--- title: Local Authentication --- Local authentication is the default until you configure an external authentication provider. Rancher stores user account information, such as usernames and passwords, locally. By default, the `admin` user that logs in to Rancher for the first time is a local user. ## Adding Local Users Regardless of whether you use external authentication, you should create a few local authentication users so that you can continue using Rancher if your external authentication service encounters issues. 1. In the top left corner, click **☰ > Users & Authentication**. 1. In the left navigation menu, click **Users**. 1. Click **Create**. 1. Complete the **Add User** form. 1. Click **Create**.