# Update User Passwords

> Remotely update macOS User passwords using Applivery MDM Scripts for consistent configuration and improved Device security.

Source: https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/macos/policies/update-user-passwords/  •  Last updated: 2026-04-18

**Key topics:** macOS Management, Mobile Device Management, Security, Applivery, macOS, Script, Policy

---

**TL;DR:** Use Applivery to remotely update macOS user passwords via scripts assigned to policies.

Effective password management is essential for maintaining security and operational efficiency in corporate macOS environments. Using Applivery, IT teams can remotely update user passwords across all managed Mac Devices, ensuring consistent configuration, improved compliance, and reduced manual workload.

:::warning
The **Applivery Agent App for macOS** must be enabled on the Device. You can learn more about the macOS Agent [here](https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/apple-policies/agent/).
:::

**Create your script**

To begin, learn how to create scripts by following [this link](https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/macos/scripts/).

Assign a descriptive name to the script and copy and paste the following script into the editor, then adjust the necessary parameters:

-   **USERNAME** (`user`): Enter the macOS account username whose password you want to update.
    
-   **NEWPASSWORD** (`new_password`): Set the new password for the specified user.
    

```
#!/bin/bash

# Define the username and the new password
USERNAME="username"  # Replace 'username' with the actual username
NEWPASSWORD="new_password"  # Replace 'new_password' with the desired password

# Change the user's password using dscl
dscl . -passwd /Users/"$USERNAME" "$NEWPASSWORD"

# Check if the change was successful
if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then
    echo "The password for user $USERNAME has been successfully changed."
else
    echo "There was an error trying to change the password for user $USERNAME."
fi
```

**Assign the script to a Policy**

Next, go to any of your **Policies** 1 or [create a new one](https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/general-settings/create-device-policies/). Select the **Scripts** 2 section from the left-hand menu and click the **\+ Add Script** 3 button.

![policy script](https://docs.applivery.com/int/_r2/media/09ac0a4e-3ad8-478f-9f15-3474973eec71/d2d8cf0a-9084-49c6-84f6-555523c63c9a.png)

Next, select the script, choose the execution method, and add any required arguments. Depending on the selected execution method, the script will run automatically in **Loop,** or **Once** mode, or it can be **manually triggered** from the **Actions** section within the Applivery Agent when configured as **On-demand**.

![add script to policy](https://docs.applivery.com/int/_r2/media/09ac0a4e-3ad8-478f-9f15-3474973eec71/daf8b8d1-d906-4e7b-b81e-956a2767b663.png)

Regularly updating user passwords is a critical cybersecurity practice. Automating this task through Applivery ensures fast, secure, and consistent credential updates, reducing risks associated with outdated passwords and keeping all macOS Devices aligned with corporate security standards.