Make a shared office Mac log people out when they walk away

Why it happens

On a shared Mac, the last person often leaves their account open, with email and files on show to whoever sits down next. Your Mac can log an account out by itself once nobody has touched it for a while. It's a Mac-wide setting, so an administrator has to turn it on.

How to fix it

1. Sign in with an administrator account. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Privacy & Security.

2. Scroll right down and click the Advanced… button. Turn on Log out automatically after inactivity.

   Privacy & Security›Advanced…›Log out automatically after inactivity

3. Set the number of minutes next to it. Somewhere between 15 and 30 suits most offices. Type an administrator password if your Mac asks, then close the panel.

4. Tell everyone who uses the Mac to save their work as they go. An app with unsaved changes can hold up the log out.

Still not fixed?

1. Want the screen protected sooner? In Lock Screen, set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately. The account stays open but nobody can use it without the password.

   Lock Screen›Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off

2. Show people the quick lock: Control-Command-Q locks the screen straight away when they get up.

3. Make sure the Mac doesn't open an account by itself after a restart. In Users & Groups, set Automatically log in as to Off.

   Users & Groups›Automatically log in as

4. If the setting is greyed out or keeps switching back, a company profile may manage this Mac. Check General > Device Management and talk to your IT team.

   General›Device Management

5. If the Mac never logs out even with every app closed, test it with a short time like 5 minutes. If it still stays logged in, contact Apple Support.