Mac
Mac locked out until reset and a new Apple ID password was set
The Mac was locked out and could not be signed back in. It was reset, a new Apple ID password was created with the temporary password, and the laptop booted to the desktop.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-02.
Affects
Versions
- macOS
Hardware
- Mac laptop
What you see
- Cannot sign back into the Mac
- Stuck at sign-in until the reset is completed
- Laptop does not reach the desktop
Why it happens
Suspected Suspected account/password recovery issue; the exact cause of the lockout was not established.
When it shows up
A Mac is reported as locked out and the user cannot get signed back in.
You are in this case if:
- The device is at the sign-in stage instead of the desktop
- A reset and Apple ID password change are required before access returns
- The laptop reaches the desktop after the reset
1 fix below
The steps that killed it
The steps are behind a quick check
There are two ways in and both take a few seconds. Signing in opens the steps on every bug page; so does reading the picture.
Or answer this
Drawing a picture for you.
Can't read it? Sign in instead.
Someone from XL.net killed this on a Mac on 2026-10-02. It is written up from that one repair, so it cites no outside page.