Separate Mac user accounts give each person their own login, Desktop, Documents folder, preferences, and app settings. It is the right setup for family members, roommates, children, or anyone who should not use your personal account.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions using System Settings > Users & Groups.
Does This Affect You?
Use a new user account when someone regularly uses the same Mac and should have separate files and settings. You need an administrator account to create or remove users.
Add a New User
- Open System Settings > Users & Groups.
- Click Add User. Enter the administrator password if macOS asks.
- Choose Standard for most people. Standard users can use the Mac and their own apps but cannot change other accounts or major system settings.
- Choose Administrator only for someone you trust with full control of the Mac.
- Enter the full name, account name, and password.
- Click Create User.
Useful Multi-User Options
Fast User Switching
Enable Fast User Switching in Control Center settings so users can switch from the menu bar without closing the first user’s apps.
Guest User
Guest User, when available, creates a temporary session without a password. It is useful for one-time visitors because data is removed when they log out.
Remove an Account Carefully
In Users & Groups, select the account and use the remove option. macOS asks whether to save the home folder, archive it, or delete it. Deleting removes that user’s files.
Family Sharing Is Different
If the main need is purchase sharing, subscriptions, Screen Time, or shared services, Family Sharing may be enough without creating a separate Mac login.
Sources
- Apple Support: Add a user or group on Mac
- Apple Support: Change user account types on Mac
- Apple: Set up multiple users on Mac