User switching doesn't work properly in macOS Sonoma

When I try to switch user it doesn't let me choose other user on login screen. When I click on the second user it momentarily switches back on the first user. Only if first user logs out second can log in. Touch ID just useless in this scenario.

MacBook Air, macOS 14.3

Posted on Feb 12, 2024 1:58 PM

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Posted on Feb 13, 2024 5:11 AM

"It isn't constant behavior. After restart it works normal. But eventually issue comes back."


So try restarting your Mac in Safe Mode as the link I provided instructs. If fast user switching works while in Safe Mode then restart normally and see if the issue returns. If it does then the possibility exists that some third party extension, plugin, etc. May be causing this. Safe Mode starts up with only Apple’s add ons and nothing else.

49 replies

Mar 28, 2024 9:25 AM in response to SlowGraham

This just began happening to me this morning. I have two users logged in to the computer, both admins. I cannot reboot the computer to resolve the issue because the other user is away for the day and has work that would need to be saved first. When I choose the Fast User Switching in the Menu Bar (or name, I've tried all the options), the other user is greyed out. If I lock the screen, the main login window appears. If I hit Escape, both users appear. But when choosing the other user not currently logged in, it quickly goes back to the username currently logged in. This is new and is not something caused by third-party software as this problem began overnight.

May 2, 2024 6:03 AM in response to IvanZhadan

I have a Mac Book Pro M3 Max and have never had this issue - the laptop is FAST.


HOWEVER, when I upgraded to 14.4.1 started having weird "slowdowns" on miscellaneous things but not enough to really worry about EXCEPT user switching. I use the laptop for personal and work - so 2 main accounts I switch back and forth with A LOT. Every time I try to switch users it instantly gives me the option for a quick switch, but when I click on the other user its almost as if it "locks" up and freezes eventually if you wait it finally gives the password box for the other user.


I have changed nothing on my laptop except the OS update to 14.4.1 - so reasonable logic based on my experience and all of the post (in addition to other forum other than this one) it seems that this would indeed be a bug/glitch that Apple needs to address and fix.


Thanks to all for the suggestions as as I have tried them all and hate having to do a "hold the power until it does a hard reboot" method when I get stuck.


Macbook pro M3 Max

36 GB Ram

Sonoma 14.4.1


happens during a already logged in user or at the lock screen .


Thanks


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User switching doesn't work properly in macOS Sonoma

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