Mac admin password rejected and CAC stopped working after Big Sur upgrade

macos

Symptoms

After upgrading to Big Sur, the Mac no longer accepts the admin password and the CAC stopped working.

Likely cause

T2 Security Chip state is stuck and needs an SMC reset.

Fix

1. Verify the Mac has the T2 chip (support.apple.com/en-us/HT208862). 2. Shut the Mac all the way down. 3. Hold the power button for 10 seconds. 4. Release and power on normally - the SMC has been reset.

Sourced from militarycac.com. Rewritten for clarity.

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