Turn the Guest User account on or off on your Mac

Why it happens

The Guest User lets someone use your Mac for a while without a password and without access to your files, mail or passwords. When they log out, your Mac deletes everything they made or downloaded. It's off until you turn it on, and switching it off removes it from the login window.

How to fix it

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

2. Click the info button next to Guest User, then turn Allow guests to log in to this computer on or off. Enter your password if your Mac asks.

   Users & Groups›Guest User›ⓘ›Allow guests to log in to this computer

3. In the same panel you can turn on Limit adult websites for guests. Leave Allow guest users to connect to shared folders off unless you want guests to reach your shared folders from another computer.

   Users & Groups›Guest User›ⓘ›Limit adult websites

4. Close the panel. To test it, log out from the Apple menu and look for Guest User on the login window.

Still not fixed?

1. Tell your guest that their files vanish when they log out. Anything they want to keep should go onto a USB drive or be emailed to themselves first.

2. If Guest User doesn't show on the login window, open Lock Screen and set Login window shows to List of users, then restart.

   Lock Screen›Login window shows

3. If your Mac uses FileVault, the guest gets a limited session with Safari only. That keeps your encrypted disk locked, so it's expected rather than a fault.

4. Need someone to keep their files between visits? Give them their own Standard account with Add User instead of the Guest User.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Users & Groups›Add User

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Users & Groups›Add User…

5. If the switch won't stay on or off after a restart and a macOS update, contact Apple Support. A Mac managed by a school or company may also lock this setting, so check with them first.