How to add a new user account on a Mac

Updated: 03/13/2021 by Computer Hope
macOS Monterey

Having additional accounts on your Mac can serve many purposes. For example, you may want to set up parental restrictions for your children or protect the primary account's sensitive information. Also, separate accounts allow different users to customize features such as selecting a specific background, screensaver, or theme.

To add new accounts to a computer running macOS, follow the steps below.

Note

You must be logged in to an administrator account to create new accounts.

How to add a new user account on a Mac

  1. In the menu bar, click the Apple icon.
  2. Click System Preferences at the bottom of the Apple menu.

System Preferences selector in macOS.

  1. Click the Users & Groups shortcut icon.

Users & Groups icon in macOS.

  1. Click the lock symbol in the lower-left corner of the Users & Groups window.

Lock icon in macOS.

  1. When prompted, enter your password and click the Unlock button.

User account unlock password prompt.

  1. On the left side of the window, under the list of accounts, click the + symbol beneath Login Options.

Add account button in Macos.

  1. Fill out the new account's information and click the Create User button.

New account form in macOS.

  1. You should now see the new account on the left side of the Users & Groups window.

New user in macOS.

Tip

If you'd like, you can check the box next to Allow user to administer this computer to give the new user administrator rights.