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This guide applies to Mac computers

About Okta Desktop Password Sync

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

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.

Prerequisites

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

Initial Registration

1

Start Registration

A notification will be presented showing Registration Required. Click Register.
2

Enter Current Password

Enter your current computer password when prompted.
3

Set Up Okta Verify

Start the Okta Verify setup process by clicking Set up in the popup window.
4

Continue in Browser

You will continue the process in your web browser.
5

Log Into Okta

Log into your Okta account in your web browser.
6

Enable Touch ID

Once your identity is verified you can close your web browser window. You will be prompted to enable Touch ID.
7

Authenticate for Sync

Next, you will be prompted to authenticate to sync your Okta password to your local account. Click Continue.
8

Sign In to Sync

Click Sign In on the notification that appears.
9

Enter Okta Password

Enter your Okta password and click Sign in.
10

Confirm Synchronization

You will see a notification letting you know your password has been synchronized.

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.

Okta Verify Notification

1

Authentication Required

When you see the Authentication Required notification, click Sign In.
2

Enter New Password

Enter your new Okta password and click Sign In.
3

Confirm Update

You will see a notification that your password has been updated.

Lock Screen

You can use your new Okta password at the macOS Lock Screen (not the FileVault unlock screen or Login Window) which will automatically update the local account password on successful authentication.

System Settings (macOS 14+ Only)

1

Open System Settings

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

Access User Details

Click the info icon next to your user name.
3

Authenticate Platform SSO

In the Platform Single Sign-on section, click Authenticate.
4

Enter New Password

Enter your new Okta password when prompted.
5

Confirm Synchronization

You will see a notification that your password has been synchronized.

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 unlock screen or Login Window. System Settings Method: The System Settings method for password synchronization is only available on macOS 14 and later versions.