Incorrect password message in macOS devicesSolved

Participant
Discussion
2 years ago

Hi,

We have a couple of Mac devices running on both M1 and Intel chips. We recently updated them to macOS Monterey. Since then, some of the users have reported that they are locked out of the Mac device and it doesn’t recognize their passwords even after multiple attempts and resetting. Have applied a password policy via Hexnode which I am attaching below. Can someone help us out? zapa_1 (1)

Replies (5)

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Hexnode Expert
2 years ago
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Hey @Adam-Davis,

Thanks for reaching out to us.

Can you please share your device details and current OS version?

  • This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Peter.
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Participant
2 years ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hey @Adam-Davis,

Try checking whether the “caps lock” key is locked or not. Toggle the caps lock key and type your password again. If the issue persists, check if the keyboard is damaged or not. With a damaged keyboard, you can’t type the right password to access your Mac successfully. To make a confirmation, you can change the keyboard or use the keyboard on another Mac.

Hope that helps you out.
Cheers mate!

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Participant
2 years ago
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Hey @Peter-Templeton, we are currently facing this issue on MacBook Air and Pro devices which have been recently upgraded to macOS Monterey. And @Adrianna, thanks for checking in on me mate but unfortunately, I tried what you said but it doesn’t work.

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Hexnode Expert
2 years ago
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Hey @Adam-Davis,

This could be a device-specific issue since Hexnode only handles the prompt to change the password via the password policy, while the rest is handled by Apple. But I shall provide you with some methods that might help you to troubleshoot this issue.

Method 1: Reset NVRAM/PRAM

NVRAM, short for non-volatile random-access memory holds the information and settings about the state of the Mac for faster boot. PRAM stores similar information too. Therefore, resetting them might solve your problems. To do that, restart your Mac while holding down the Command + Option + P + R keys at the same time for about 20 seconds. Once the Mac reboots, you can enter your login password again.

Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Starting your Mac in safe mode gets macOS to load with only the files and apps it needs to run. Booting your Mac into Safe Mode can check if any third-party software is preventing you from logging into your Mac or not.

To boot an Intel-based Mac onto Safe Mode:

  1. Hold down the Shift key when restarting your Mac.
  2. Release the key when seeing the Apple logo and loading bar.

To boot up an Apple M1 Mac into Safe Mode:

  1. Shut down your Mac and wait about 10 seconds to let it completely shut down.
  2. Press down the power button until seeing the startup disks and Options.
  3. Hold down the Shift key to enter Safe Mode.

If you have enabled FileVault, then you would be required to type in your admin account password to boot into Safe Mode. If you can boot into Safe Mode, then the third-party software that you have installed recently could be the reason why your access is restricted.

Method 3: Repair your Startup Disk via macOS Recovery mode

macOS Recovery is the built-in recovery system on your Mac. Your access to your Mac might be revoked due to some corrupted system files. This can be repaired by booting your Mac into macOS recovery mode. To do that follow the steps below.

  1. Press and hold the power button until the Mac turns off.
  2. Restart the Mac and immediately press and hold the Command and R keys.
  3. Release those keys when you see the loading bar.
  4. Wait for the macOS Utilities window to pop up.
  5. Select Disk Utility from the macOS Utilities window and click Continue.
  6. Click on View and choose Show All Devices to list all detected disks and volumes.
  7. Select Macintosh HD (the startup disk) in the left sidebar.
  8. Click First Aid on the top menu of Disk Utility.
  9. Click Run to check and repair errors in this drive.

Once the disk is fixed, you are good to go!

Cheers!
Peter Templeton
Hexnode UEM

  • This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Peter.
  • This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Peter.
  • This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Peter.
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Participant
2 years ago
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Hey @Adam-Davis @Peter-Templeton, I also managed to find out another way that might work. Resetting the SMC. It manages low-level settings, like thermal and battery management. The issue could rarely be caused due to the malfunctioning of the SMC but resetting it might work. To do this:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Press and hold Control (Left) + Option (Left) + Shift (Right) keys
  3. Keep holding them all for seven seconds, then press and hold the Power button with the other keys.
  4. Keep holding all keys for another seven seconds, then release them.
  5. Press the Power button again to restart your Mac.
  6. Try to log in to your Mac by entering your password.

Have a good day!

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