Automatic Login on macOS

This document explains how to configure automatic login on macOS so the system signs in automatically after startup or reboot, without requiring user interaction.

Automatic login on macOS is supported natively by the operating system and can be configured through System Settings, with some important limitations.

Supported systems

This guide applies to:

• macOS Ventura
• macOS Sonoma
• Newer macOS versions

It works with:

• Local user accounts
• Apple ID–linked user accounts

Security notice

Enabling automatic login significantly reduces the physical security of the device.

When automatic login is enabled:

• macOS signs in automatically at boot
• No password is required at the login screen
• Anyone with physical access can use the computer

This configuration should be used only on personal devices located in trusted and private environments.

macOS limitations and requirements

Automatic login on macOS has the following limitations:

• It is not compatible with FileVault disk encryption
• FileVault must be disabled before automatic login can be enabled
• Automatic login works only for a single user
• The password is stored securely by the system

If FileVault is enabled, macOS will always require a password at startup.

Required information

Before configuring automatic login, the following information is required:

• The macOS user account that should log in automatically
• The account password
• Administrator privileges on the system

Disable FileVault (if enabled)

Automatic login cannot be enabled while FileVault is active.

To disable FileVault:

• Open System Settings
• Go to Privacy & Security
• Select FileVault
• Turn FileVault off
• Wait for disk decryption to complete

Disk decryption may take some time depending on disk size.

Enable automatic login

Automatic login is configured through the system user settings.

Configuration steps

• Open System Settings
• Go to Users & Groups
• Click Automatic login
• Select the user account to log in automatically
• Enter the account password when prompted

After confirmation, automatic login will be enabled for the selected user.

Restart and verify

Restart the Mac to apply the changes.

If the configuration is correct:

• macOS will log in automatically
• The desktop will be available immediately after boot
• No password will be required at the login screen

Notes about Apple ID and passwords

• Automatic login uses the account password, not Touch ID
• Touch ID may remain enabled for unlocking after sleep
• Changing the account password may require reconfiguring automatic login

Security considerations

• Automatic login does not bypass firmware passwords
• FileVault must remain disabled
• Anyone with physical access can use the logged-in account
• This configuration prioritizes convenience over physical security

Troubleshooting

If automatic login does not work:

• Verify that FileVault is disabled
• Ensure the correct user account is selected
• Confirm the correct password was entered
• Restart the system again after changes

Use cases

Automatic login on macOS is commonly used for:

• Remote desktop access
• Headless or unattended Macs
• Home servers
• Systems that must recover automatically after reboot