Unlocking a Mac User Account with a FileVault Recovery Key

Jamf Now Documentation

Solution
Application
Content Type
Technical Documentation
Utilities & Services
ft:locale
en-US

You can reset the password for a user account on a computer using a FileVault recovery key.

Requirements
  • FileVault must be enabled remotely by Jamf Now

  • The FileVault recovery key must be escrowed in the device record

If a user has forgotten their password on their Mac, or the user is no longer with the organization, you can use the FileVault recovery key stored in Jamf Now to reset the password. The recovery key displays on the Data Protection card in the device dashboard. For information on how to use the Recovery Key stored in Jamf Now to unlock the Mac, see the "Reset it using your recovery key" section in If you forgot your Mac login password from the Apple Support website.

If FileVault is not enabled, you can use the other options outlined in If you forgot your Mac login password from the Apple Support website.