Mac mini 2014 updated to macOS Sequoia now doesn’t recognise password

If your Mac mini (2014) isn't recognising your password after updating to macOS Sequoia, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to regain access to your system:

1. Check Keyboard Layout

Sometimes, the keyboard layout changes after an update.

• Verify the language and keyboard layout on the login screen by clicking on the flag icon or keyboard symbol in the top-right corner.
• Ensure it’s set to the correct language (e.g., UK English).

2. Try Restarting the Mac in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help resolve certain software-related issues.

1. Power off your Mac completely.
2. Press the power button, and immediately press and hold the Shift key until the login screen appears.
3. Try logging in again. Safe Mode disables some features, but it may allow you to enter your password.

3. Reset Password via Recovery Mode

If your password still isn’t recognised, you can reset it through Recovery Mode:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press the power button and immediately hold Command (⌘) + R to boot into macOS Recovery.
3. When the macOS Utilities window appears, click on Utilities in the menu bar and select Terminal.
4. In the Terminal window, type:

   bash
   Copy code
   resetpassword
   

   and hit Enter.
5. The Password Reset Utility will appear. Select your drive and the user account you want to reset.
6. Enter your new password, confirm it, and restart your Mac.

4. Reset Password Using Apple ID (If Enabled)

If you had enabled Apple ID password recovery, you can reset your password using your Apple ID:

1. At the login screen, enter any password three times. After the third failed attempt, you should see an option to reset the password using your Apple ID.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the password via Apple ID.

5. Use FileVault Recovery Key (If Enabled)

If you have FileVault enabled, you should have created a recovery key when you first enabled it. You can use this to reset your password.

1. On the login screen, look for the "?" icon next to the password field.
2. Click it, then select Enter Recovery Key.
3. Enter your recovery key to unlock the disk and reset your password.

6. Reinstall macOS Sequoia (Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reinstall macOS. This will install a fresh copy of Sequoia while keeping your files intact (as long as you don’t erase the disk).

1. Boot into Recovery Mode using Command (⌘) + R.
2. Choose Reinstall macOS and follow the instructions.

Let me know if any of these steps work or if you need further assistance!