alternatively, it could be a situation where one desires to give away one’s MacBook Pro to a friend or brother.

But because one has forgotten the passcode, it’s unable to remove the personal data.

Whatever the case may be, you need to know how to reset a MacBook Pro without password beforehand.

You can reset MacBook Pro using macOS Recovery Mode. We will show you step-by-step how to reset your MacBook Pro without a password, whether you’re using your Apple ID or Recovery Mode.

Is It Possible To Unlock a Mac Without Password?

It is, well, in certain situations, of course. You can reset the password or erase the disk, as you like, using MacOS recovery mode, which is Apple’s built-in recovery option.

It’s also possible by Apple ID, if you have one. You can reset your Mac password using your Apple ID credentials.

But, you must know that if you’ve enabled FileVault protection on your Mac, you’d be needing the password to unlock it.

How Do I Unlock My MacBook Pro If I Forgot My Password?

Don’t worry if you forgot MacBook password. These things happen, and fortunately, there are solutions!

Like, there are multiple options that you can use to unlock your MacBook when you can’t remember the password.

The easiest and quickest option is using your Apple ID, well, of course, if you have created one.

You must have seen that ‘?’ mark next to the password section.

When you hit it, it gives you multiple options, and “Reset it using your Apple ID” is the one you have to choose.

And from there, you just have to follow the prompts, enter your Apple ID credentials, and eventually reset the password, meaning finally unlocking your MacBook!

How To Reset a MacBook Pro Without Password?

When you turn ON your MacBook Pro and realize that you can’t remember your password (or you’re using a second-hand MacBook Pro it’s former user didn’t delete his user account and remove the password, here’s how you can reset it without knowing the password:

Method I: Using Recovery Mode

1. When you have the MacBook turned ON in front of you, press and hold Command + R.
2. Soon, it will take you to the macOS Recovery Mode.
3. Once you’ve entered the recovery mode, navigate to the Utilities window.
4. Then open Utility Disk and select “Continue.”
5. After this, your Startup Disk will appear on the sidebar; select it and hit “Erase.”
6. Then, MacBook will ask you to choose the format. After choosing, confirm the erasing.
7. Once you’ve confirmed erasing, all of the data will be erased.
8. Now, you have to return to your Mac’s Utilities window because you have yet to reinstall macOS.
9. Just click “Reinstall macOS’ and your MacBook will give you instructions that you need to follow to finish reinstalling.

Method II: Using Apple ID

Using one’s Apple ID is quite an easy approach on how to reset MacBook Pro without password (provided that you’ve already got an Apple ID set up with your Mac).

1. When you turn ON your MacBook Pro and the login screen appears before you, you’ll see a ‘?’ close to the password section. Click it.
2. It will present you some options as soon as you click it. There, you have to choose “reset it using your Apple ID.”
3. After this, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID credentials.
4. Then, the MacBook will instruct you on verifying your Apple ID.
5. After this, you’ll be able to create a new password and confirm it,

Method III: Using Target Disk Mode

It’s mostly recommended when you need to access and extract the data from your MacBook Pro.

1. First, you’d need a compatible cable (a USB-C or Thunderbolt would do) and a MacBook other than your MacBook.
2. Now, restart your MacBook, and while you do so, keep holding the ‘T’ key till a sign for USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire appears before you.
3. Then, using your choice of compatible cable, connect your MacBook Pro with the other one.
4. The second MacBook will show your MacBook’s drive as an external drive on it. Now, you can easily access, copy, or extract your data.
5. And, if you want you can also erase your MacBook disk using the Utility Disk on the other MacBook.

Note: These instructions are provided for use only on devices that you own or have explicit permission to access. Unauthorized access or resetting of devices that do not belong to you is illegal and unethical and we strongly discourage such activities.

Can I Erase Files If I Forgot MacBook Password?

Yes, there’s an option called macOS recovery mode which lets you do that.

Basically, when you forget your MacBook password, you need to go to macOS recovery mode using “Command + R.”

From there, you navigate to Disk Utility to erase all your personal data or user account, and then reinstall macOS.

How To Hard Reset a MacBook Pro?

Hard resetting a MacBook Pro basically involves restoring one’s MacBook Pro to its original factory settings.

This process erases all the user data and reinstalls the Mac’s original operating system like a new machine.

Before getting into this process, it’s better to back up all the important data. Then, you have to shut down and restart your MacBook Pro.

After this, you press Command + R, which will take you to macOS Recovery Mode.

From there, you navigate to Utility Disk, choose your Startup Disk, and then hit “Erase.”

After this erasing is completed, you navigate to the main recovery menu and hit “Reinstall macOS.”

Now, you just have to patiently follow the onscreen prompts to reinstall macOS, and then you’ll be done hard resetting your MacBook Pro.

How Do I Reset My Mac When Command +R isn’t Working?

Well, Command + R isn’t the only way to get into macOS recovery mode; there are alternative methods or startup keys.

The best one is Shift + Option + Command + R, as it installs the original macOS version that your MacBook had when you bought it!

Besides that, creating a bootable USB installer with macOS also works.

And, there’s also the “Command + Option + R” way to enter macOS Internet Recovery Mode, which basically reinstalls the latest macOS version available on the internet.

Still, if none of these tricks work, you have got your Apple Support to help you out in resetting your Mac.

How To Avoid Resetting a MacBook?

Nobody truly likes resetting their MacBook unless it’s really necessary. Still, the following tips can help you avoid resets:

• Create unique passwords; they can be some code words associated with your most adored and favorite things that only you know about. This way, you won’t forget the password.
• Installing a trusted and legit antivirus program also helps, as it will protect your macOS from malfunctioning and thus require a reset.
• The software you install should also be trusted and creditable. Bug-free software doesn’t need a reset.
• Sometimes the system also crashes due to mismanagement of storage. So, it’s better to be alert of unimportant files and delete them regularly.
• Always keep your macOS updated so that it doesn’t stop working and make you reset the Mac.

Final Thoughts

Occasionally, you may need to reset your MacBook Pro without the password, and it’s ok to do so.

You can use your Apple ID to reset the password or get into the macOS recovery mode to reinstall macOS.

However, there’s always a possibility of losing your precious data while resetting.

So, it’s better to make use of the preventive tips we discussed above to avoid resetting your MacBook.