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You’ve just updated your Mac’s software. But when it restarts, something scary happens: it won’t let you in. You type your password—the one you know is correct—and a message says, “Password is incorrect.” You try again. And again. Nothing works. You might even try your special FileVault recovery key, and that doesn’t work either. You’re completely locked out.
If this is happening to you, please know this first: It’s not your fault. You didn’t forget your password. This is a known issue that can occur after major macOS updates. The good news is, you can fix it. This guide explains, in simple terms, why this happens and guides you through the steps to regain access to your Mac.
Why Does the “Password is Incorrect” Error Happen After Updating macOS?
The root cause of this debilitating login failure is a fundamental breakdown in the secure chain of trust between your user account and your encrypted drive. During a significant macOS system update, the installer must modify critical low-level structures, including the Preboot volume and Secure Token settings.
In some cases, this process can corrupt or misalign the cryptographic link that validates your password against the FileVault encryption key. Essentially, the system update inadvertently “breaks” the authentication bridge. Your password and recovery key are technically correct, but the system can no longer use them to unlock the disk. This results in the activation of a locked FileVault state on your primary volume, leaving you stranded at the login screen with the persistent and incorrect “Password is incorrect” prompt.
The Direct Solution: Decrypting Your Drive in Recovery Mode
Disclaimer: This is an advanced procedural fix. While safe when followed correctly, it’s imperative to proceed carefully. If you have access to a backup of your important data, it is always wise to ensure it is up to date before proceeding.
The solution involves booting into macOS Recovery Mode, using the Terminal to decrypt your startup volume, which severs the broken cryptographic link. After decryption, you can log in normally and later choose to re-enable FileVault with a fresh, working configuration.
Step 1: Start Your Mac in Recovery Mode
This is a special mode that allows you to troubleshoot issues. How you start it depends on your Mac:
- If you have a Mac with an M1, M2, or M3 chip: Shut down your Mac. Press and hold the power button until the screen displays “Loading startup options.” Click on “Options,” then click “Continue.”
- If you have an older Intel-based Mac: Shut down your Mac. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys together until you see an Apple logo or a spinning globe.
- For VMware Users: If you’re encountering this issue in a virtual machine, a specific guide for accessing Recovery Mode is available here.
You will now see a window titled macOS Utilities.
Step 2: Open Terminal and Identify Your Disk
Once in the macOS Utilities window, navigate to the top menu bar: Click Utilities > Terminal.
In the Terminal, type the following command and press Enter to list your disks:
diskutil apfs list
Look for your main data volume (typically named “Macintosh HD” or similar). Note its disk identifier (e.g., disk1s1 or disk5s1). This is crucial for the next step.
Step 3: Decrypt and Unlock the Volume
Follow the detailed, command-by-command guide to disable FileVault and decrypt your drive. This process, which can take some time depending on the size of your drive, will resolve the broken authentication link. You can find the complete terminal command sequence in this dedicated guide.
Common Questions & Problems: ‘Password is Incorrect’ after macOS Update
What if I type a command and it says “No such file or directory”?
This almost always means you made a tiny spelling mistake. Double-check:
- Did you copy the disk name correctly from Step 1 of the guide?
- Did you type every space and slash exactly as shown?
Can I stop the process halfway?
Do not stop it. If you stop, your drive will be partially encrypted, and you will still be unable to log in. You must let it finish. If your Mac restarts by itself, don’t worry—go back to Step 1 (Recovery Mode) and the guide will show you how to resume.
What if my Mac turns off during the fix?
If your Mac crashes or reboots in the middle:
- Start again from Step 1 (boot into Recovery Mode).
- Open Terminal.
- Go back to the guide. There is a “Troubleshooting” section that shows you a simple command to restart the decryption process where it left off.
Conclusion: “Password is incorrect” after macOS Update
Seeing the “Password is incorrect” message after an update is frustrating and frightening. However, remember that the problem lies with the update, not with you or your memory. The lock on your door is broken, not your key.
By carefully starting your Mac in Recovery Mode and following the steps to temporarily turn off disk encryption, you can bypass the faulty lock and regain access to your data. Once you’re logged in, everything on your Mac will be just as you left it. After you’re sure everything is working, you can go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and turn FileVault encryption back on, which will create a brand new, working lock for your password key.
Take a deep breath. You can do this. Follow the steps, and you’ll be back on your Mac in no time.
