User level: Level 1 (11 points)Ever since updating my MacBook to macOS Golden Gate I noticed the password box intermittently doesn’t appear whenever I lock the screen and go to unlock it. I just see the time/date and wallpaper.
Anyone else experiencing the same thing?
Pressing all sorts of keyboard shortcuts doesn’t work or bring it back into view either like Cmd + F1.
I end up having to completely reboot.
Posted on Sep 23, 2026 8:08 AM
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)Sep 28, 2026 8:12 AM in response to ZCooper
ZCooper wrote:
Yes! Same thing is happening to me. So frustrating.
I’ve also noticed it doesn’t default selection to the password field. So I have to click the password field, when the password area actually shows up, before I can type my password and login.
If the password field sometimes does not appear on the “Sign in to your Mac” screen, and you have to click it before you can type, there are two behaviours to investigate: the password field is not appearing immediately, and keyboard focus is not automatically being placed in it.
First, note whether this happens every time or only intermittently, and whether it occurs after waking from sleep, restarting, or logging out.
Apple distinguishes the Lock Screen from the Login Window, and the circumstances in which the screen appears can therefore be relevant. Apple — Lock the screen of your Mac
If this occurs when waking or unlocking the Mac, Apple says to press any key and then enter your password.
If the password field still does not appear, or you must click it before the keyboard will accept input, note that behaviour.
If the problem occurs at the Login Window, check System Settings >> Lock Screen >> Login window shows.
Apple provides List of users and Name and password as the available choices. Apple — Change Lock Screen settings on Mac
It is also useful to establish whether you are using the Mac's built-in keyboard, a wired external keyboard, or a Bluetooth/wireless keyboard.
Apple notes that keyboard connection and recognition can matter during startup, particularly with wireless keyboards. Apple — Mac startup key combinations
If the behaviour continues, Safe Mode is a reasonable diagnostic test.
Apple says Safe Mode can help determine whether a problem is caused by software that loads when the Mac starts up. If the behaviour changes in Safe Mode, that provides useful information for the next troubleshooting step.
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Sep 23, 2026 8:11 AM in response to LiQuiD_FuSioN
See if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode. That process performs some system cleanup and clears caches, and also disables 3rd party extensions that may cause problems.
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
Run in safe mode for about 10 minutes, then reboot normally. If that does not correct the issue, test in a new user account. A newly-created user account will have all settings at default, and if the issue does not occur in that new account then it provides guidance on what may need to be changed to correct the issue.
Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support
Once the testing is complete, the new account can easily be deleted.
Delete a user or group on Mac – Apple Support
Those steps will help to isolate the problem.
It might help to download and run EtreCheck, written by a long-time forum member. The free version is fine. Post the full report using the Additional Text button. No personal information is revealed.
Personally, I have been running macOS 27 Golden Gate since the day it launched on one of my Macs (a 16" M4 Pro MBP), and have not seen this issue.
If it is reproducible, then bugs can be reported to Apple here:
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 28, 2026 7:18 AM in response to LiQuiD_FuSioN
Yes! Same thing is happening to me. So frustrating.
I’ve also noticed it doesn’t default selection to the password field. So I have to click the password field, when the password area actually shows up, before I can type my password and login.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256363490