Root user in Mac OS is an individual user, different than administrators and has exclusive rights and powers to make any change to the system. If you forgot the password of Mac OS Root user, see how to recover Root password using different methods in Mac OS. In this guide, you will see how to reset or change root user password using the Directory Utilities, from the Terminal app or with the help of a boot DVD.
As first reported on Twitter by Lemi Orhan Ergin, you can bypass just about any security dialog on Mac OSX High Sierra (10.13) by using the root user without a password. Use the user root and click Unlock several times, you’ll eventually bypass the dialog and be granted root privileges. In light of the recent security concerns with macOS that allows anyone to easily gain root access (https://9to5mac.com/2017/11/28/how-to-set-root-password/).
See also: How to Enable/Disable Root User on Mac
Change the root password
Root password can be changed from Directory Utilities.
- Click the Apple menu (), select System Preferences, and then click Users & Groups (or Accounts) according to your Mac OS version.
- Now, click the Lock icon to make changes, and you have to enter administrator name and password.
- Click Login Options and then Click Join (or Edit) depends on Mac OS version.
- Select Open Directory Utility, and here again click the Lock, and then enter the admin username and password.
- Once you are on the Directory Utility window, on the top click the menu Edit > Change Root Password.
- Type and change the root password.
Root Password For Mac Windows 10
Set root password using Terminal
- Click Finder icon on the dock and Navigate to Applications > Utilities and launch Terminal
- Copy and paste or just type the following command in the Terminal window and hit enter/return
sudo passwd root
It asks for your password, so enter the password of your current login and press enter/return. - Now it asks to set a New password for Root user, type new password and hit enter/return.
- Retype Root password and press enter/return.
- The Root password has been changed.
Root Password For Mac Catalina
Reset root user password with installation DVD
Mac Root User
Use installation DVD of Mac OS X to boot your Mac and through Reset Password option set a new password for Root.