Using two accounts on a MacBook: Setup guide
Using two accounts on a MacBook is a great option for anyone who shares a device or wants to keep work life separate from their personal one.
Each profile feels completely separate, with its own desktop, apps, and settings. I’ll show you how to set it all up properly for anyone using macOS Sequoia or later.
The benefits of two user accounts Mac
I think the ultimate benefit has to be privacy. Mac multiple users are totally siloed, which means you can also customize each profile uniquely from desktop layout to app preferences; there is no crossover at all, it’s really like having a totally different device.
Security is the other big benefit. A second account doesn’t need to be an administrator. In fact, I would usually avoid that. A Standard account is safer for a family member, coworker, or child because it limits deeper system changes while still letting that person use the Mac normally.
Mac admin vs standard user
|
Account type |
Can log in |
Install apps |
Manage other users |
Best for |
|
Administrator |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Primary owner |
|
Standard |
Yes |
Yes (own apps) |
No |
Family member, coworker |
|
Sharing Only |
No (remote only) |
No |
No |
Network file access |
|
Guest |
Yes (temporary) |
No |
No |
Temporary visitors |
The safest approach is to just have one admin account (usually the main device owner), then make the second account a standard one. The Guest account option is also a good option for one-off visitors.
How to add another user on Mac
-
Open up your System Settings from the main Apple menu.
-
Press Users & Groups.
-
Click the Add User button.
-
Select the account type from the dropdown.
-
Enter the new user's name and create a strong password (make sure you add a hint), and press Create User.
Bonus tip: If the second user has their own Apple Account, they can sign in after the first login to sync iCloud, App Store purchases, and Find My.
How to switch users Mac
There are a couple of ways to fast user switching on Mac.
1. From your menu bar
You actually need to first make sure this is turned on, so in System Settings > Menu Bar > Fast User Switching.
Now, press the icon anytime you want to switch in your menu bar. This means both accounts will stay active in the background and use up more RAM, because you’re not logging out.
2. From the Lock Screen
When you press Control - Command - Q, you lock your Mac screen, then you can just switch user from the bottom of the screen.
3. Log Out and Log In
When you Log Out from your main Apple menu, you can simply select the other user at the login window. This way fully closes down all apps from the previous user, too.
4. Keyboard shortcuts
There actually isn’t a built-in switch users Mac shortcut, but Control - Command - Q will get you to the lock screen as I mentioned above, and you can switch from there.
If you feel like your Mac’s running slower than normal, use the Menu App from CleanMyMac (get your free trial here) to keep an eye on what's happening.
Manage multiple accounts MacBook
Once you’ve made your extra accounts, you can click the Info button next to a user in Users & Groups to change settings. You can also make a Standard account an Admin from here, or turn Guest access on or off, and add Touch ID fingerprints.
If you’re setting up an account for a child, Screen Time can help you add an extra layer of control.
Keep an eye on login items; if each user has a lot installed, this can quickly cause startup issues. I use the Performance feature from CleanMyMac because it lets me manage logins all in one place.
How to delete a user account
Back in Users & Groups, press the info button again next to the user, and press Delete. You then get three options of what to do with their accumulated data; it’s your choice, but deleting will remove all files in that account, so if you aren’t sure, back up first.
Problems with two user accounts Mac
It’s likely you don’t have admin privileges if the create user option is greyed out. When your Mac feels slow with two accounts logged in, log out the idle one. If you need to share files between accounts, use /Users/Shared or AirDrop. And yes, two users can absolutely use different Apple IDs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have two user accounts on a MacBook?
Yes, you can. Every Mac supports multiple user accounts.
How do I switch between users on Mac?
I think the fastest way is to set up and turn on the Fast User Switching feature in your menu bar, but any of the methods above work too.
Does having two accounts slow down my Mac?
Only if both accounts are logged in simultaneously, so if you haven’t properly logged out, then yes, you might notice some slowdown.
Can two Mac users have different Apple IDs?
Yes, that’s not an issue.
How do I delete a user account on Mac?
As easy as you make one, press the info button in Users & Groups next to its name, and press Delete.