How to Disable Password Login on Mac (Plus Troubleshooting)

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Log in to your Mac automatically without entering a password

Co-authored by Spike Baron and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: August 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Disabling Automatic Login
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• Troubleshooting
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A

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To disable password login in macOS, simply open your System Settings and make a few changes to your Users & Groups settings. If FileVault is turned on, you must disable it before you can turn off password login. We'll show you the easiest way to turn off password login on your Mac and show you what to do if you can't get it working.

Removing the Login Password from a Mac

To log in without a password, disable FileVault, then go to System Settings > Users & Groups. Select your account from the "Automatically log in as" menu, then type your password to confirm.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Disabling Automatic Login

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1. 1
   Turn off FileVault. If you're using FileVault to secure the data on your Mac's hard drive, you'll need to disable it before you can log in to your Mac without a password. Here's how:

   • Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS).
   • Go to Privacy & Security > FileVault.
   • Click Turn Off and then Turn Off Encryption.
2. 2
   Open System Settings. If you're using macOS Ventura or later, click the Apple menu and select System Settings. On Monterey and earlier, click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
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3. 3
   Click Users & Groups in the left panel.

   • If you're using macOS Monterey or earlier, click Login Options on the left, then click the padlock to enter your password.
4. 4
   Select your account from the "Automatically log in as" menu. It's on the right panel.

   • If the account is dimmed out, see the Troubleshooting section.
5. 5
   Enter your user account password. Once verified, this account will be able to log in to macOS without a password.

   • You might be asked to log in manually after logging out of the account, locking your screen, or switching from another user account.
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Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

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1. 1
   I can't select my account from the "Automatically log in as" menu. This menu is grayed out you haven't disabled FileVault, an administrator has turned off automatic logins, or you're using your iCloud password to log in to your Mac. If you're using your iCloud password, you may see the error A user with an encrypted home folder can't log in automatically. To fix this, you'll need to change your Mac's login password to something unique.

   • Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
   • Click the info icon (the small i in a circle) next to your username and select Change.
   • Enter your current password, and then enter a new one just for logging in to your Mac.
   • Click Change Password to confirm.
2. 2
   I still have to enter a password when I wake my Mac. If you don't want your Mac to ask for a password after sleep or the screen saver begins, you can change this in your Lock Screen settings. Here's how:

   • Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
   • Click Lock Screen in the sidebar. If you're using Monterey or earlier, select Security & Privacy instead.
   • Click the menu next to "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off" and select Never. Or, if you're using Monterey or earlier, remove the checkmark from "Require password" and enter your password if prompted.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Can I turn password login off in my user profile?

  

  Spike Baron
  Network Engineer & Desktop Support

  Spike Baron is a Network Engineer & Desktop Support Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the owner of Spike’s Computer Repair. With over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry, Spike specializes in PC and Mac computer repair, used computer sales, virus removal, data recovery, and hardware and software upgrades. He has worked as an IT Systems expert for numerous companies, including Huntington Health, Blackbox, Honda, and Manufacturers Bank. In his spare time, Spike also builds and restores computers. He has his CompTIA A+ certification for computer service technicians and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.

  

  Spike Baron

  Network Engineer & Desktop Support

  Expert Answer

  Yes. In your user profile, go into the accessory panel and click "Settings." You can turn off the password requirement there.

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