How to Delete Admin User on Mac Without Password

The admin account on a Mac has full access to change settings and install software. If you've forgotten the password for the admin account, you can't make system changes.

Luckily, you can delete the admin account without needing the password. This guide explains how to remove an admin user from your Mac when you don't know the password.

Why Delete an Admin User Without the Password?

Here are common reasons for needing to delete an admin account with an unknown password:

1. You forgot the password to the admin account.
2. You want to remove an old admin account you no longer use.
3. Someone else created an admin account on your Mac that you want deleted.
4. You want to reset the admin account password to gain access.
5. You need to troubleshoot an issue by removing and recreating the admin.

Dangers of Deleting an Admin User

Before deleting an admin account, understand these risks:

1. Permanently losing files and data associated with the account if not backed up.
2. Accidentally being locked out of your Mac if you don't have another admin account.
3. Potential system instability if key files are unexpectedly removed.
4. Needing to reinstall software and reset system preferences tied to that account.

How to Safely Delete an Admin User Account Without its Password

Follow these steps to securely remove an admin user when you don't know the password:

Back-Up Your Mac

Back up your files so no data is lost when you delete the account. Use a Time Machine or manually copy important files.

Create a New Admin Account

Add a new admin account you can use to manage system settings after deleting the old account.

Sign Out of All Accounts

Log out of any currently signed-in accounts to prevent conflicts while deleting.

Change or Reset the Password

On the login screen, click the account name, select Reset Password, and set a new one to gain access.

Enable the Root User

In Recovery Mode, use the Terminal to enable root access to remove accounts with commands.

Delete the User in System Preferences

Under Users & Groups, select the account, click the minus button, and confirm deletion.

Remove the User Folder

Use the Terminal command sudo rm -rf /Users/username to delete the user folder data.

Check System Files

Verify system files and apps still work properly without the deleted admin user. Reinstall or reconfigure as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting an Admin User Account Without its Password

Follow these detailed steps to remove an admin account when you don't have the password:

Back-Up Your Mac

1. Use Time Machine to perform a full system backup to an external drive. This protects your data.
2. Manually copy important files and folders to a separate drive. This adds an extra layer of protection.

Create a New Admin Account

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click the lock icon and enter your username and password.
3. Click the plus icon below the user list and select Administrator.
4. Create a new admin user. You'll use this after deleting the unknown password account.

Sign Out of All User Accounts

1. At the top menu bar, choose Apple Menu > Log Out “Username” to sign out.
2. On the login screen, click the account menu and select Log Out to sign out of all accounts.

Reset the Admin Account Password

1. On the login screen, click the unknown password admin account name.
2. Select Reset Password from the dropdown menu.
3. Create a new password or leave blank for no password. Click Save.
4. Login with the reset password or a blank password to access the account.

Enable Root User Access

1. Reboot your Mac and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
2. Select Utilities > Terminal in the menu bar.
3. Type reset password and press Enter. Pick the admin account.
4. Set a new password or leave it blank and click Save.
5. Alternately, use the dsenableroot command in Terminal to enable root.

Delete the Admin User

• Open System Preferences > Users & Groups again.
• Click the admin account you want to delete and click the minus button below.
• Confirm deletion. Select delete home folder to remove associated data.

Delete the User Folder

1. Open Terminal and use the command:

2. Replace the username with the deleted account's name. Press enters.

3. Enter your password when prompted. This deletes the user folder data.

Verify System Files

1. Test launching apps and checking system settings to confirm they work properly.
2. Reinstall or reconfigure any apps or settings broken by deleting the admin user.

Alternative Ways to Delete an Admin User Account Without Password

If you can't reset the password or enable root access, here are some other options:

1. At the login screen, click the account menu, hold Option, and select Delete User.
2. Erase your startup drive and reinstall macOS to delete all users. Back up data first.
3. Take your Mac to an Apple store and have a Genius Bar technician help delete the account.
4. Use a third-party account management tool to reset or remove accounts.

Securing Your Mac After Deleting an Admin User

Once the admin account is deleted, take these steps to keep your Mac safe:

1. Set a strong password for your new admin account.
2. Enable two-factor authentication for security.
3. Don't remain logged in as root or keep root access enabled.
4. Remove any unneeded user accounts to minimize access points.

When to Get Professional Help

Get assistance from an Apple support technician or IT pro if:

1. You can't reset the password or enable root access.
2. Critical system files are unintentionally deleted.
3. You get locked out of your Mac during the process.
4. Reinstalling macOS and recovering data is beyond your skill level.
5. You don't feel comfortable manipulating core system components.

Summary of Deleting an Admin User Without Password

1. Back up your Mac data before deleting the admin account
2. Create a new admin account you can use after deleting the old one
3. Reset the password or enable root access to remove the account
4. Use Terminal commands to delete the user folder if needed
5. Verify apps and system settings work properly afterward
6. Get professional help if you have any major issues deleting the account.

With the steps in this guide, you can securely delete an admin account on your Mac when you don't know the password. Just be sure to back up your data and have an alternate admin account available to avoid getting locked out.