Reset Keychain on macOS

Overview

If you are constantly being presented with prompts on your Apple computer running macOS for Keychain issues. These prompts can include but are not limited to:

  • "The system was unable to unlock your login Keychain" alert after logging in"
  •  Constant prompts to enter your "login" Keychain password

If you recently changed your TN Tech password and know the other one please attempt Fix #1 first as this will retain any pass saved password. If you do not know your old password or Fix #1 does not resolve the issue then move to Fix #2. Please note that this will completely reset your keychain causing all saved password to be reset.

Fix #1

Update the login Keychain if you know your old TN Tech Password. If not move to Fix #2

  1. Click Finder in your dock (has a Face icon typically in the far left)
    • Finder Icon
  2. Click Go>Go to Utilities in the menu bar (next to the Apple logo in the top left)
    • Utilities Location
  3. Launch "Keychain Access"
    • Keychain Access Icon
  4. From the left menu right click on login under Default Keychains then click "Change password for Keychain login".
  5. You will be prompted to enter your Current Password - Your current Keychain password is your old TN Tech password.
  6. Use your current TN Tech email/express password to fill out the other two boxes.
  7. Restart the computer.

Note: If you are not sure what your Current Keychain Password is, try any passwords you used in the past or recently. If you are still unable to change your Keychain password, follow the instructions in Fix #2, below.

Fix #2

Manually reset all Keychains on your computer

  1. Click Finder in your dock (has a Face icon typically in the far left)
    • Finder Icon
  2. Click Go>Go to Folder in the menu bar (next to the Apple logo in the top left).
    • "Go to Folder" location
  3. Input the following in the text box “~/Library/Keychains/“ then press Return/Enter on your keyboard.
    • Specific Path
  4. Select all contents of that folder and move those files and folders to your Trash bin.
    • should contain a folder with a seemingly random name, eg. AE1FE47A-F175-5FE2-B3B8-F55770F42EAF,  as well as the login.Keychain item.
    • Trash all content
  5. Restart the computer.

Note: This will force reset your profile Keychain on your device. This will require you to re-enter any saved website or application passwords like for Outlook or Teams.

If you are still having issues please contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@tntech.edu by phone at 931-372-3975.

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