How to Delete Admin Account on Mac

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If you’re wondering how to delete admin account Mac, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through the steps required to safely remove an admin account from your Mac computer.

What Do You Need Before Deleting an Admin Account on Mac?

Before you proceed with deleting an admin account on your Mac, ensure that you meet the following requirements:

  1. Another Admin Account:
    To delete an admin account, you need to be logged in to another admin account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it first.

  2. Back Up Important Data:
    Make sure to back up any important files or information from the admin account you plan to delete. Once deleted, data cannot be easily recovered.

  3. Know Your Login Information:
    Ensure you have the necessary login details for the account you want to keep, as you will need them to access system preferences.

How to Delete Admin Account on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve prepared everything, follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to delete admin account on Mac:

Step 1: Log into Your Mac

First things first:

  • Log into your Mac using an admin account that will not be deleted.
  • Make sure this account has full administrative privileges.

Step 2: Open System Preferences

To access account settings:

  • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Go to Users & Groups

Now, you will need to find the account options:

  • In the System Preferences window, click on Users & Groups.
  • You might need to unlock this section by clicking the padlock icon in the bottom left corner.
  • Enter your admin username and password to allow changes.

Step 4: Select the Admin Account to Delete

Next, identify the account to be removed:

  • On the left sidebar, you’ll see a list of all user accounts on your Mac.
  • Find and click on the admin account you wish to delete.

Step 5: Delete the Admin Account

It’s time to proceed with deletion:

  • After selecting the account, click on the minus (-) button located at the bottom of the user accounts list.
  • A confirmation dialog will prompt you. You’ll see options to either save the home folder in a disk image or delete it.
  • Choose your preferred option and confirm the deletion by clicking Delete User.

Step 6: Close System Preferences

Once you have successfully deleted the account:

  • Click on the red close button in the top-left corner to exit System Preferences.

Step 7: Restart Your Mac (Recommended)

While restarting is optional, it’s good practice:

  • Restart your Mac to ensure the changes are correctly implemented.

Is Deleting an Admin Account Permanent?

Yes! Deleting an admin account is a permanent action.
Once you delete the account and its associated data, it cannot easily be recovered.

Considerations:
– Make sure you’ve backed up any important data from the admin account before proceeding.
– Be absolutely certain before confirming the deletion.

What Happens to Files and Data?

When you delete an admin account on Mac, you have two options regarding the user’s files:

  1. Save Home Folder in a Disk Image:
    – This option will save all files and data associated with the account in a disk image.
    – You can access this later if needed.

  2. Delete the Home Folder:
    – This option permanently deletes all files associated with that account including documents, photos, downloads, etc.
    – Use this option only if you’re sure you don’t need any files from that account.

How to Create a New Admin Account if Needed?

If you ever need to create a new admin account, follow these steps:

  1. Log into your existing admin account.
  2. Go back to Users & Groups from System Preferences.
  3. Click on the plus (+) button to add a new user.
  4. Choose Administrator from the drop-down menu for the new account type.
  5. Fill out the required information, and click Create User.

This way, you will always have access to an admin account as necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to delete an admin account on Mac, consider the following:

  • You Can’t Access Users & Groups:
    Make sure you’re logged into an admin account. If you don’t have access, you might need to reset your password using the Apple ID or recovery mode.

  • The Minus Button is Grayed Out:
    You cannot delete an admin account if you’re logged into that account. Log into a different admin account to continue.

  • Cannot Confirm the Deletion:
    Ensure that you’re entering the correct admin password if prompted during the deletion process.

Conclusion

For those who want to clean up their user accounts, knowing how to delete admin account Mac can simplify the experience.

Remember, always ensure you’re making informed decisions regarding the deletion of user accounts, especially admin accounts.
Following the steps provided will help you safely and effectively manage your Mac’s user accounts.

If you face any challenges along the process, don’t hesitate to consult Apple’s official support resources for further assistance.