---
title: "Unlock a Mac with a FileVault Recovery Key"
canonical: "https://support.meissa.net/space/CD/2352709635/Unlock%20a%20Mac%20with%20a%20FileVault%20Recovery%20Key"
format: markdown
---
FileVault is macOS’s native disk encryption capability. For more detailed information on how FileVault works see the end of this article. If a user forgets the login password for their macOS account the only way to reset it is by using a FileVault recovery key (attempting to reset the password through Okta, Google, Entra ID, or any other identity provider will not work).

## Resetting the login password using the FileVault Recovery Key

**Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 12.0.1+ **

- Press **Option**-**Shift**-**Return** at the FileVault login screen to reveal an entry field for the Recovery Key, then press Return. It must be the left shift key that is used as illustrated below.

**Apple Silicon running macOS Big Sur+**

1. At the FileVault login window, keep entering an incorrect password until you see the message that you can reset your password using your FileVault recovery key.
2. Click the arrow icon next to that message; the password field should now request a recovery key.
3. Enter the FileVault recovery key. (The letters in that key should be all uppercase, including the hyphens.)
4. Follow the instructions presented to reset the recovery password.
5. When logging back in, you may need to reset your keychain.

## If the user can’t login after a password reset

The account may be locked due to multiple failed incorrect password attempts. Any MDM command must be issued to unlock the account so that the new password may be successfully entered. 

## Additional Information

- Apple - [Intro to FileVault](https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment/intro-to-filevault-dep82064ec40/web)