Automatic login Mac Mini M1 Big Sur

[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 and 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.

 

[MacInWin]

Welcome to the forum!

Scripts don't run, AFAIK, until after login, so that may not be the way to go.

Just to be sure, in System Preferences, Users & Groups, with the lock unlocked the Login Options don't allow you to select which account should be automatically logged on? My wife's M1 Mini automatically logs her account in on start. I don't know what you mean by

The reason given by Apple is my use of and Apple ID to set up the computer.

When we set hers up, it was set up with her AppleID. Not as the account name, but as her iCloud account. And she has other users on the machine as well, including me and Guest, just in case I need to "fix" something for her.

So, how about you explain what you meant by using Apple ID to set up the computer and maybe we can sort it out for you. Are you willing to go back to factory and start over to get this function going?

 

[jkevinoc]

No, the Preferences did not allow me to do automatic login. It is dimmed out.

I read on Apple.com forums that automatic login does not work on the M1 machines.
Go back to the factory?

I just had a call with Apple. The machine is updating to 11.2.2 now. I did not notice, nor did I get an update prompt.

All I want to do is auto login so I can run this machine headless.

 

[jkevinoc]

Thank you MacInWin!

 

[jkevinoc]

 

[MacInWin]

Thank you MacInWin!

So, did that fix it?

 

[jkevinoc]

No, it didn't. My nickname in my youth was Jake (John Kevin)

 

[MacInWin]

OK, I posted while your picture was uploading. Can you tell me more about how the AppleID got involved.

I have been Jake from childhood. Just stuck with me. My dad was Jake, too, so it's been around a LOONG time.

 

[jkevinoc]

I have both a MacBook Pro and iMac running Big Sur that allow automatic login

 

[jkevinoc]

I read that using the Apple ID was somehow preventing auto login. That's it. I have three machines of widely varying vintages, and this is the only one that won't log in automatically

 

[jkevinoc]

They are linked on through my appleid on iCloud because I share files back and forth, and use apple music

 

[MacInWin]

Well, my wife uses iCloud to sync on her M1 Mini and auto login works just find. Here is her page similar to the one you posted to show it works.


So, it clearly works. All I can think of is to reinstall the OS from scratch and try again.

 

[jkevinoc]

Apple might agree with you. They are supposed to call me again in few minutes. I will update you. Thanks

 

[jkevinoc]

I posted on Mac Rumors too. My Filevault was turned on, and that was the problem. Switched off, restarted and it is logging in automatically. Thanks for your help

 

[MacInWin]

Heh, never thought of that. Good fix!

 

[Slydude]

Heh, never thought of that. Good fix!

I didn't think of that either but now that you mention it I seem to remember seeing others complain about similar situations with FileVault.

 

[chscag]

Yep. Whenever encryption is in effect (FileVault), automatic login is turned off. Been that way for ages, ever since Apple deployed FileVault and now FileVault 2.

 

[IWT]

Yep. Whenever encryption is in effect (FileVault), automatic login is turned off. Been that way for ages, ever since Apple deployed FileVault and now FileVault 2.

Of course, it is easy for the likes of me to be wise after the event; but automatic login would entirely defeat the purpose of FV.

I have managed, without difficulty or hindrance to avoid FV. So many issues have appeared over the years; many reported on our Forums.

Ian

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Yep. Whenever encryption is in effect (FileVault), automatic login is turned off. Been that way for ages, ever since Apple deployed FileVault and now FileVault 2.

Thing I learned today!

 

[MacInWin]

Of course, it is easy for the likes of me to be wise after the event; but automatic login would entirely defeat the purpose of FV.

I have managed, without difficulty or hindrance to avoid FV. So many issues have appeared over the years; many reported on our Forums.

Ian

Yeah, it is logical when you think about it. But I have never used FV, so it's not high in the diagnostic list.