macOS without iCloud or with passwords

Hi, am am using my new Mac mini only for development and I just want to use Xcode. I do not want to use FileVault and I want to use automatically login. But, there is the whole iCloud Data (all, not only Drive, even my photos and so on) and my passwords. So I want to use my Apple Account from iCloud, but I want to close the iCloud as I only want to use Xcode on this Mac mini, to connect to my iPad via Sidecar or Luna Display.


Are there some workarounds to avoid password based login but to keep my data password-protected? I just want to have a mode where I must enter the passwords to have access to my iCloud Services... (and the second verification via second device).


But in this case I do not want to have a password protected login, because my Xcode projects do not need to be protected and it stops me from working on several business places.

Mac mini, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 9, 2025 2:24 AM

Reply
8 replies
Sort By: 

Apr 9, 2025 7:42 AM in response to bediicco

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)


Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


Local USA—

Store List - Apple Store - Apple


Around the World—

Choose your country or region - Apple


Reply

Apr 9, 2025 8:28 AM in response to bediicco

I would suggest to create a separate local account for Xcode and iCloud Sign-in on Demand:


A. Create a Local User Account for Development


Go to System Settings > Users & Groups and create a user account (Standard). For example "XcodeDev"

Set this account to log in automatically without a password. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups > Login Options and set "Automatic login" to the "XcodeDev" account.


Disable FileVault for this setup if you don't want encryption: System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault > Turn Off.


B. Install Xcode on the Local Account


Download and install Xcode from the App Store or Apple's developer site under "XcodeDev" account. iCloud is not needed for this.


C. Sign in to iCloud Manually when needed


Don't sign into iCloud during the initial setup of this account

When you need iCloud data, go to System Settings > Apple ID and sign in with your Apple ID. It will prompt you for the password and the 2FA code from your second device.

After signing in, you can access iCloud services as needed. (Keychain, Photos, etc.)

Sign out of iCloud when you're done (System Settings > Apple ID > Sign out)


D. Sidecar Display Setup


For Sidecar, you'll need to sign into iCloud at least once to pair your iPad (it will require an Apple ID). After pairing, Sidecar should work without constant iCloud access as long as both devices are on the same Wifi Network.


Reply

macOS without iCloud or with passwords

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.