On Apple Silicon devices, local account passwords can be reset using Recovery Mode. Broadly, this requires two steps: boot in recovery mode, and then follow the password recovery prompts. 


Completing these steps will require access to the iCloud account linked with the device, and often will also require another device linked to that iCloud account to confirm identity via multi-factor authentication notification. Make sure you have these available before starting. 

Start up from macOS Recovery (Mac with Apple silicon)


  1. Shut down your Mac. If you can’t shut it down normally, press and hold its power button for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off. (Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold the Touch ID button.)
  2. Press and hold the power button again. As you continue to hold it, your Mac turns on and loads startup options. When you see “Loading start-up options” or the Options icon, release the power button.
  3. Click Options, then click the Continue button that will appear beneath it.
Startup options screen on a Mac with Apple silicon.
 

Resetting the local user password: 


  1. While starting up from Recovery, you’ll be asked to select a user you know the password for. Click “Forgotten all passwords?”
“Select a user” window in Recovery
  1. Follow the onscreen instructions, which vary based on your Mac setup.
  2. After you’ve provided the information requested, you’ll be asked to create a new password for your account. When finished, click Exit to Recovery, restart your Mac and log in with the new password.