Your Mac rejects a login password you know is right

Why it happens

The login window can't show what you type, so small slips stay hidden. Caps Lock turns every letter into a capital. A different keyboard layout on the login screen moves symbols and some letters, so the password comes out wrong even though your fingers are right.

How to fix it

1. Look inside the password field. A small Caps Lock symbol there means capitals are on. Press Caps Lock once to turn it off.

2. Check the Input menu in the top-right corner of the login window. It shows a flag or a short name such as U.S. or ABC. Click it and pick the layout you normally type with.

3. Type your Mac login password, the one you chose for this Mac's user account. Your Apple Account password for iCloud and the App Store is a different one.

4. Type slowly, one key at a time, and press Return. Watch the dots so you can see each key was counted.

Still not fixed?

1. Using an external keyboard? Try the Mac's built-in keyboard, or another keyboard. A sticky or broken key can drop a letter without you noticing.

2. If a countdown appears after too many tries, wait until it ends before trying again. Typing more won't speed it up.

3. If you've really forgotten the password, click the question mark next to the password field after a few tries, then choose Restart and show password reset options and follow the steps. If you saved a FileVault recovery key, you can use it there too.

4. If none of the reset options appear or work, contact Apple Support. If a key on the Mac's own keyboard doesn't type, that's a hardware fault for Apple Support or a repair shop.