How to add a user in recovery mode on Intel-Based Mac

My mac has no existing users and I am trying to add one.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Oct 24, 2023 02:27 PM

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Posted on Oct 24, 2023 02:37 PM

Users cannot be added in Recovery mode.


What happened to the user account(s) on your Mac?

Under normal circumstances there is always at least one.


Please tell us which Mac, model and year you’re having trouble with, and what macOS version you’re running.

5 replies

Nov 2, 2023 04:26 PM in response to meapplelover

So, if I understand you correctly, your Mac doesn't startup normally and take you to the login screen?

But you can boot to Recovery and see the Mac OS Utilities screen?


I believe you need to reinstall Mac OS X on that computer.

You will do that from the Mac OS X Utilities screen that you get to when you startup from Recovery.

This process may include erasing the startup drive and therefore any data already on the computer.

If you feel I am misunderstanding your situation, please clarify now before you take any further steps.


You also may run into problems if you are booting into Internet Recovery using Option-Command-R or Option-Shift-Command-R because those startups require a stable internet connection.


Startup your MacBook in Recovery mode, using Command-R to boot from the built-in recovery partition.


Launch the Reinstall Mac OS X app on that screen and follow the guidance as it progresses.

  • If the installer doesn't see your disk, or it says that it can't install on your computer or volume, you might need to erase your disk first.


Allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time. 


When installation is complete, your Mac might start up to a setup assistant. Follow the steps in the setup assistant to setup the MacBook as new, including creating a new User account on the computer.


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How to add a user in recovery mode on Intel-Based Mac

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