Open System Settings and Find the Account Picture Option

To change the picture that appears on your Mac's login screen, you need to go into System Settings and navigate to your user account. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Once System Settings opens, look for General in the sidebar on the left, then click Login Items & Extensions or Users & Groups depending on your macOS version.

If you are using macOS Ventura or newer, the path is slightly different. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then look for the account section. On older versions (Big Sur, Monterey, or earlier), use System Preferences > Users & Groups. Either way, you will see your user account listed, and your current login picture will appear as a small circle or square next to your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your login picture is stored in System Settings under your user account, not in a separate photo app or folder.
  • You can use any photo from your Mac, take a new photo with your webcam, or choose from built-in emoji and color options.
  • The picture you set here will appear on the login screen and in the top-right corner of your menu bar when you are logged in.
  • Changing your login picture does not affect any other user accounts on the same Mac — each account has its own separate picture.

Click Your Account Picture to Open the Selection Menu

Once you have located your user account in System Settings, look for your current profile picture — it will be displayed as a small circular or square image. Click directly on this picture. A menu will pop up with several options for where your new picture can come from. You will see choices like Camera, Photo Library, Emoji, and Initials, depending on your macOS version.

If you do not see a clickable picture icon, try clicking on your account name itself. On some versions of macOS, you may need to unlock the settings first by clicking the lock icon in the bottom-left corner of the window and entering your password. Once the menu appears, you can choose which source you want to pull your new picture from.

Choose a Photo from Your Mac or Take One with Your Webcam

If you want to use a photo that is already saved on your Mac, select Photo Library from the menu. A window will open showing your Photos app library. Browse through your photos and click the one you want to use as your login picture. The photo will be cropped to fit the circular or square frame, so choose an image where your face or the important part of the picture is centered.

To take a new photo right now using your Mac's built-in webcam, select Camera from the menu instead. A small camera window will open. Position yourself in front of your screen, then click the button to take the photo. You can take multiple shots if you want — just keep clicking until you get one you like. Once you are happy with the photo, confirm your choice and it will be set as your login picture when ready.

Use Emoji or Initials If You Prefer Not to Use a Photo

Not everyone wants a photo as their login picture. If you prefer something simpler or more playful, select Emoji from the menu. A grid of emoji options will appear. Click any emoji you like — a smiley face, an animal, a heart, or any other option available. The emoji will be displayed in a colored circle on your login screen.

Another option is Initials, which creates a straightforward badge with the first letters of your first and last name on a solid color background. Choose this if you want something professional and minimal. Both emoji and initials options are faster than taking or uploading a photo, and they work just as well on the login screen.

Confirm Your Selection and Check the Login Screen

After you choose your photo, emoji, or initials, the picture will update when ready in System Settings. You should see it change in the small circle next to your account name. Close System Settings by clicking the red button in the top-left corner of the window, or straightforward click elsewhere on your desktop.

To see your new login picture in action, you can lock your Mac and log back in. Press Control + Command + Q to lock your screen, or go to the Apple menu and select Lock Screen. When the login screen appears, your new picture will be displayed next to your username. If you are not ready to lock your Mac yet, you can also see a preview of your new picture in the top-right corner of your menu bar — it will appear there as well.

Troubleshoot If Your Picture Does Not Update

If you changed your login picture but it is not showing up on the login screen, try restarting your Mac. Sometimes the login screen does not refresh when ready. Shut down your Mac completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. When you reach the login screen, your new picture should appear.

If the picture still does not show after a restart, go back into System Settings and click on your account picture again. Make sure you actually clicked the confirm or save button after selecting your new image — some versions of macOS require an extra step to finalize the change. If you are using a photo that is very large or in an unusual format, try using a different photo or taking a new one with your camera instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the login picture for other user accounts on my Mac?

Yes, but you need to have administrator access. Go to System Settings, find the other user account, and follow the same steps. If you do not have administrator access, you will not be able to change another person's login picture — only your own account or accounts you manage.

What size photo works best for a login picture?

Any size photo will work because macOS automatically crops it to fit the circular or square frame. However, photos where your face or the main subject is centered and fills most of the frame will look best. Avoid photos where the important part is off to the side, since it may get cut off during cropping.

Will changing my login picture affect my profile picture in other apps?

No. Your login picture only appears on the Mac login screen and in the menu bar. It does not change your profile picture in Mail, Messages, or any other process. Those apps use their own separate profile settings.

Can I use a photo from the internet as my login picture?

Yes. read the photo to your Mac first, then use the Photo Library option to select it. Make sure you have the right to use the image before setting it as your login picture.

How do I remove my login picture and go back to the default?

Click on your account picture in System Settings again and select Initials or choose a different option. There is no "remove picture" button, but you can always switch to initials or a different photo instead. If you want the original default appearance, initials is usually the closest option.