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How to Add Administrator Accounts to Your Mac

Allow others to make changes on your Mac

By Tom Nelson Tom Nelson Writer Tom Nelson is an engineer, programmer, network manager, and computer network and systems designer who has written for Other World Computing,and others. Tom is also president of Coyote Moon, Inc., a Macintosh and Windows consulting firm. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 20, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple Macs iPad

What to Know

Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > lock icon > password > OK > + > Administrator > enter information > Create User.To promote a user, go to Users & Groups > Administrator > account to change > Allow user to administer this computer. This article explains adding additional administrator accounts or promoting existing users in macOS 10.15 (Catalina), but the procedure is nearly identical in older versions.

About Administrator Accounts

An administrator account has the same basic capabilities as a standard user account, including its own Home folder, desktop, backgrounds, preferences, Music, bookmarks, Messages accounts, Address Book/Contacts, and other account features. Setting an administrator account apart is its elevated privilege levels. Administrators can change system preferences that control how the Mac works and feels, install software, and perform many special tasks that standard user accounts cannot perform. Your Mac computer needs only one administrator account, but allowing one or two other trusted people to have administrative privileges is a straightforward process. SEAN GLADWELL / Getty Images

Creating a New Administrator Account

You'll need to be logged in as an administrator to create or edit user accounts. You created an administrator account when you first set up your Mac. Then: Launch System Preferences from the Apple menu or the Applications folder. Click Users & Groups. Click the lock icon and enter your password. Click OK. Click the plus (+) button located below the list of user accounts. Select Administrator from the drop-down menu of account types. Enter the requested information: the new account holder's full name, account name, password, and password hint. Click the key next to Password to have the Password Assistant generate a password for you. Click Create User. A new Home folder will be created, using the account’s short name and a randomly chosen icon to represent the user. You can change the user icon at any time by clicking the icon and selecting a new one from the dropdown list of images. Repeat the above process to create additional administrator user accounts. When you’ve finished creating accounts, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner of the Users & Groups pane to prevent others from making changes.

Promote an Existing Standard User to Administrator

You also can promote a standard user account to an administrator account. Open Users & Groups as above, log in to your Administrator account, and select the account you wish to change. Place a checkmark next to Allow user to administer this computer. One use for an administrator account is to help with diagnosing issues with your Mac. Having an administrator account in pristine condition can help rule out problems caused by corrupt files in a user's account. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change Another User's Password in Windows How to Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows How to Delete a User on Mac How to Create and Delete User Accounts in Windows 10 How to Find the Windows Administrator Password Your Guide to User Account Settings in Windows 11 How to Install Norton Antivirus How to Enable or Disable the Administrator Account in Windows D-Link Default Password List (Updated October 2022) How to Change Your Password in Windows How to Create a Password in Windows How to Troubleshoot Startup Problems With Your Mac How to Change a Login Picture on Mac What Is the Default Windows Password? How Do I Create a Windows Password Reset Disk? How to Connect to Your Home Router as an Administrator Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies