Why a Mac Might Suddenly Not Accept a Password
What you see:
You type the correct password at the login screen, but the computer says it’s wrong or won’t move past the loading screen. Then, when IT logs in, everything suddenly works again.
What’s really happening:
Your Mac uses a security feature called FileVault to protect data on the hard drive.
FileVault needs at least one “key holder” account to unlock the drive when the computer starts.
Occasionally, especially after an update or when settings are changed by IT, the Mac can “forget” which accounts are allowed to unlock the drive.
When that happens:
Your password is still correct.
The computer just can’t match your login to the right security key at startup.
When an IT administrator logs in using a master account, the Mac rebuilds that secure connection automatically — so after that, everyone can sign in again normally.
Why It Sometimes Requires “Recovery Mode”
Most of the time, IT can fix the issue right from the normal login screen.
If the Mac forgets all of its authorized accounts, we use a built-in repair tool called macOS Recovery — think of it like using a spare key kept in a hidden safe inside the computer.
Logging in there restores the main keys and lets everyone sign in again.
What You Can Do
If your Mac refuses your password but you’re sure it’s correct, don’t keep retrying or reset it — just let IT know.
IT can usually unlock the system in a few minutes without wiping anything or changing your data.
Once it’s fixed, the Mac will work normally again.
What IT Is Doing to Prevent It
Updating how FileVault is managed so only secure admin accounts hold the encryption keys.
Making sure settings don’t change while staff are logged in (which caused a few of these issues before).
Adding automated checks so if encryption or login permissions drift, IT gets alerted before it causes problems.