If you can't unlock settings in System Preferences

If System Preferences doesn't accept a valid administrator password when you click the lock to make changes, try these solutions.

Install the latest Apple software updates.
If you have been using a blank password to log in to your Mac, change your password in Users & Groups preferences. Don't use a blank password.

Your Mac asks you to enter the name and password of an admin account when it needs to verify that you have permission to make changes. For example, you must authenticate as an administrator when you click the lock in System Preferences, enter certain commands in Terminal, or set a firmware password.

Published Date: March 01, 2021