Why your Mac asks for an administrator's name and password

Why it happens

Macs have two main kinds of account. A standard account can use apps and change its own settings, while an administrator can also install software, add users and change settings for the whole Mac. If you're signed in with a standard account, macOS stops and asks an administrator to approve.

How to fix it

1. Read the box carefully. It asks for an administrator's name and password, which may not be yours.

2. To see who the administrators are, open System Settings and click Users & Groups. Each account says Admin or Standard under its name.

   Users & Groups

3. Ask the person with an Admin account to type their name and password into the box. That approves this one change only.

4. If you're an administrator yourself, macOS still asks for your login password before big changes. That's normal, so type the password you log in with, or use Touch ID if it's offered.

The reset button next to a user is called Reset Password… on macOS 26 and Reset… on macOS 27. The rest is the same on both.

Still not fixed?

1. Want your own account to be an administrator? An existing administrator can open Users & Groups, click the info button next to your name and turn on Allow this user to administer this computer.

   Users & Groups›ⓘ›Allow this user to administer this computer

2. Forgotten your password, but another administrator is on the Mac? They can reset it for you from the info button next to your name in Users & Groups.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Users & Groups›ⓘ›Reset Password…

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Users & Groups›ⓘ›Reset…

3. On a school or work Mac, a standard account is usually set up on purpose. Ask your IT team to install what you need, or to tell you which app they use to offer approved software.

4. Are you the only administrator and you've forgotten its password? At the login window, type a wrong password a few times, then click the question mark next to the password field and click Restart and show password reset options. Follow the steps on screen. If no reset option appears, start up in macOS Recovery and use its password reset.

5. If you own this Mac and nobody knows any administrator password, contact Apple Support. Have your proof of purchase handy in case they ask for it.