How to Sign Into Your MacBook with Your School Google Account
This guide explains how to sign in to your school-issued MacBook. Our computers use a system (managed by Mosyle) that links your school's Google account to your local account on the Mac.
This means you only have to remember one password, but the login process is different from a personal computer.
Part 1: How to Sign In
This process is used when you first get your computer or any time you are at the main login screen.
Wake your computer. At the login screen, you will see a prompt for your username or email.(Note: This screen may look different from a standard Mac login page. It is customized by our school.)
In the username/email field, you must type your full school email address (e.g., teacher.name@school.org).
Click "Continue" or press the Enter key.
The login window will change. You will now see the familiar Google Sign-In page right on the login screen.
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Sign in just as you would for your email:
Enter your school email address (it may already be filled in).
Enter your school Google password.
If prompted, complete the 2-Step Verification (a code from your phone, etc.).
Once Google verifies your login, you will be automatically logged into your Mac desktop.
Part 2: What is the "Local Account"?
You are now signed into your "local account."
What it is: The local account is your personal, private space on the computer. It holds all your files, your Desktop, your Downloads, and your application settings.
How it works: Think of your Google account as the key. Your local account on the Mac is the room. You must use your Google key to unlock your room.
Part 3: Important Things You MUST Know
1. Your Mac Password = Your Google Password
This is the most important rule. The password for your Mac's local account is always synced with your Google password.
If you change your Google password: You must use that new password the next time you log into your Mac.
If you forget your password: You must reset your Google password (using Google's "Forgot Password?" link on a different device). You cannot reset your password from the Mac's login screen.
2. First-Time Login
The very first time you log into your Mac, the process may take 1-2 minutes after you sign in. You will see a message like "Creating your account." This is normal. The system is building your private, local account on the computer for the first time.
3. Offline Login
You must be connected to the internet for your first-ever login, so Google can verify your account.
After you have logged in successfully one time, Mosyle securely saves your credentials. This allows you to log into your Mac with your last-used Google password, even if you are at home or the school's Wi-Fi is down.
If you are not connected to the internet, the login process is different. Follow the steps in the next pictures:
In the final step, you will be asked for your username and password. Please enter:
Once signed in, you can try to connect your device to the internet using the available WiFi networks.