How to set up your Mac to automatically log in to a user account

Usually, after your Mac starts up, you need to log in to your user account with your password. However, there is a way to configure your Mac so you don’t have to.

If you’re sure no one else will try to access your Mac, you can enable the automatic login feature in macOS to automatically log you into your user account. We’ll show you how.

Requirements to use automatic login on your Mac

Before you can enable automatic login, specific requirements must be met. If you don’t meet them, you’ll find that the option to enable automatic login is grayed out. So, let’s see what they are:

1. FileVault must be disabled

FileVault is one of your Mac’s built-in security features. It’s a built-in encryption feature of macOS that adds an extra layer of protection to your Mac by helping keep your data safe.

While it is useful if you use your Mac for confidential work, it also prevents you from easily accessing your user account. You’ll need to disable it so that a user account can configure your Mac to log in to that account automatically.

To disable FileVault on your Mac:

1. Gonna apple menu > System settings from the menu bar.
2. Now select Privacy & Security from the left pane.
3. Scroll down on the Privacy & Security menu, then click To turn off next to file vault.

2. Your Mac should not use an account that restricts automatic login

To use the automatic logon feature in macOS, your Mac user account must not restrict automatic logon. If your account doesn’t allow automatic sign-in, it’s probably because your organization monitors your Mac.

How to enable automatic login on your Mac

Once you meet the requirements, enabling automatic login on your Mac is pretty easy:

1. Gonna System Settingsthen select Users and groups in the sidebar.
2. Besides Automatically sign in asselect a user account.
3. Enter your account password, and then click OK.

Once you’re done, you’ll be signed into the user account automatically when your Mac starts. However, if you switch users, sign out, or lock your screen, you may need to sign in again. To fix this, here’s what you can do:

1. Gonna System Settingsthen select Close Screen in the sidebar.
2. Click next Require password after screen saver starts or screen turns offthen select Never.

Automatic login is a great feature if no one else is using your Mac besides you, but it also means anyone can easily access the files on it. It may be a good idea not to use automatic login to improve the privacy of your Mac.

Log in to your Mac user account with ease

Instead of typing your user account password every time you start your Mac, why not enable automatic login? Sure, it comes with risks, but if you mainly use your Mac in a secure space like your home or workplace, set it up and avoid manually logging into your Mac.