Add another user account to your Mac

Why it happens

When two people share one login, they share everything: files, browser history, passwords and settings. A separate account gives each person their own desktop and keeps your files out of their way. You need an administrator's name and password to add one.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Users & Groups in the sidebar.

2. Click Add User below the list of users. Enter your own password or use Touch ID when your Mac asks.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Users & Groups›Add User

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Users & Groups›Add User…

3. Choose the type of account. Standard suits most people, including children. Administrator can change settings and install apps for everyone. Sharing Only can reach shared files over the network but can't log in on this Mac.

4. Type the person's full name. Your Mac fills in the account name, which becomes their home folder's name, so change it now if you want something different.

5. Set a password and type it again to confirm. Add a hint if you like, then click Create User.

6. Lock or log out, and the new person can log in from the login window. Their first login takes a minute while the Mac sets up their desktop.

The button is called Add User on macOS 26 and Add User… on macOS 27. It's in the same place on both.

Still not fixed?

1. If your Mac says that name is already in use, pick a different full name and account name. Each one must be different from every other account on this Mac.

2. If your Mac asks for an administrator's name and password, your own account is Standard. Ask the person with an admin account to type theirs, or to make you an admin in Users & Groups.

   Users & Groups›ⓘ›Allow this user to administer this computer

3. For a child, start with a Standard account. You can then set app and website limits in Screen Time, either while logged in as them or through Family Sharing.

   Screen Time

4. If you get an error when you click Create User, restart your Mac, install any macOS update and try again.

   General›Software Update

5. If the account still won't create after a restart and an update, contact Apple Support. They can check the accounts already on your Mac.