Automatic Login

[jkevinoc]

I just purchased a Mac mini M1 8GB to use as a headless music server, after many years using earlier generations of Minis.
This one running Big Sur does not support/accept automatic log-in, which has made it possible to use the previous two units headless. I have been doing this for well over 10 years, so I'm pretty disappointed that it's no longer possible. The reason given by Apple is my use of an Apple ID to set up the computer. I have already tried suggested work-arounds such as adding a new user name and a non-ID linked password, and simply changing my admin password. Neither worked.
I think that it could work if there was only one name on the login page, but it lists Guest User, probably because I am using remote management. Any script writers who have solved this problem? This was triggered in a way because the Remote app on my current iPhone just simply stopped working. That is a mystery unto itself. The old 2011 Mac mini is destined to control the CNC mill in my sign shop.

 

[Honza1]

I do not have my M1 Mini (latest Big Sur) running headless, but it is successfully logging in automatically. It was setup same way as in prior systems - I have created one local user (admin user, but that should not matter), in System preferences in User Groups went to Login options and there is Automatic login option same as it always was. You can have multiple users and pick one specific. I did not have to do any tricks or scripting, it works just fine setup through this GUI.
Now, it is possible headless throws some challenge into this, I have not tried. But I really do not see why that would happen.
This is local admin user, not iCloud user.My local user is then logged into his iCloud using his credentials, but I prefer having local users everywhere. I think you can today setup user to use iCloud credentials. I am worried how would network authenticated users work if internet was down.

 

[chrfr]

I just purchased a Mac mini M1 8GB to use as a headless music server, after many years using earlier generations of Minis.
This one running Big Sur does not support/accept automatic log-in, which has made it possible to use the previous two units headless. I have been doing this for well over 10 years, so I'm pretty disappointed that it's no longer possible. The reason given by Apple is my use of an Apple ID to set up the computer. I have already tried suggested work-arounds such as adding a new user name and a non-ID linked password, and simply changing my admin password. Neither worked.
I think that it could work if there was only one name on the login page, but it lists Guest User, probably because I am using remote management. Any script writers who have solved this problem? This was triggered in a way because the Remote app on my current iPhone just simply stopped working. That is a mystery unto itself. The old 2011 Mac mini is destined to control the CNC mill in my sign shop.

Do you have Filevault enabled? That will prevent automatic login from working.

 

[jkevinoc]

I do not have my M1 Mini (latest Big Sur) running headless, but it is successfully logging in automatically. It was setup same way as in prior systems - I have created one local user (admin user, but that should not matter), in System preferences in User Groups went to Login options and there is Automatic login option same as it always was. You can have multiple users and pick one specific. I did not have to do any tricks or scripting, it works just fine setup through this GUI.
Now, it is possible headless throws some challenge into this, I have not tried. But I really do not see why that would happen.
This is local admin user, not iCloud user.My local user is then logged into his iCloud using his credentials, but I prefer having local users everywhere. I think you can today setup user to use iCloud credentials. I am worried how would network authenticated users work if internet was down.

Mine is not headless yet, but is not giving me the option of automatic login.

 

[jkevinoc]

Do you have Filevault enabled? That will prevent automatic login from working.

I did not turn it on, but it was enabled, maybe from the factory? That worked! I turned it off, restarted and it logged in!

 

[jkevinoc]

Thank you Honza!

 

[jkevinoc]

Thank you Chrfr! you made my day!

 

[ascender]

Do you have Filevault enabled? That will prevent automatic login from working.

MacRumors to the rescue again!

Had this exact same scenario today and couldn't find the answer anywhere but here.