A Guest Account is the safest way to let someone borrow your Mac. They get a clean, temporary desktop with no access to your files, apps, or passwords, and everything they do is erased the moment they log out. It is perfect for a visitor who needs to check email, a family member borrowing the machine for an hour, or anyone you do not want poking around your real account. Here is how to turn it on and exactly what the Guest can and cannot do.
What a Guest Account is (and is not)
The Guest Account is a built-in macOS account with three defining traits:
- No password. Anyone can log in as Guest without a login they need to remember.
- It self-destructs. When the Guest logs out, macOS deletes their entire home folder — downloads, browser history, documents, everything. The next Guest starts from a blank slate.
- It is walled off. The Guest cannot open your files, see your saved passwords, install most software, or change system settings.
It is not the same as adding a second permanent user. If the person will use the Mac regularly and wants to keep their own files, set up a standard account instead — see our guide to fast user switching between accounts.
How to turn on the Guest Account
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings.
- In the sidebar, click Users & Groups.
- Find Guest User in the list and click the info (i) button next to it.
- Turn on Allow guests to log in to this computer.
- Enter your administrator password when prompted, then click Done.
That is it. The next time the Mac is at the lock screen or you switch users, Guest will appear as a login option — no password required.
Two optional settings worth knowing
- Limit adult websites. In the same Guest User panel you can turn on content filtering so the Guest cannot reach adult sites in Safari — handy if kids will use it.
- Shared folder access. By default the Guest can connect to shared folders on your network. If you do not want that, leave Allow guest users to connect to shared folders switched off.
What the Guest can and cannot do
| The Guest CAN | The Guest CANNOT |
|---|---|
| Browse the web in Safari | Open your documents, photos, or messages |
| Use built-in apps (Mail, Notes, Maps) | See any password saved in your Keychain |
| Save files temporarily during the session | Keep anything after logging out — it is wiped |
| Print to a set-up printer | Install most apps or change system settings |
How to turn the Guest Account off
Go back to System Settings > Users & Groups, click the info (i) button next to Guest User, and switch off Allow guests to log in to this computer. The option disappears from the login screen immediately.
A shared Mac does not need to be expensive
If a Guest Account exists because the whole household shares one aging machine, a fresh start can be cheaper than you think. A refurbished MacBook Air M1 from $569.99 gives everyone fast logins, all-day battery, and years of macOS updates — and it comes with a warranty. Browse current Apple clearance deals to see what is in stock, or set up Family Sharing so everyone keeps their own space on one Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Do Guest files really get deleted? Yes. macOS erases the Guest home folder on logout, every time. Tell the Guest to email or AirDrop anything they want to keep before they log out.
Can the Guest see my files? No. The Guest Account is fully isolated from your account’s documents, photos, mail, and saved passwords.
Why is Guest User missing from my settings? If your Mac has Find My Mac turned on, macOS may disable password-free guest login for security. You will still see a limited Safari-only Guest option at the lock screen, but full Guest login is blocked until Find My is off.
Is a Guest Account the same as Screen Time or a child account? No. For ongoing, personalized limits per person, create a standard account and use Screen Time or Family Sharing instead.
Questions about a used Mac for your family? Rick, our on-site assistant, can help you pick the right one in a couple of minutes.