How to log in automatically to a Mac user account

When automatic login is turned on for a macOS user account, the Mac automatically logs in to that account during startup.

Choose the account that will log in automatically

Follow the appropriate steps, depending on the version of macOS you're using. Whether or not an account automatically logs in, you might still need to log in after manually logging out, switching back from another user account, or locking your screen.

macOS Ventura 13 or later

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings.

  2. Click Users & Groups in the sidebar.

  3. Choose an account from the “Automatically log in as” menu. Is it dimmed?

  4. Enter the account password.

Earlier versions of macOS

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Users & Groups.

  2. Click the lock , then enter your account password.

  3. Click Login Options in the lower-left corner.

  4. Choose an account from the “Automatic login” menu. Is it dimmed?

  5. Enter the account password.

If the setting is dimmed or unavailable

If the automatic login setting is dimmed or doesn't show the account name, then manual login is required. For example, manual login is required in these circumstances:

  • FileVault is turned on.

  • Your Mac is supervised by your organization, using a profile that prohibits automatic login.

  • The account is set up to use an Apple Account password to log in. In that case, you might also see the message “A user with an encrypted home folder can't log in automatically.” Learn how to change the login password.

Log in after sleep or screen saver begins

You might still need to enter your password when your Mac wakes from sleep or stops using the screen saver. You can change this behavior by choosing Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then using the “Require password” screen saver setting in Lock Screen settings (macOS Ventura 13 or later) or Security & Privacy preferences (earlier macOS versions).

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