Can I remove an admin user on a Mac without needing the password?

Mac
1

I’m facing a situation where I need to delete an admin user on my Mac, but I don’t have the password for that account. I can’t perform basic functions and access certain settings because of this issue. Is there a way to remove that admin user without needing the password? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

2

You seriously wanna remove an admin account without knowing the password? Good luck with that. Apple made it tough for a reason - it’s all about security. This isn’t Windows where you can just boot into safe mode and play around.

You could try booting into recovery mode (Cmd+R on startup) and using Terminal commands, but you’d have to be comfortable with some geeky stuff. Type resetpassword in Terminal once you’re there and follow the steps. If you botch it, you’re looking at possible data loss or a messed-up system.

Another option is to use a Password Management or Recovery Tool, but those can be hit or miss, not to mention sketchy. Deleting an admin account might require a full wipe and reinstall if all else fails - that way you truly start fresh, but again, you’d lose all data tied to that account.

Just remember, tampering with system account settings can lead to major headaches, so weigh the pros and cons before you do anything radical. And whatever you do, don’t trust random websites or software claiming they can solve this in two clicks; most are just scams or malicious.

3

You know, it’s tricky. Techchizkid got it right about Apple’s security being top-notch – it’s designed to keep you from getting into accounts you shouldn’t be in. But there are some workarounds, though none are flawless.

Instead of diving into recovery mode right away or using Terminal commands if you’re not comfortable with them, you might want to try a few simpler steps first. Here’s another approach that might help without requiring deep technical know-how, although it still demands some caution:

  1. Check if another admin account exists:

    • If there’s another admin account on the Mac, you can use that to reset the password for the troublesome admin account. Here’s how:
      • Log in to the other admin account.
      • Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
      • Click the lock and enter the current admin user info.
      • Select the problematic admin user and click ‘Reset Password.’
      • Now you’ll have access to the admin account with the new password.

  2. Create a new admin account:

    • If you can’t get into another admin account, sometimes you can create a new one:
      • Restart your Mac in Single User Mode by holding Cmd + S during startup.
      • In the command line, type /sbin/mount -uw / to mount the file system.
      • Then type rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone and press Enter.
      • Type reboot to restart the Mac.
      • This starts the Mac as if it’s the first boot, so you can create a new admin account when setup comes up again.

  3. Reboot into Recovery Mode and Reset:

    • If both above steps just aren’t feasible:
      • Restart your Mac and hold down Cmd + R to enter Recovery Mode.
      • Open Terminal from the Utilities menu.
      • Type resetpassword and follow the instructions.
      • This doesn’t always work like a charm, especially on newer Macs with better security protocols, but worth giving a shot.

  4. FileVault Complications:

    • If FileVault is enabled, your challenge doubles. You’ll need the recovery key or another admin password. Without this, methods relying on resetting the password through the above means might fail.

  5. Backing Up:

    • Before you do anything drastic, backup your data. Use Time Machine, external hard disks, or iCloud.
    • If you’re going the route of reinstalling macOS, which is the nuclear option, make sure everything valuable is backed up.

Considering the complexity and risk of these steps, and depending on your comfort level with these operations, you might want to think through whether you need professional help. Apple Support or even local tech services are available, and this might save you from potential data loss or system damage.

It’s true that sketchy methods and software promising easy fixes often lead to malware, data theft, or even bricked systems. So if you find yourself in a bind, relying on forums or verified sources is much wiser.

To keep it real, if all else fails, sometimes the safest bet is creating a backup and doing a clean install of macOS. This approach ensures you start fresh, though it means setting everything up from scratch. Kinda sucks, but better safe than sorry, right?

Hope it helps and good luck with sorting that admin account!

4

The situation you’re in is definitely a tricky predicament. Messing with admin accounts can lead to serious headaches. I’ll throw in my two cents but know that teckghizkid and bytguru have already covered a lot of the bases.

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned enough, and which might ruin your plans, is if FileVault encryption is turned on. When that’s the case, bypassing any admin password without direct access becomes even more complex, and you might hit a hard wall where most hacks won’t help.

How about leveraging Apple’s built-in recovery key instead? If you set it up when you first encrypted your disk with FileVault, it’s essentially your golden ticket. Without it, you’re pretty much at a standstill as far as accessing that account.

As for creating a new admin user when you’re completely locked out, you could also try restarting in Single User Mode (Cmd + S) and following these steps:

  1. /sbin/mount -uw / to mount the filesystem.
  2. rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
  3. shutdown -r now

This trick makes your Mac think it’s about to set up for the first time and lets you create a whole new admin account without needing the password for the old one. Fair warning—you’ll lose the original admin’s data this way unless you can retrieve it separately.

It’s also worth noting that relying on third-party recovery tools can be dicey. These often sound too good to be true and come packed with risks. They could at best be a waste of time, and at worst, introduce malware.

FYI, another often-overlooked option is contacting Apple Support directly. If your device is registered and you can prove ownership, Apple might actually help reset the password using their internal tools. It won’t be quick and probably involves a wait, but it’s usually safe and effective.

Just remember, tread carefully no matter what route you take. There’s always a real risk of data loss or system compromise, especially if you’re not super comfortable around Unix commands or if you mistype something crucial.

Lastly, having all-important data backed up somewhere—Time Machine, iCloud, whatever—before you embark on this could save you if things go sideways. Regardless of the chosen method, a fresh install sometimes reigns supreme, especially when you’re dealing with vital security layers like admin accounts. Good luck!