How to add a user account on a Mac

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-add-a-user-account-on-a-mac/ · Checked 4 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

3 of 5 steps with real screenshots · 2 official sources below

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)

App

System Settings

Real screenshots

3 of 5 steps

Checked

4 October 2026

Sources

2 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Open System Settings and click Users & Groups

   Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings.

   Done

2. 

   Click Add User

   Enter your own password to allow the change.

   Done

3. Choose the account type

   Open the menu next to New User. Standard is right for most people: they can install apps and change their own settings. Administrator can also add and manage other users and change settings for everyone. Give that only to someone you trust with the whole Mac.

   Done

4. Fill in name and password

   Type the full name; the account name is filled in for you. Set a password and a hint, and click Create User.

   Done

5. 

   Switch between users

   Click the Apple menu and choose Log Out, or turn on fast user switching in System Settings, Control Centre or Menu Bar, to change users from the menu bar without closing your apps.

   Done

About this guide

A separate account gives another person their own desktop, files, browser history and settings. Your files stay private from them.

Good to know

For a visitor who needs the Mac briefly, use the Guest User instead: click the i next to Guest User and allow guests to log in. Their files are deleted when they log out.

For a child, create a Standard account, then set limits under System Settings, Screen Time.

To remove an account, click the i next to it and choose Delete User. You are asked whether to keep or delete their files.

Only lending the Mac for an hour? How to let someone use your Mac safely with the Guest User.

Make every user type their name at login: how to make a Mac ask for both name and password at login.

In short: Apple menu, System Settings…, Users & Groups, Add User…, Unlock, Create User.

📷 Camera Lab: the same 6 scenes photographed with 11 phones, side by side.