By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: December 23, 2019
“Can you explain to me what rooting is? They say it’s great to do on your Android phone, but how do you do that anyway?”
I just installed MySQL on Mac OS X. The next step was setting the root user password, so I did this next: Launch the terminal app to access the Unix command line. Under the Unix prompt I executed. Reset your Mac login password. Sometimes a login password needs to be reset—for example, if you have forgotten the login password and can’t use a password hint to remember it. When a user’s login password is reset, a new default keychain is created to store the user’s passwords. See About your keychain password. Nov 30, 2017 Therefore, Apple advises you to enable the Mac root account, with your own password, until they fix the bug. Suggested Reading: The macOS High Sierra Root Bug Explained. How To Enable The Mac Root User / Change Password (Terminal Method) Requisite: You need to be logged into an administrator account.
Part 1. What Does Root Mean?
If you have spent the time to research how to best use your Mac or Android device, then you would have chanced upon the term root or rooting. So what does root mean anyway?
Simply put, root grants users with administrative privileges on their device, which they would otherwise not have under default settings. Root on Mac and Android gives users full control over their device’s operating system. With that, you can access restricted files and folders, install apps, and customize your device like never before.
In Apple’s macOS High Sierra, root is a user account that allows superuser access to the system. While the new OS is already powerful as it is, activating the root user account will enable users to perform more advanced tasks. When you do some advanced setting to speed up your running slow mac, you need the root account.
By default, it is disabled but can be initiated upon logging in as root. However, this feature has exposed Mac users to the risk of a security breach. Widely known as the macOS High Sierra root bug, it allows hackers and unauthorized persons to log into your account even without a password. Part 2 of the article will discuss how users can address this issue.
As for Android users, rooting allows them to enhance their gadget’s performance. One way is by expanding its internal storage size. You can explore the other benefits in Part 3 of this post.
What Does Mean Root on Mac
Part 2. Getting Around Android Root on Mac
The newly discovered bug in macOS High Sierra presents serious security issues to users. Anyone with a physical access to the device will be able to have read and write privilege to your computer.
If anyone tries to log in as an administrator, typing in ‘root’ as the username and leaving the password field empty can give him an instant access. He will simply have to click Unlock multiple times until he successfully gets in. By that time, he will be able to see all your files, install malware, and cause irreparable damage to your Mac. The same can be done on the login screen on a locked Mac.
To solve this problem, here are two easy-to-do fixes.
Option 1. Set a Password for Root Account.
You can enable root on Mac and set a password to protect your device and data. Here’s how.
Click on the Apple icon () and head to System Preferences. Select Users & Groups or Accounts.
Click the lock icon () and input your username and password for an administrator account on your computer.
Select Login Options then Join or Edit.
Click Open Directory Utility. When a new window opens, click the lock icon () and enter an administrator username and password.
From the menu bar, click Edit then choose Enable Root User. Set your password by entering it.
Option 2. Set a Stronger Password for Root Account.
If you already have a password set for your root user account, then you can create an even more unique password. That way, your Mac can be less susceptible to unauthorized access. As much as possible, make it a combination of characters, numbers, and symbols.
Follow Steps 1 to 4 of Option 1 (Set a Password for Root Account).
Select Edit and click Change Root Password.
Enter your desired password.
Set Password for Root Account
Part 3. The Pros and Cons of Root on Android
While rooting has caused a security problem for Mac users, it is a blessing for Android phone owners. Rooting an Android device offers plenty of great benefits. It unlocks your device’s full potential by making simple and significant modifications.
Here are some advantages of rooting:
Freely install and uninstall apps
When you have made the necessary changes to your phone’s system, you can now install all apps that you want even if they are incompatible with your device. You can also get rid of pre-installed apps that you have no use for and take up too much space.
Block ads
You will no longer have to be distracted by unsolicited ads when you’re using your app or playing a game.
Customize your interface
You can change the built-in themes and skin of Android devices. By installing custom-built ROMs, you can modify the general appearance of the interface and add features.
You can also upgrade to the latest Android version even if your carrier has blocked it for your phone.
Improve your phone’s overall performance
By uninstalling apps that you don’t need, you can improve RAM usage and speed up your smartphone. You can also install particular apps that enhance battery usage and allow a faster 3G network.
While it is useful, root on Android can cause security gaps especially if it was done incorrectly. Inexperienced users may have their phone bricked. This term simply refers to rendering one’s phone useless because of an improper modification. Here are some risks you have to watch out for:
Compromised security
Now that the Android system has been modified, you are basically tampering with a layer of protection designed by the system’s creators, Google. In fact, the company does not support it, so much so that they have developed an API that can detect modified Android devices. Your device becomes vulnerable to viruses and malware too.
Android update failure
New updates may fail to install because of software modifications. Some Android versions don’t work with rooted devices. You may have to stick with an old version or wait for new OS updates.
Voided warranty
Rooting your phone automatically voids your device’s warranty. If your phone got damaged during or after the rooting process, you will have to pay the phone manufacturer for repairs.
The above risks may discourage you from rooting your device. However, it cannot be denied that the process opens up so many possibilities for your phone. The key here is to use an effective rooting tool and follow instructions closely.
Part 4. Root Android Device to Recover Deleted Data
If you want a safe and successful rooting, then FoneDog Toolkit is the best solution for you. Thousands of Android devices are supported by the software, so compatibility issues will not be a concern. Within a matter of minutes and a few clicks, you can make the best out of your Android phone! With FoneDog - Android Data Recovery, You can recover the deleted data with just 3 steps!
Before starting to root your phone, you should make a full backup of your device. Fully charge your device because there is knowing how long it would take to root it.
Root Password For My Mac Os
Step 1. Connect your phone.
With a USB cable, connect your Android phone to the computer. If a pop-up window asks you to authorize USB debugging, click OK to proceed. If no prompt appears, you will have to manually enable USB debugging. You may do it with the following steps:
Go to Settings on your device > About Phone > Tap Build Number multiple times until you are in developer mode > Return to Settings > Developer Options > USB debugging > Tap OK on your phone > Click OK on the software Download teamspeak for mac.
After these steps, the software will then be able to detect your device.
Connect Android and Allow USB Debugging -- Step1
Step 2. Select Files Type to Scan and Allow Root
After your Android phone being detected by the program successfully, FoneDog - Android Data Recovery will display all the data types it supports to recover. By default, it has checked all the data types. You can just choose the type of files that you want to recover. And then click 'Next' to begin scanning. If there is a pop-up window on your device, Click 'Allow' on the device.
Choose File Type to Scan and Allow Root Android -- Step2
Step 3. Preview and Recover Deleted Files
Select the deleted files you want to recover. Then click on the 'Recover' Button to restore the deleted files to computer.
Other People also interested in: Recover Lost Contacts from Android Recovery Guide: View Deleted Text Messages Free on Android
Recover Deleted Files on Android -- Step3
>Recovery >What Does Root Mean: Root on Mac and Android
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The password of your macOS user account is also known as your login password. It's the password that you use to log in to your Mac and make certain changes, such as installing software.
Change your password
If you know your password and can use it to log in to your account, you can change your password in Users & Groups preferences:
Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, then click Users & Groups.
Select your user name from the list of users.
Click the Change Password button, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Reset your password
If you don't remember your password, or it isn't working, you might be able to reset it using one of the methods described below. But first try these simpler solutions:
Make sure that you're typing the correct uppercase or lowercase characters. If your keyboard has Caps Lock turned on, the password field shows a Caps Lock symbol .
If the password field shows a question mark, click it to display a password hint that might help you to remember.
Try to log in without a password. If that works, you can then add a password by following the steps to change your password.
Try to log in with the Apple ID password that you use for iCloud. If you just changed that password and the new password isn't working, try the old password first. If that works, you should be able to use the new password from then on.
Reset using your Apple ID
In some macOS versions, you can use your Apple ID to reset your login password. At the login screen, keep entering a password until you see a message saying that you can reset your password using Apple ID. If you don't see the message after three attempts, your account isn't set up to allow resetting with Apple ID.
Click next to the Apple ID message, then follow the onscreen instructions to enter your Apple ID and create a new password. You'll be asked to restart when done.
Log in with your new password.
Determine whether to create a new login keychain.
Reset using another admin account
If you know the name and password of an admin account on your Mac, you can use that account to reset the password.
Log in with the name and password of the other admin account.
Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, then click Users & Groups.
Click , then enter the admin name and password again.
Select your user name from the list of users.
Click the Reset Password button, then follow the onscreen instructions to create a new password:
Choose Log Out from the Apple menu.
Log in to your account using your new password.
Determine whether to create a new login keychain.
Reset using the Reset Password assistant (FileVault must be on)
If FileVault is turned on, you might be able to reset your password using the Reset Password assistant:
Wait up to a minute at the login screen, until you see a message saying that you can use the power button on your Mac to shut down and start up again in Recovery OS. If you don't see this message, FileVault isn't on.
Press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off.
Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
When the Reset Password window appears, follow the onscreen instructions to create a new password. If you need to connect to Wi-Fi, move your pointer to the top of the screen and use the Wi-Fi menu to connect. To exit without resetting your password, choose Apple menu > Restart.
When done, click Restart.
If you were able to reset your password with the Reset Password assistant, log in to your account using your new password.
Determine whether to create a new login keychain.
Reset using your Recovery Key (FileVault must be on)
If FileVault is turned on and you have a FileVault Recovery Key, you can use that key to reset your password.
Enable Root User Mac Terminal
At the login screen, keep entering a password until you see a message saying that you can reset your password using your Recovery Key. If you don't see the message after three attempts, FileVault isn't on.
Click next to the message. The password field changes to a Recovery Key field.
Enter your Recovery Key. Use uppercase characters, and include the hyphens.
Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new password, then click Reset Password when done.
Determine whether to create a new login keychain.
If you can't log in with your new password after restarting your Mac, take these additional steps:
Restart again, then immediately hold down Command-R or one of the other macOS Recovery key combinations until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
When you see the macOS Utilities window, choose Utilities > Terminal from the menu bar.
In the Terminal window, type resetpassword, then press Return to open the Reset Password assistant pictured above.
Select ”My password doesn't work when logging in,” then click Next and follow the onscreen instructions for your user account.
Create a new login keychain, if necessary
After resetting your password and logging back in to your account, you might see an alert that the system was unable to unlock your login keychain. This is expected, because the passwords for your user account and login keychain no longer match. Just click the Create New Keychain button in the alert.
If you didn't see an alert about your login keychain, or you see other messages asking for your old password, reset your keychain manually:
Open Keychain Access, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
Choose Preferences from the Keychain Access menu, then click the Reset My Default Keychain button in the preferences window. After you enter your new password, Keychain Access creates an empty login keychain with no password. Click OK to confirm. If you don't see a Reset My Default keychain button, close the preferences window and select the “login” keychain from the left side of the Keychain Access window. Press the Delete key, then click Delete References.
Choose Log Out from the Apple menu to return to the login screen.
Log in to your account using your new password. Your account password and login keychain password now match again.
If you still can't log in
Mac Su Password
If you still can't log in with your password, contact Apple Support for help.