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Yalit1973
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

לא מצליח לאפס סיסמת Mac

"Hello, hi. I have a Mac computer, and when I tried to log in today like I do every day, my usual daily password suddenly didn't work. When I try to reset the password, it takes me to a screen where I need to select 'Macintosh HD', but I don't know my recovery key. I also have no way of accessing it because I am completely locked out of my computer."

Posted on Nov 7, 2026 2:38 AM

1 reply

Owl-53
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)

Nov 7, 2026 3:39 AM in response to Yalit1973

Having trouble accessing your iMac, especially when your usual password has always worked. Let's go through the available recovery options for your 24-inch iMac running macOS 26.6.


1. Check your password


Before attempting a reset:


  • Make sure Caps Lock is off.


  • Check your keyboard language and input layout.


  • Confirm you're entering your Mac login password, not your Apple Account password.


  • If possible, try a wired keyboard.


2. Try resetting your password


  • Restart your iMac.


  • Enter your password incorrectly up to three times.


  • Look for Reset Password or Restart and show password reset options.


  • If available, select the option and follow the instructions.


  • If prompted, authenticate using your associated Apple Account and create a new login password.


If these options don't appear, continue to macOS Recovery.


3. Start macOS Recovery


Your iMac uses Apple silicon. Follow these steps:


  • Shut down your iMac.


  • Press and hold the power button on the back.


  • Continue holding until Loading startup options appears.


  • Select Options, then click Continue.


Apple's instructions:https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102518


4. Select Macintosh HD


When prompted, select Macintosh HD and click Next.


If asked to select a user account, look for Forgot all passwords? and follow the available recovery instructions.


Depending on your FileVault settings, you may be asked to authenticate using your Apple Account or FileVault recovery key.


5. If you don't have your recovery key


It's important to distinguish between two different Apple recovery keys:


  • FileVault recovery key: A 24-character alphanumeric code used to unlock your Mac's encrypted drive or reset access when your normal login password is unavailable.


  • Apple Account recovery key: A separate 28-character code used to recover access to your Apple Account. It cannot unlock your Mac's FileVault-encrypted drive.


If your iMac specifically requests a FileVault recovery key, your Apple Account recovery key will not work.


First, check whether you've saved your FileVault recovery key in a password manager, printed document, or another secure location.


If you have another Apple device signed in to the same Apple Account, you can also check:


  • Open the Passwords app.


  • Search for Recovery Key.


  • Look for an entry associated with your iMac.


  • Verify that it is specifically the FileVault recovery key before using it.


If you cannot locate the correct key, contact Apple Support before attempting to erase your iMac:


https://support.apple.com/en-ca/contact


Important: Apple cannot bypass FileVault encryption to recover protected files without valid authentication. If your files aren't backed up, preserving the existing data should be the priority.


6. After regaining access


  • Create a new login password and store it securely.


  • Keep a separate, secure copy of your FileVault recovery key.


  • Verify that Time Machine or another backup solution is working.


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256390170