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This guide applies to Mac computers

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About Okta Desktop Password Sync

Okta Desktop Password Sync for macOS syncs the local macOS account password with the user’s Okta password.

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How It Works

Desktop Password Sync for macOS allows users to synchronize their local macOS account password with their Okta password. This integration ensures that when users change their Okta password, their local macOS password automatically updates to match, eliminating the need to manually update passwords across systems.

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Prerequisites

  • Before registering Okta Verify and setting up Desktop Password Sync, ensure Touch ID has been set up on your computer.

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Initial Registration

1

Start Registration

A notification will be presented showing Registration Required. Select Register.
Okta Desktop Password Sync registration notification showing the Registration Required message and Register button that needs to be selected to start the setup process
2

Enter Current Password

Enter your current computer password when prompted.
macOS password prompt dialog showing the password field where users need to enter their current computer password for Okta Desktop Password Sync registration
3

Set Up Okta Verify

Start the Okta Verify setup process by selecting Set up in the popup window.
Okta Verify setup popup window showing the Set up button that needs to be selected to begin the Okta Verify configuration process
4

Continue in Browser

You will continue the process in your web browser.
Okta Desktop Password Sync setup screen showing the message that the process will continue in the web browser
5

Log Into Okta

Log into your Okta account in your web browser.
Okta login page in web browser showing the username and password fields where users need to authenticate with their Okta credentials
6

Enable Touch ID

Once your identity is verified you can close your web browser window. You will be prompted to enable Touch ID.
Touch ID setup prompt showing the option to enable Touch ID for Okta Desktop Password Sync authentication
7

Authenticate for Sync

Next, you will be prompted to authenticate to sync your Okta password to your local account. Select Continue.
Okta Desktop Password Sync authentication prompt showing the Continue button to proceed with password synchronization
8

Sign In to Sync

Select Sign In on the notification that appears.
Okta Desktop Password Sync sign-in notification showing the Sign In button that needs to be selected to authenticate
9

Enter Okta Password

Enter your Okta password and select Sign in.
Okta password entry dialog showing the password field and Sign in button for authenticating with Okta credentials
10

Confirm Synchronization

You will see a notification letting you know your password has been synchronized.
Okta Desktop Password Sync success notification confirming that the password has been synchronized successfully

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Password Changes

In Users & Groups settings, in the Password field, the Change button is not available. This is to help keep your Mac password in sync with your Okta password. If your Okta password changes, there are a few ways to change your Mac password to match your Okta password.
Until you update your password, you will continue to use your old password to log in to your Mac.

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Okta Verify Notification

1

Authentication Required

When you see the Authentication Required notification, select Sign In.
Okta Desktop Password Sync authentication required notification showing the Sign In button for password updates
2

Enter New Password

Enter your new Okta password and select Sign In.
Okta password entry dialog showing the password field and Sign In button for entering the new Okta password
3

Confirm Update

You will see a notification that your password has been updated.
Okta Desktop Password Sync success notification confirming that the password has been updated successfully

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Lock Screen

You can use your new Okta password at the macOS Lock Screen, but not at the FileVault login window or macOS login window. Successful authentication automatically updates the local account password.

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System Settings

1

Open System Settings

After your password is changed in Okta, open System Settings and select Users & Groups.
2

Access User Details

Select the info icon next to your user name.
macOS System Settings Users & Groups page showing the info icon next to the user name that needs to be selected to access user details
3

Authenticate Platform SSO

In the Platform Single Sign-on section, select Authenticate.
macOS System Settings user details page showing the Platform Single Sign-on section with the Authenticate button that needs to be selected
4

Enter New Password

Enter your new Okta password when prompted.
macOS password prompt dialog showing the password field where users need to enter their new Okta password for synchronization
5

Confirm Synchronization

You will see a notification that your password has been synchronized.
Okta Desktop Password Sync success notification confirming that the password has been synchronized successfully through System Settings

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Considerations

Touch ID Requirements: Touch ID must be set up on your computer before registering Okta Verify and setting up Desktop Password Sync. Password Management: The Change button in Users & Groups settings is disabled to maintain synchronization between your Okta password and local macOS password. Lock Screen vs. login window: Password updates work at the macOS Lock Screen but not at the FileVault login window or macOS login window. System Settings Method: Use System Settings to synchronize the password.