There are a number of different ways to lock or sleep your screen in macOS. Before we show them to you, however, it's important to make the distinction between locking your screen and just putting it to sleep.
If you lock your Mac you'll put it to sleep and need to type in your login password on your Mac's lock screen (or unlock it with TouchID on a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, or with an Apple Watch). If you put it to sleep, you won't necessarily lock it. In order to lock your screen, you need to set up the password in System Preferences. Here's how to do that.
The iMac lock and Security Cable Lock is the perfect solution against theft, unwanted borrowing and tampering. The stylish and functional design of the iMac Security Cable Lock is compatible to most iMacs including both new 21' and 27' iMac models. The Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter lets you use a compatible Kensington or similar style third-party lock (sold separately) to keep your Mac Pro secure. The adapter attaches. This Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter lets you use a compatible Kensington or similar-style third-party lock (sold separately) to keep your Mac Pro secure. The adapter attaches without tools and does not. The Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter lets you use a compatible Kensington or similar style third-party lock (sold separately) to keep your Mac Pro secure. The adapter attaches without tools and does not modify or damage the Mac. If you're looking for the perfect security solution for your mac products or tablets - Maclocks has the perfect products for you. Click here to view the perfect solution for your security need.
How to set up a password to lock the screen
- Launch System Preferences either by clicking on its icon in the Dock or by choosing it from the Apple menu.
- Click on the Security & Privacy pane.
- Choose the General tab and check the option that starts ‘Require password…'
- Choose an option from the dropdown menu.
Now, whenever your Mac goes to sleep or a screensaver starts, it will lock and you'll have to authenticate with your user password, Apple Watch or TouchID to gain access.
Worried about your Mac's security in public places? Get Beepify, a Setapp app that protects your Mac from theft.
Download Beepify FreeHow to lock your Mac
If you have a MacBook, a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, the quickest and easiest way to lock your Mac is just to shut the lid. When you do that, the Mac goes to sleep and when you open it again you'll need to unlock it.
However, there are occasions when you'll want to prevent anyone from seeing the screen without actually closing it. And, in any case, if you have an iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro, it's not an option. Here are some other ways you can lock your Mac's display.
1. Use Apple menu
Go to the Apple menu and choose Sleep. This will display the login screen for your account and won't unlock with a password (unless you're wearing an Apple Watch when you do it and then it will lock and unlock immediately)
Tip: If you want your Mac to remain locked even when you're close by and you have an Apple Watch, go to System Preferences>Security & Privacy>General and uncheck the Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac option.
2. Use shortcuts
If you're using a Mac that's running macOS Catalina, go to the Apple menu and choose Lock Screen or press Command+Control+Q. This will lock your Mac and return you to the Login screen.
For older versions of the operating system, press Control+Shift+Power button (or Control+Shift+Eject if your Mac has an optical drive). It will lock the screen.
You can also use a keyboard shortcut to put your Mac to sleep. Press Command+Option+Power (or Eject). This works in a similar way to the previous one, but rather than just lock your Mac it powers down the hard drive, puts the CPU into low power mode and stops background tasks in order to save energy.
3. Set up a hot corner
Hot corners allow you to drag to the mouse pointer to one of the four corners of the screen to initiate an action – you can use one as a sleep shortcut on your Mac. To set it up:
- Launch System Preferences.
- Choose the Desktop & Screen Saver pane.
- Click the Hot Corners button at the bottom right of the window.
- In the drop down window, choose a corner.
- Click on the menu and choose either Start Screen Saver or Put Display to Sleep.
4. Use fast user switching
Fast user switching allows you to quickly log into another user account on your Mac. But you can also use it to return to the log in window, which locks your Mac. Got to System Preferences>Users & Groups and click the padlock, then type in your password. Click Login Options and check the box next to ‘Show fast user switch menu as.' You can also choose whether to show the menu as your full name, the account name or an icon.
To lock your Mac, click the fast user switching menu at the right of the menu bar and choose Login Window…
5. Add Keychain Access to the menu bar
This option was removed in macOS Mojave but works on versions before High Sierra:
Mac Mini Security Lock
- Go to Finder.
- Choose Applications > Utilities.
- Launch Keychain Access.
- Click in the Keychain Access menu and select Preferences.
- Check the box next to Show keychain status in menu bar.
- You'll see a lock in the Finder menu bar. Click it and choose Lock Screen to lock your Mac.
Other ways to protect your privacy
First of all, fet a Finder-like Terminal for Mac that will help you completely control the login settings. It's called MacPilot. The app covers over 1,200 hidden macOS features. For privacy, you can go into the Login tab and customize access by users, enable the option of automatic screen locking, and edit launch items.
If you're looking for physical protection of your Mac, Beepify is the app you need. Whenever you have to step away from the computer in a public place, activate Beepify and it will be set to produce a loud sound in case someone tries to close the screen or disconnect charger.
One of the main reasons for locking your Mac when you step away from it is to stop prying eyes accessing your files, browser history, or anything else you don't want them to see. CleanMyMac X has a tool that gives you even more privacy protection.
CleanMyMac's Privacy tool allows you to quickly delete your browser history in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. But it also allows you to delete message threads and attachments in Messages, and to remove entries from macOS' recent files lists.
Also, CleanMyMac's Shredder is a quick and easy way to securely delete sensitive data. You can download CleanMyMac for free and give it a try.
As you can see, putting your Mac to sleep or locking it is very easy. There are lots of different ways to do it, although some are dependent on the version of macOS you're using. If you regularly lock your Mac to prevent others accessing it, you should ensure your login password is strong and secure.
Finally, if privacy is important, CleanMyMac has a couple of tools that can help delete sensitive data.
These might also interest you:
This article applies to: Secure Your Computer and Mobile Device
When you leave your computer, it's best to start a screen saver that can only be turned off with a password. You should set up a screen saver that will start after your computer has been idle for a set interval (15 minutes or less).
How to install vpn client on mac. You can also lock your screen manually using a Hot Corner.
Lock Mac Remotely
How to Set Your Computer to Lock Your Screen Automatically
- From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- Click Desktop & Screen Saver.
- Click Screen Saver, and then use the slider to choose 15 minutes (or less).
- Click Show All to go back to the main System Preferences window.
- Click Security, and then click Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver.
- Close the System Preferences window.
When your computer has been inactive for the set interval, the screen saver starts. Your password is required to start using the computer again.
Mac Security Lock Adapter
How to Set Up a Hot Corner to Lock Your Screen Manually
Next, set up a Hot Corner so you can quickly activate the screen saver when you leave your computer.
- From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- Click Desktop & Screen Saver.
- Click Screen Saver, and then click Hot Corners.
- Click the list next to the corner of the screen you want to use as a hot corner and select Start Screen Saver, and then click OK.
- Close the System Preferences window.
How to Lock Your Screen Manually
If you've set up a Hot Corner using the previous procedure, you can use this procedure to lock your screen without waiting for the screen saver to start.
- Move your mouse to the corner you set up as your Hot Corner.
If you lock your Mac you'll put it to sleep and need to type in your login password on your Mac's lock screen (or unlock it with TouchID on a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, or with an Apple Watch). If you put it to sleep, you won't necessarily lock it. In order to lock your screen, you need to set up the password in System Preferences. Here's how to do that.
The iMac lock and Security Cable Lock is the perfect solution against theft, unwanted borrowing and tampering. The stylish and functional design of the iMac Security Cable Lock is compatible to most iMacs including both new 21' and 27' iMac models. The Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter lets you use a compatible Kensington or similar style third-party lock (sold separately) to keep your Mac Pro secure. The adapter attaches. This Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter lets you use a compatible Kensington or similar-style third-party lock (sold separately) to keep your Mac Pro secure. The adapter attaches without tools and does not. The Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter lets you use a compatible Kensington or similar style third-party lock (sold separately) to keep your Mac Pro secure. The adapter attaches without tools and does not modify or damage the Mac. If you're looking for the perfect security solution for your mac products or tablets - Maclocks has the perfect products for you. Click here to view the perfect solution for your security need.
How to set up a password to lock the screen
- Launch System Preferences either by clicking on its icon in the Dock or by choosing it from the Apple menu.
- Click on the Security & Privacy pane.
- Choose the General tab and check the option that starts ‘Require password…'
- Choose an option from the dropdown menu.
Now, whenever your Mac goes to sleep or a screensaver starts, it will lock and you'll have to authenticate with your user password, Apple Watch or TouchID to gain access.
Worried about your Mac's security in public places? Get Beepify, a Setapp app that protects your Mac from theft.
Download Beepify FreeHow to lock your Mac
If you have a MacBook, a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, the quickest and easiest way to lock your Mac is just to shut the lid. When you do that, the Mac goes to sleep and when you open it again you'll need to unlock it.
However, there are occasions when you'll want to prevent anyone from seeing the screen without actually closing it. And, in any case, if you have an iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro, it's not an option. Here are some other ways you can lock your Mac's display.
1. Use Apple menu
Go to the Apple menu and choose Sleep. This will display the login screen for your account and won't unlock with a password (unless you're wearing an Apple Watch when you do it and then it will lock and unlock immediately)
Tip: If you want your Mac to remain locked even when you're close by and you have an Apple Watch, go to System Preferences>Security & Privacy>General and uncheck the Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac option.
2. Use shortcuts
If you're using a Mac that's running macOS Catalina, go to the Apple menu and choose Lock Screen or press Command+Control+Q. This will lock your Mac and return you to the Login screen.
For older versions of the operating system, press Control+Shift+Power button (or Control+Shift+Eject if your Mac has an optical drive). It will lock the screen.
You can also use a keyboard shortcut to put your Mac to sleep. Press Command+Option+Power (or Eject). This works in a similar way to the previous one, but rather than just lock your Mac it powers down the hard drive, puts the CPU into low power mode and stops background tasks in order to save energy.
3. Set up a hot corner
Hot corners allow you to drag to the mouse pointer to one of the four corners of the screen to initiate an action – you can use one as a sleep shortcut on your Mac. To set it up:
- Launch System Preferences.
- Choose the Desktop & Screen Saver pane.
- Click the Hot Corners button at the bottom right of the window.
- In the drop down window, choose a corner.
- Click on the menu and choose either Start Screen Saver or Put Display to Sleep.
4. Use fast user switching
Fast user switching allows you to quickly log into another user account on your Mac. But you can also use it to return to the log in window, which locks your Mac. Got to System Preferences>Users & Groups and click the padlock, then type in your password. Click Login Options and check the box next to ‘Show fast user switch menu as.' You can also choose whether to show the menu as your full name, the account name or an icon.
To lock your Mac, click the fast user switching menu at the right of the menu bar and choose Login Window…
5. Add Keychain Access to the menu bar
This option was removed in macOS Mojave but works on versions before High Sierra:
Mac Mini Security Lock
- Go to Finder.
- Choose Applications > Utilities.
- Launch Keychain Access.
- Click in the Keychain Access menu and select Preferences.
- Check the box next to Show keychain status in menu bar.
- You'll see a lock in the Finder menu bar. Click it and choose Lock Screen to lock your Mac.
Other ways to protect your privacy
First of all, fet a Finder-like Terminal for Mac that will help you completely control the login settings. It's called MacPilot. The app covers over 1,200 hidden macOS features. For privacy, you can go into the Login tab and customize access by users, enable the option of automatic screen locking, and edit launch items.
If you're looking for physical protection of your Mac, Beepify is the app you need. Whenever you have to step away from the computer in a public place, activate Beepify and it will be set to produce a loud sound in case someone tries to close the screen or disconnect charger.
One of the main reasons for locking your Mac when you step away from it is to stop prying eyes accessing your files, browser history, or anything else you don't want them to see. CleanMyMac X has a tool that gives you even more privacy protection.
CleanMyMac's Privacy tool allows you to quickly delete your browser history in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. But it also allows you to delete message threads and attachments in Messages, and to remove entries from macOS' recent files lists.
Also, CleanMyMac's Shredder is a quick and easy way to securely delete sensitive data. You can download CleanMyMac for free and give it a try.
As you can see, putting your Mac to sleep or locking it is very easy. There are lots of different ways to do it, although some are dependent on the version of macOS you're using. If you regularly lock your Mac to prevent others accessing it, you should ensure your login password is strong and secure.
Finally, if privacy is important, CleanMyMac has a couple of tools that can help delete sensitive data.
These might also interest you:
This article applies to: Secure Your Computer and Mobile Device
When you leave your computer, it's best to start a screen saver that can only be turned off with a password. You should set up a screen saver that will start after your computer has been idle for a set interval (15 minutes or less).
How to install vpn client on mac. You can also lock your screen manually using a Hot Corner.
Lock Mac Remotely
How to Set Your Computer to Lock Your Screen Automatically
- From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- Click Desktop & Screen Saver.
- Click Screen Saver, and then use the slider to choose 15 minutes (or less).
- Click Show All to go back to the main System Preferences window.
- Click Security, and then click Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver.
- Close the System Preferences window.
When your computer has been inactive for the set interval, the screen saver starts. Your password is required to start using the computer again.
Mac Security Lock Adapter
How to Set Up a Hot Corner to Lock Your Screen Manually
Next, set up a Hot Corner so you can quickly activate the screen saver when you leave your computer.
- From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- Click Desktop & Screen Saver.
- Click Screen Saver, and then click Hot Corners.
- Click the list next to the corner of the screen you want to use as a hot corner and select Start Screen Saver, and then click OK.
- Close the System Preferences window.
How to Lock Your Screen Manually
If you've set up a Hot Corner using the previous procedure, you can use this procedure to lock your screen without waiting for the screen saver to start.
- Move your mouse to the corner you set up as your Hot Corner.
The screen saver starts. Your password is required to start using the computer again.