Here are three useful tips that will ensure you do not face this issue on your Mac.

Add a password hint

After you add a password hint, it shows up on the screen if you enter the incorrect password a few times. You can see that hint and instantly recall what your Mac’s login password is.

A hint should be there to help you refresh your memory. Do not put your exact password or make it too obvious that others around you can guess it.

You can add the hint when you’re creating or changing your Mac’s user account password. Here’s what to do if you’d like to add one now:

• Go to Apple menu > System Settings... > Users & Groups
• Click the info icon (i) next to the desired account
• Click Change... next to Password
• Create a new password and add the hint on this screen
• Lastly, click Change Password

Once the hint is added, go to System Settings > Lock Screen and turn on the switch for “Show password hints”.

Show a Lock Screen message

The Lock Screen message is not for adding password hints but rather for displaying a welcome message. You can for example add your email address/phone number so someone who finds your misplaced Mac can contact you and return it.

However, if you do not want to change your current Mac password – a requisite for adding password hint if you don’t have already – then you can rely on the Lock Screen message feature to add a hint. But again, don’t make it obvious.

• Launch Cocktail (https://www.maintain.se/cocktail)
• Click the Interface toolbar button
• Go to the Login tab
• Enter your message into the "Display additional message" text field
• Click Apply

Allow Apple ID to reset Mac’s password

This is an extremely important step that will be helpful if you’ve forgotten your password and can’t figure it out even after looking at the hint.

Go to System Settings > Users & Groups and click the info icon (i) next to an account. Now, turn the switch for “Allow user to reset password using Apple Account”

From now on, you can use your Apple ID and password to reset your Mac’s forgotten account password.