Make your Mac ask for a password when it starts up
Quick answer
Open System Settings > Users & Groups and set Automatically log in as to Off. Then turn on FileVault in Privacy & Security for stronger protection.
Why it happens
Automatic login skips the login window, so anyone who opens the lid or presses the power button lands on your desktop with your files, mail and saved passwords. It's often switched on during setup without people noticing. Turning it off means the Mac asks for your password every time it starts.
How to fix it
Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Users & Groups in the sidebar.
Find Automatically log in as and set it to Off. Enter your Mac password if you're asked.
Users & Groups›Automatically log in as
For stronger protection, open Privacy & Security, click FileVault and click Turn On. Choose your iCloud account or a recovery key as a way back in if you ever forget your password, and keep any recovery key somewhere other than this Mac.
Privacy & Security›FileVault›Turn On…
Restart to check. You should now see the login window and need your password to get in.
Still not fixed?
Mac also opens without a password after sleep? Open Lock Screen and set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately or a short time.
Lock Screen›Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off
If typing your password every time feels slow and your Mac or keyboard has Touch ID, let Touch ID stand in for typing it. It's quick and keeps the password in place.
Touch ID & Password›Use Touch ID to unlock your Mac
Several people share this Mac? Give each person their own account, so nobody needs your password to use it.
macOS 26 Tahoe Users & Groups›Add User
macOS 27 Golden Gate Users & Groups›Add User…
On a work or school Mac, the organisation may set automatic login for you. Ask whoever manages it before changing it.
If the Mac still goes straight to your desktop after a restart with automatic login Off, contact Apple Support.
Questions people ask
How do I make my Mac ask for a password when I turn it on?
Set Automatically log in as to Off in System Settings > Users & Groups, then restart to check.
Why is Automatically log in as greyed out?
It's dimmed while FileVault is on, because FileVault always needs your password at startup. That means automatic login is already off.
Does FileVault make my Mac slower?
Not in a way you'd notice on a modern Mac. It encrypts your disk so your files stay private if the Mac is lost or stolen.
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