Mac Password. Which one?

[allen-uk]

I've got lots of passwords, including one for my Mac account, and a totally different one for my Mini Mac.

System Preferences has been nagging me for a while for my 'Mac Password' (To continue using iCloud, confirm your new Mac password).

Well, I put in the Mini Mac password (used daily to access my machine), no go. I put in my main Mac account password, no go.

Not that important, as everything seems to be working fine! But what password is it asking for? Any ideas?

Ta.

Allen.

 

[ferrarr]

Only you know which password is your "new" Mac password.

Do you use multiple Macs?
Which macOS are you running on your Mini (or other Mac if you have more).

 

[allen-uk]

Hello Bob.

Just the one proper Mac (Mini) on 10.13.6 (High Sierra). Also iPads, and my partner has a Macbook Pro (v.similar IP of course, just one digit difference).

Curiously, when I input the password (that is the one that unlocks my Mac Mini), it 'takes' it, and goes off, but the message about confirming it keeps coming up. If I put the wrong password in, it shakes.

Allen.

 

[ferrarr]

Have you looked in System Preferences > iCloud? It sounds like you need your Apple ID password?

 

[Slydude]

I think Bob's correct. If the password is needed to continue using iCloud then it's asking for your Apple ID password. If the request is coming from other system preference panes, such as Security and Privacy, it's asking for the password you use to log into that Mac,

 

[allen-uk]

Hello slydude.
No, when I try my Mac ID (the one which gives me access to my Mac ID information at the Apple Support website), it ‘shakes’.

When I put in the password used daily to get my Mac open, it ‘takes’ the password - no shaking, just off into the depths. But the warning that I should enter my ‘Mac Password’ just keeps. on coming.

Allen

 

[ferrarr]

How many different passwords have you tried in that warning box?

 

[Slydude]

I've had this happen before. Given that this is occurring in conjunction with iCloud I'm pretty sure it's looking for the password to the iCloud/Apple ID. A few months ago I had the happen and it went on for some time. unfortunately, I don't remember what fixed it. I think I ended up changing the password for that account.

I'll do some poking around tomorrow to see if I can find a solution.

×

 

[Rod]

What I has me puzzled is that its asking for the "Mac" password. I'd like to see the notification panel.
There is no such thing as a Mac ID only an Apple ID.
If the device requests an Admin Password that is for the device User account eg johnsmith
If asked for the Account password it would usually ask for the password for the account name eg [email protected]
If the device is asking for "Mac" password after successful login to the device with the admin (user) password then I wonder if there is another user in Users and Accounts called "Mac"?


Sent from my iPad using Mac-Forums

 

[allen-uk]

Two answers.

1) Passwords: four. My old Apple ID, and my new one. Both give it the 'shakes'. My old Mac Mini login password, and my new one. The first one gives it the shakes, the second one is 'taken', and the request panel goes away.

2) Screen shot. Showing two things. One, the System Preferences pane with the request at the top; the second, what happens when I press 'continue'.

Then I put in my 'real' password (no shakes) and all goes away, except for the request panel, which always comes back.

Dropbox - mac password.jpg - Simplify your life

(Dropbox as I couldn't work the 'image' linker here).

Allen.

 

[ferrarr]

See if this Apple Support Discussion helps, icloud keeps pop up for password - Apple Community

Or maybe this, Knowledgebase links of the info.apple.com… - Apple Community

 

[usagora]

Dropbox - mac password.jpg - Simplify your life

(Dropbox as I couldn't work the 'image' linker here).

Allen.

Just helping the OP out by embedding the image linked above:

 

[Slydude]

That does indeed seem to be asking for the password to log into the Mac rather than the iCloud/Apple account password. In fact, it seems to be asking for the "newer" of the Mac passwords.

I'm afraid I may not be of much help. That didlog has changed the way it works since I had this issue.

×

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I don't see any mention of which version of macOS is in use here. If it's Catalina, this was a common problem with upgrade installs and was a particularly vexing issue for me. Quick solution is to sign out of iCloud in the System Preferences, then sign back in.

 

[allen-uk]

High Sierra 10.13.6 (my post of yesterday).

Allen

 

[Lifeisabeach]

High Sierra 10.13.6 (my post of yesterday).

Dangit. There it is. I would try signing out and back in anyway... most obvious thing to try right now.

 

[allen-uk]

Bob: the first one (re. icloud keeps pop up) worked, although at one stage I had to enter two passwords into Preferences to get it to go! But eventually, with a little effort, the request for passwords seems to have gone.

I say 'seems' as I'm old and cynical, but if it comes back you'll be the first to know.

Thanks v.much for all your help.


Allen.

See if this Apple Support Discussion helps, icloud keeps pop up for password - Apple Community

Or maybe this, Knowledgebase links of the info.apple.com… - Apple Community

 

[Rod]

Wow, I have never had that happen but it explains the request for a Mac password but the notification dialogue makes it a lot easier to understand. I think you've cracked it. When it comes to notifications a picture just explains so much more.

 

[allen-uk]

Thanks Rod, thanks everybody. Day two, and still no recurrence, so we've (you've) cracked it.

What would I do without Mac Forums...

Allen.

 

[Slydude]

I'm glad I came back to this thread. When I made my last post I hadn't followed the link that Bob posted. I still kept glancing at the thread knowing someone would find the answer. Nice job Bob.