By default, anyone with a Google account can log in to your Chromebook and begin using the computer. If you’d like to lock it down and let only a certain group of people use your device, it’s easy to configure in Settings. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need
To restrict which users can use your Chromebook, you have to be logged in as the device’s owner account. The owner account is the first account registered to the Chromebook when it is new (or after a Powerwash reset). If you don’t have access to the owner account, you won’t be able to restrict who can use the Chromebook.
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How to Restrict Your Chromebook to Certain Users
First, log into your Chromebook with the owner account. Once logged in, open the launcher and expand the menu until you see the app icons. Click the gear icon to launch the Settings app.
In Settings, select “Security And Privacy” in the sidebar, then click “Manage Other People.”
In Manage Other People settings, if you want to keep people without a Google account from using your Chromebook, flip the switch beside “Enable Guest Browsing” to the off position. This is optional, but it will keep unauthorized people from using your Chromebook.
Below that on the “Manage Other People” page, turn on the switch beside “Restrict Sign-in to The Following Users.”
After that, you’ll see a list of users already registered to the device. To remove a user from the list, click the “X” button beside their name. To add another user, click “Add User” just below the user list and follow the menu prompts.
When you’re done, close Settings.
The next time you see the sign-on screen, you’ll notice that the “Add a Person” button is greyed out. If you ever want to allow other users again, revisit Settings > Security and Privacy > Manage Other People and turn “Restrict Sign-in to the Following Users” to off. Stay safe!
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