Introduction
Before you can switch between users, you first need to set up those accounts properly. Knowing how to add, manage, and remove user accounts on a Mac gives you control over who can access the computer, what they can do, and what happens to their data when they no longer need access. Whether you’re setting up a family Mac, a shared office computer, or simply creating a guest profile for visitors, the process starts in the same place.
This guide walks through creating new accounts, choosing the right account type, managing permissions, and safely deleting old accounts. For the basics of switching between accounts once they’re created, see our how to switch users on a Mac guide . For the fastest way to move between accounts using the keyboard, our Mac user switching shortcuts guide has you covered.
How to Add a New User Account
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu () in the top‑left corner.
- Click Users & Groups in the sidebar.
- Click the Add Account button below the user list. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password.
- Choose the account type from the dropdown menu (see below).
- Enter a full name and an account name (short username used for the home folder).
- Enter a password, verify it, and add a password hint.
- Click Create User.
The new account appears immediately in the user list and at the login screen. The first time that user logs in, macOS creates their home folder and sets up their desktop.
Understanding Account Types
When you add a user, you must choose one of these account types:
- Administrator: Full access to the Mac. Can add and delete users, install software, and change system settings. Every Mac must have at least one administrator.
- Standard: Everyday user account. Can install apps for their own use and change their own settings, but cannot add new users or change system‑wide settings.
- Sharing Only: Can access shared files and folders over the network but cannot log in to the computer itself. Useful for file servers.
- Guest User: Temporary account that doesn’t require a password. All files and browsing history are automatically deleted when the guest logs out. Must be enabled in System Settings > Users & Groups > Guest User.
For most family members or colleagues, a Standard account is the right choice. It gives them privacy and their own space while keeping the computer secure.
Managing Existing Accounts
To modify an existing account:
- Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
- Click the ⓘ (info) button next to the account you want to manage.
- From here you can: change the account name, reset the password, change the account type (Admin ↔ Standard), enable or disable parental controls, and set login items that open when the user logs in.
If you want to limit what a Standard user can do, click Parental Controls (or Screen Time on recent macOS versions) to restrict apps, web content, and communication.
How to Remove a User Account
When someone no longer needs access, you can delete their account:
- Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
- Click the ⓘ button next to the account you want to remove.
- Click Delete Account at the bottom of the info window.
- Choose what to do with the user’s home folder:
- Save the home folder as a disk image: Creates a .dmg file containing all their files. You can archive this or transfer it later.
- Don’t change the home folder: Leaves the files in the /Users folder.
- Delete the home folder: Permanently erases all that user’s files.
- Enter your administrator password to confirm.
If you’re unsure whether you’ll need the data, choose to save the home folder as a disk image. You can always delete the image later, but you can’t recover deleted files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have two administrator accounts on the same Mac?
Yes. You can have multiple administrators. The first account created during initial setup is always an administrator.
Can I restrict a Standard user from using certain apps?
Yes. Use Screen Time (or Parental Controls on older macOS) to set app limits, content restrictions, and downtime schedules.
What happens if I delete an administrator account?
You cannot delete the last remaining administrator. macOS requires at least one admin account. If you need to remove an admin, first create another admin or change a Standard account to an administrator.
Can I rename a user account?
You can change the full name, but the short account name (home folder name) cannot easily be changed. If you need to rename the home folder, it’s a complex process best avoided.