Having a guest user account enabled on your Mac allows anyone to log in and use basic functions like web browsing without accessing your personal files and data. However, you may want to disable the guest account if you don’t need it or want to prevent unauthorized access to your Mac. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off guest user access on a Mac.
Table of Contents
Why Disable the Guest User Account?
Here are some reasons you may want to disable the guest user account:
- Privacy and Security – With the guest account enabled, anyone with physical access to your Mac can log in without a password. Disabling it adds a layer of security.
- Prevent Accidental Changes – Guest users may accidentally change system settings or delete files. Disabling the account prevents this.
- Reclaim Storage Space – The guest account takes up storage space for cached files and browser history. Removing it frees up space.
- Reduce Clutter – Eliminating unnecessary accounts keeps your Users & Groups preferences clean and organized.
How to Turn Off the Guest User Account
Disabling the guest account only takes a few clicks:
On Macs Running macOS Ventura or Newer:
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Click Users & Groups in the sidebar.
- Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your admin password.
- Click the info button next to Guest User.
- Turn off Allow guests to log in to this computer.
On Macs Running macOS Monterey or Older:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click the lock icon and enter your admin password.
- Select Guest User under Other Users.
- Uncheck Allow guests to log in to this computer.
Once you disable the guest account, you’ll no longer see it as a login option at the sign-in screen.
Tips for Added Security
In addition to disabling the guest account, here are some other tips to better secure your Mac:
- Use Strong Passwords – Always set strong, unique passwords for each user account to prevent unauthorized access. Consider using a password manager.
- Enable Full Disk Encryption – Turn on FileVault disk encryption under System Preferences to encrypt all data at rest.
- Install Security Software – Antivirus software can detect malware and viruses. Use a firewall app to monitor network traffic.
- Automatically Install Updates – Keep your Mac up-to-date with the latest security patches by enabling automatic software updates.
- Back Up Your Data – Regularly back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage to protect against data loss.
Alternative Options for Guest Access
If you still need to allow temporary guest access to your Mac, consider these options instead of the guest user account:
- Standard User Account – Set up a separate standard account with limited privileges for guests to use. Delete it when not needed.
- Managed Apple ID – Create an Apple ID for guests to sign in to access web and Apple services without touching your data.
- Parental Controls – Use parental controls to restrict guest users to only allowed apps and set time limits.
- Remote Access – Provide remote access to your desktop for guests through screen sharing instead of physical login.
Summary
Disabling the guest user account in macOS removes the ability for anyone to access your Mac without authentication. While it’s disabled by default, enabling and later forgetting about it poses privacy and security risks. Following the simple steps above to turn off guest access hardens your Mac against unauthorized login attempts. Combine with strong passwords, encryption, and backups for optimal security.
