How to Enable Root User via the Terminal
You can enable root access via your Mac’s terminal.
How to Enable Root User Using the Directory Utility
If you prefer to use a GUI-based option to enable the root user on your Mac, use the Directory Utility instead of the Terminal. Note: you won’t get a prompt alerting you that the root user is enabled.
How to Log In as the Root User
Once it’s enabled, you can log in to the root account from the login screen. This account may look the same as a regular user account, but it’s now possible to access, edit, and even delete files that would typically be strictly off-limits, so tread carefully! To avoid accidental damage to your Mac, you should only log in to the root account when you have a task that specifically requires root privileges.
How to Disable the Root User
To help protect your Mac from malicious activities, or even accidental damage, disable root as soon as it’s no longer required.
How to Disable the Root User Using Terminal
How to Disable the Root User Using Directory Utility
Note: you don’t need the root account for most fixes. You can even fix a frozen Mac without root access.
How to Change the Root User Password
Image credit: markusspiske via Pixabay.
