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aesBird
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

macOS: Persistent 'Password is Locked' pop-up disrupts usage

ALL DAY I get a pop-up "Password is Locked" bubble on screen, unprompted and not at all related to actual password fields/ prompts. It will capture my mouse/keyboard and screw up whatever I am doing. I already called customer service and the woman on the phone *insisted* that it was just that the passwords app needed something from me, but I tried to tell her that when I *do* enter my password, it just goes to the generic landing page of the app. The prompt is not "for" anything that I need to do (and it was very frustrating for this information to be repeatedly dismissed by the customer service rep.)


MacOS 15.6.1


Please help with a real solution. Its infuriating!


Posted on Nov 9, 2026 7:54 AM

1 reply

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

Nov 10, 2026 3:32 AM in response to aesBird

macOS Sequoia: Persistent “Password is Locked” Pop-up


Installed version: macOS 15.6.1


Recommended version: macOS 15.8.3

Understanding the problem


The recurring “Password is Locked” notification appears to be an unsolicited authentication prompt rather than a normal request to unlock the Passwords app.


The reported symptoms are:


  • The notification appears spontaneously, without opening Passwords or entering a password field.
  • It captures keyboard and mouse input, interrupting normal computer use.
  • Entering the Mac account password opens Passwords to its generic landing page.
  • No specific password, account, or pending action is identified.
  • Unlocking the app does not stop the recurring notification.


The objective is therefore to identify what is generating the prompt, not simply to unlock Passwords repeatedly.


STEP 1 — Update macOS FIRST


The Mac is running Sequoia 15.6.1, which is behind the current Sequoia release, 15.8.3 (released November 9, 2026).


Before investigating individual applications or changing system settings:


  1. Back up the Mac using Time Machine.
  2. Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
  3. Check for and install macOS 15.8.3, if offered.
  4. Restart and verify the installed version under Apple menu → About This Mac.


Apple references:


Update macOS


Sequoia 15.8.3 security information


Apple security release history


Back up with Time Machine


An operating-system authentication or notification bug is one possible explanation. Updating first ensures troubleshooting begins with the latest available Sequoia release. Apple has not specifically confirmed that 15.8.3 fixes this particular notification.


STEP 2 — Monitor After Updating


Use the Mac normally for 24–48 hours.


If the notification returns:


  • Capture a screenshot showing its exact wording.
  • Record how frequently it appears.
  • Note whether it occurs after login, waking from sleep, or during ordinary use.


If it persists, continue.


STEP 3 — Perform a Full Logout


  1. Save all work.
  2. Select Apple menu > Log Out.
  3. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
  4. Log back in and observe whether the notification returns.


This helps eliminate a persistent authentication-session problem.


STEP 4 — Check Login Items and Background Applications


A third-party application may be requesting access to stored credentials.


  1. Open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.
  2. Review Open at Login and background applications.
  3. Look for recently installed or updated password managers, browser extensions, VPNs, security utilities, and synchronization applications.
  4. Temporarily disable nonessential third-party applications one at a time.


Do not disable unfamiliar Apple system components.


Apple: Change Login Items & Extensions settings


STEP 5 — Test in Safe Mode


Safe Mode helps determine whether third-party software is responsible.


Apple silicon: Shut down, hold the power button until startup options appear, select the startup disk, hold Shift, and select Continue in Safe Mode.


Intel: Restart and immediately hold Shift until the login window appears.


Use the computer long enough to see whether the notification returns.


  • If it stops, a third-party application, login item, or extension may be responsible.
  • If it continues, a macOS authentication service or other system-level issue becomes more likely.


Restart normally to exit Safe Mode.


Apple: Start up your Mac in Safe Mode


STEP 6 — Investigate Keychain if Necessary


If the problem persists:


  1. Open Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
  2. Check whether the login Keychain appears locked.
  3. Look for recurring authentication requests or a possible mismatch between the Mac login and Keychain passwords.


Important: Do not delete or reset the Keychain as an initial troubleshooting measure. This could cause loss of access to stored credentials.


Apple: Keychain Access User Guide


STEP 7 — Escalate to Apple Support


If the notification persists after updating and completing these tests, request escalation to a senior technical advisor.


Provide this description:


"The Mac repeatedly displays an unsolicited 'Password is Locked' notification that captures keyboard and mouse input and interrupts normal operation. It appears without opening Passwords or initiating a password-related action. Entering the Mac account password opens Passwords to its generic landing page, without identifying a specific request or resolving the recurring notification.


The Mac is running the latest available Sequoia update, and the issue persists.


Please identify which process is generating these repeated authentication requests, determine whether Passwords or Keychain services are involved, and investigate whether this is a known macOS authentication or notification defect."


Ask Apple to examine diagnostic logs and identify the process initiating the requests.


Apple Support:


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

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256391411