How to Delete a User on Mac

This article explains how to delete a user account on a Mac and how to set up a Guest User account. Instructions apply to macOS Catalina (10.15) through OS X Mavericks (10.9). Earlier versions of the operating system have similar methods to remove accounts and activate Guest User.

How to Delete a User on a Mac

If you added additional accounts to your Mac, deleting these accounts is a smart and straightforward action. Here's how to delete a user on a Mac.

1. Go to System Preferences by selecting it in the Apple menu or by clicking its icon in the Dock.

2. In the System Preferences screen, click Users & Groups.

3. In the Users & Groups screen, click the padlock in the lower-left corner.

4. Enter your password and click Unlock.

5. Go to the left panel, select the user account you want to delete, then click the minus sign in the lower-left corner.

6. Select one of three actions for the account's Home folder. These are:

   • Save the home folder as a disk image that is saved in the Deleted Users folder.
   • Don't change the home folder to save information from the folder in the standard Users folder.
   • Delete the home folder to wipe all information on this account from the computer.

7. After you make your choice, click Delete User.

8. Repeat these instructions if you have other accounts you want to delete. When you finish, click the padlock to lock the account and prevent further changes.

How to Set up a Guest User

You don't need to clutter your Mac with user accounts for people who want to use your computer occasionally. Instead, set up a guest account for drop-in use. Here's how:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups. Click the lock icon to unlock the screen and enter your admin credentials.

2. In the left panel, click Guest User.

3. Click the Allow guests to log in to this computer check box.

4. Optionally, click Limit Adult Websites.

5. To give your guest access to shared folders on the network, click the Allow guest users to connect to shared folders check box.

6. Click the lock at the bottom of the screen to prevent additional changes.

There are several important things to know about activating Guest User on a Mac:

• Your guest logs in as Guest User on your network. The connection may not be as secure or fast as your regular Admin account.
• Your guest doesn't need a password to log in.
• Your guest's files are stored in a temporary folder that is deleted when the guest logs out.
• A guest can't change your user or computer settings.