How to Set Up Guest User on macOS

Ever had a friend, colleague, or family member borrow your Mac? Handing over your personal account can feel risky; it exposes your files, settings, and even saved passwords. That’s where Guest User comes in. It creates a safe space for others to use your Mac without touching your data. Whether you’re on macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, or earlier versions, setting it up takes just a minute.

What Is a Guest User on Mac?

A Guest User account is a built-in, password-free login option that’s completely separate from your main profile. Anything the guest does, files they create, websites they visit, apps they open, disappears once they log out. Nothing is saved.

Guest accounts also come with limits:

• No admin rights
• No app installs
• No system changes
• No access to your private files

That makes them perfect for kids, coworkers, or anyone who needs short-term access.

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Benefits of Using a Guest Account

Using a Guest account keeps your Mac secure without the hassle of setting up a full profile.

• Protects privacy: Your personal files, apps, and settings stay hidden.
• No system changes: Guests can’t install or delete anything.
• Safe browsing: Limits risks of malware or unsafe downloads.
• Convenient: Quick setup for one-time access.

Tip

If someone needs ongoing access, give them a Standard account instead. It saves files and allows some personalization, but still restricts admin controls.

How to Enable Guest User on Mac

Follow these steps (works on macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, and earlier):

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
3. Scroll down and choose Users & Groups.
4. Click the info (i) button next to Guest User.
   
5. Toggle on Allow guests to log in to this computer.
   
6. Enter your admin password if asked.

Once enabled, “Guest User” will appear on your login screen.

Also Read: How to add or delete users on Mac

Logging In and Out as Guest

Switching to a Guest User is simple. From the login screen, you’ll see both your regular account and the Guest User option. Selecting “Guest User” will immediately open a temporary session without requiring a password. If you are already logged in, first log out from the Apple menu by choosing Log Out [Your Name], which takes you back to the login screen where Guest User appears.

The guest user will be in a Safari-only mode with no access to apps or Finder. When the guest finishes, they can log out just as easily by clicking on the Restart or Shut Down option.

How to Set Restrictions for Guest Users

Guest accounts are secure by default, but you can adjust permissions:

• Limit adult websites: Use built-in parental controls for safer browsing.
• Shared folders: Decide if guests can connect to shared folders on your network.
• Disable Guest: You can turn off Guest User anytime under Users & Groups.

Troubleshooting Guest User Issues

Sometimes, the Guest option may not show or might fail to load. Try these quick fixes:

• Confirm Guest User is Enabled: Go to System Settings > Users & Groups and make sure “Allow guests to log in to this computer” is switched on.
• Check Security & Privacy Settings: If FileVault is enabled, it can limit or block the Guest User. Head to System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault to review and turn it off if necessary.
• Remove Guest-Related Restrictions: If you use Screen Time or Parental Controls, check that these aren’t blocking Guest access.
• Reset SMC/NVRAM: If login problems continue, reset your Mac’s system management controller. Shut down, then hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds before restarting.
• Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities) and run First Aid to repair your disk if the Guest User fails to load.
• Review FileVault: With FileVault on, Guest is Safari-only and can’t create files or access your encrypted disk. Turn off FileVault if you need a full Guest session. System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault.
• If nothing works, create a temporary Standard account as a workaround.

Still stuck? Create a temporary Standard account or contact Apple Support.

Quick Tip: Most Guest login issues are tied to FileVault or Screen Time. Start troubleshooting there.

Guest User vs Standard User: What’s Best?

Guest accounts are great for quick, one-time use. However, if someone will use your Mac regularly, consider giving them a Standard account instead.

Feature	Guest User	Standard User
Saves files & settings	❌ No	✅ Yes
Needs password	❌ No	✅ Yes
Change system settings	❌ No	❌ Limited
Best for	Short-term visitors	Family or coworkers

Conclusion

Think of a Guest User like lending someone your house keys with the bedroom doors locked. They can use the basics, but your personal stuff stays untouched. Use it when someone needs temporary access. For regular users, create a Standard account instead.

Related articles worth reading:

• How to Copy and Paste on a Mac
• How to Use Mission Control on Mac
• How to Free Up Storage Space on Mac