Username and password are not working

I am the only administrator listed on my iMac running on Sequoia . In Systems settings I can't log on using my set user name and password however I can log onto my computer using this same password. I also have a lock out on my Photos app and have no idea why or how to proceed.

Posted on Sep 24, 2026 5:22 PM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 10, 2026 12:45 AM in response to monazona

If System Settings and administrative prompts reject a password that works at the computer startup screen, resetting the password through macOS Recovery forces the system to rebuild and re-enable your admin privileges.

Shut down your iMac completely. Wait about 10 seconds.
Press and hold the power button (or Command + R on Intel Macs) until you see "Loading startup options".
Click Options, then click Continue to enter macOS Recovery.
From the top menu bar, click Utilities and select Terminal.
Type the following command and press Return:

resetpassword

Use code with caution.
Follow the on-screen assistant to select your admin account, reset your password (you can use your current password or a new one), and complete the prompts.

Reboot your Mac normally