How to factory reset a Mac Studio without the password?

I got my Mac Studio a couple of days ago. I must have forgotten the password I originally used when it first booted up so I can't log into the desktop screen. I saw online I can get into Disk Utility by pressing Command + R after turning it on. This option is not working for me and there is a long delay from when my computer is on to when my external monitor turns on which is a samsung. I'm not sure if I'm holding command + R too long or something. I'm getting frustrated. Really thinking about returning at this point.

Best Answered by

Jenny Zeng

Answered on Friday, April 12, 2024

You need to use a different way to factory reset an Apple Silicon Mac in Recovery Mode.

A Mac Studio produced in 2022 is Apple Silicon-based, so you can't boot it into Recovery Mode using the Command + R keys, which are only for Intel-based Macs. I'm not sure if you want to factory reset your Mac or simply wish to access the desktop. Either way, you need to reset your password. Follow these steps:

Turn off your Mac.
Wait until it fully shuts down.
Press and hold the power button until seeing "Loading startup options."
Click Options > Continue. (Jump to step 9 if you don't have "Find My" or FileVault enabled.)
When prompted to select an account you know the password for, choose "Forgot all passwords?"
Keep your WiFi connection.
Enter your Apple ID.
Exit to Recovery Utilities.
Click Utilities > Terminal.
Type the command below and press Enter.resetpassword
Click "Deactivate Mac."
Enter your new password and password hint.
Click the Apple logo and select Restart.
Log into your Mac.
Choose System Preferences > Erase All Content and Settings on macOS Monterey or earlier.
Or Select System Settings> General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings on macOS Ventura.