Switch Users on iPad Using the Lock Screen

The fastest way to change users on an iPad is through the lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the Home button on older models) to reach the lock screen, then tap the user icon in the top-left or top-right corner. A menu will appear showing all user accounts on the device. Tap the name of the person whose account you want to use, then enter their passcode or use Face ID if it's set up for that account.

This method works on iPads running iOS 13 and later. The user icon appears as a small circle with a profile picture or initial. If you don't see it, the device may not have multiple users set up yet, or you may be looking at the wrong corner of the lock screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the user icon on the lock screen and select a different account name to switch users without restarting your iPad.
  • Each user account needs its own passcode or Face ID setup to prevent unauthorized access.
  • You can set up new user accounts in Settings under Family Sharing or by creating a standard user account.
  • Switching users keeps each person's apps, photos, and settings separate and private on the same device.

Set Up a New User Account Before You Can Switch

Before you can switch between users, you need at least two accounts on your iPad. Open Settings, then tap your name at the top. Select "Family Sharing" if you want to add family members, or go to Settings > General > Users & Accounts to create a standard user account for someone else.

For Family Sharing, tap "Add Family Member," choose whether the person has an Apple ID already, and follow the prompts. If they don't have an Apple ID, you can create one during this process. For a standard user account without Family Sharing, select "Add User," enter a name, set a passcode, and choose whether to allow that user to modify settings.

Each account must have its own passcode. This keeps one person's data from being visible to others on the device. Write down or remember each passcode—if someone forgets theirs, you'll need to reset it through Settings.

Use Settings to Switch Users on Older iPad Models

If your iPad is running an older version of iOS or doesn't show a user icon on the lock screen, you can still switch accounts through Settings. Open Settings, scroll down, and look for "Users & Accounts" or a similar option depending on your iOS version. Tap the account name you want to switch to, then enter that user's passcode.

This method is slower than using the lock screen icon, but it works on devices that don't support the quick-switch feature. After you switch, the iPad will reload with that user's home screen, apps, and settings.

What Happens When You Switch Users

When you change to a different user account, the iPad closes all apps and returns to that person's home screen. Their photos, messages, email, and app data remain exactly as they left them. The previous user's information stays private and is not visible to the new user unless they know that account's passcode.

Each user can customize their own home screen layout, read different apps, and adjust settings independently. Changes one user makes do not affect another user's experience. This makes sharing an iPad practical for families or households where multiple people need their own space on the device.

Troubleshoot When the User Icon Doesn't Appear

If you don't see a user icon on your lock screen, first check that your iPad is running iOS 13 or later. Go to Settings > General > About and look at the iOS version number. If it's older than iOS 13, you won't see the lock screen user switcher, but you can still switch accounts through Settings.

If you have iOS 13 or later and still don't see the icon, make sure at least two user accounts exist on the device. Open Settings, tap your name, and check Family Sharing or Users & Accounts to confirm. If only one account is set up, create a second one first. After you add a second user, restart your iPad and the icon should appear on the lock screen.

Remove a User Account You No Longer Need

To delete a user account, open Settings and tap your name. Select "Family Sharing" or go to Settings > General > Users & Accounts, depending on the account type. Find the user you want to remove and tap "Edit" or the delete icon (usually a minus sign or trash can). Confirm the deletion.

When you remove an account, all data associated with that user—photos, messages, app data—will be deleted from the iPad. You cannot undo this action, so make sure the person whose account you're removing has backed up any important information first. If the account is part of Family Sharing, removing them will also affect their access to shared purchases and family features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch users without entering a passcode?

No. Each user account must be protected by a passcode or Face ID to keep their data private. You must enter the correct passcode or use the correct face to access that account. This is a security feature and cannot be bypassed.

What if I forget a user's passcode?

You can reset it through Settings if you have access to the device as the account owner. Go to Settings > General > Users & Accounts, select the account, and choose "Reset Password." You'll need to answer security questions or use your own Apple ID to verify the reset.

Do all user accounts share the same Wi-Fi connection?

Yes. All users on the iPad connect through the same Wi-Fi network. However, each user's browsing history, saved passwords, and app data remain separate. You can set up parental controls through Family Sharing to limit what younger users can access.

Can I use the same Apple ID for multiple user accounts on one iPad?

No. Each user account should have its own Apple ID. Using the same Apple ID for multiple accounts will cause their data to sync together, defeating the purpose of separate accounts. If someone doesn't have an Apple ID, you can create one for them during the account setup process.

Will switching users delete my apps or photos?

No. Switching users does not delete anything. Each user's apps and photos stay on the device in their own account. When you switch back to your account, everything will be exactly as you left it.