Silicon Mac suddenly won’t accept correct password (works on another Mac) — pre-boot lockout

[LBC]

I’m trying to confirm whether this is truly unrecoverable or if I’m missing something.


I have an Apple-silicon MacBook I’ve used normally for a couple years. I’ve always used the same login password and verified it’s correct by booting and logging into my older 2021 Mac with that same password.


What happened:

• Mac was working normally
• Lid closed for a few days (remained plugged in)
• Reopened it and the password is no longer accepted
• No password change, no update, no intentional restart

Current state:

• macOS never loads
• Blocked at the pre-boot unlock screen
• Password rejected → eventually “Account is locked”
• Asked for a recovery key (don’t have it)
• Apple ID recovery not offered
• Safe Mode unreachable because the disk never unlocks

This appears to be a pre-boot disk unlock / Secure Enclave issue, not an Apple ID or user-account problem.


My questions:

1. Can a prolonged lid-closed state force a full disk re-auth even when plugged in?
2. If the recovery key isn’t available and Apple ID recovery wasn’t enabled, is erase/reset the only option?
3. Is there any Apple-supported way to confirm this before wiping the Mac?

Thanks for any insight.

 

[Bigwaff]

Safe Mode unreachable because the disk never unlocks

But can you boot into Recovery? Recovery and Safe Mode are different.

How to start up from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

macOS Recovery is your computer’s built-in recovery system, with utilities to reinstall macOS, repair or erase your startup disk, restore from a Time Machine backup, and more. Follow the steps for your type of Mac.

support.apple.com

Have you tried the reset options in Recovery?

If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

If you can’t log in to your Mac user account, try these solutions.

support.apple.com

 

[kitKAC]

If the recovery key isn’t available and Apple ID recovery wasn’t enabled, is erase/reset the only option?

Yep.

 

[chabig]

I’ve always used the same login password and verified it’s correct by booting and logging into my older 2021 Mac with that same password.

Logging into another Mac doesn't verify anything about the problem Mac. Just saying...

 

[tonmischa]

On the login screen, look to the upper right corner. Make sure, you have the correct keyboard layout selected.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

If you can't get anywhere after booting to recovery (through the "startup options" routine), then it sounds like it's time for a visit to the nearest Apple Store Genius bar...