How to Sign In to a Mac

What you need: A Mac that is turned on and showing the lock screen (a clock or a picture) or the sign-in window (your name and picture with a box for your password), and the password you type to unlock this Mac.

1. Look at the screen for your name and picture with a box for your password. If you see only a clock or a picture, move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard. The box appears.
2. If you see more than one name, click your own name.
3. Click the password box if the blinking text cursor is not already in it, then type your password. The characters appear as dots, which is normal. Capital and lowercase letters count, so type each letter exactly as you created it.
4. Press the Return key.
5. If the password is not accepted, the box clears and you stay on the same screen. If a Caps Lock symbol (a small upward arrow) appears in the box, press the Caps Lock key once to turn it off. Then click the box and type your password again slowly. If a message says Your account is locked and shows a time, wait for that time to pass, then type your password again.
6. Wait while your Mac opens. The screen may stay dark or show a spinning wheel for a few seconds first.

Expected result: The sign-in box is gone and you can see the Mac desktop, with the menu bar across the top of the screen.