5 ways to lock a Mac computer to keep your files secure

Devon Delfino
Updated ·4 min read
Macbook Air
There are many ways to lock a Mac computer. Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

  • There are many options when it comes to locking a Mac, from simply closing the lid to keyboard shortcuts. 

  • You'll need to set up a password for your Mac before you can properly lock it.

  • Once you have a password, you'll need to set your computer's sleep and wake settings to control how often you need to log into your locked Mac with a password.

  • Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference page for more stories.

Out of all the measures you should take to protect your digital privacy, locking a device might be the most basic, but it can surely be the most effective.

Whether you're at school, an office, or even at home, locking your Mac - even if you step away just for a moment - is a no-brainer. Just think of all the sensitive information that's just a few clicks away: Security codes, work documents, financial statements, all of your social accounts, and more.

There are several ways you can lock your Mac, which we outline below. But before you can do that, you'll want to set up a password for your computer. Here's everything you need to know.

Setting up a password on Mac

In order to lock your Mac, you'll need to first set up a password. This password will be required for both logging into your Mac as well as approving changes to your computer.

1. Click the Apple icon, located in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."

2. Click "Security and Privacy"

3. In the General tab, check the box that says "Require password." You can also set the timing of the password, from "immediately" up to "8 hours." It's important to choose "immediately" if you want your computer to automatically lock when it goes to sleep or screensaver mode.

set password security privacy
Choosing "immediately" gives you the best protection. Business Insider

We should also note that clicking "Advanced" in the lower-right hand corner of the window allows you to specify how long your computer can be idle before it automatically logs out and requires a password to get back in. This is an ideal last line of defense against would-be intruders.

Once your password is set, you'll be able to lock your Mac in several different ways - the best method depends on your habits and preferences, and if you typically use your computer in a private or public setting.

Closing the lid

If you're working on a MacBook, you can simply close the lid. This by far the easiest method, but only works if you've set the computer to "immediately" lock when you set up your password.

Apple menu bar

apple menu bar lock screen
Using the Apple menu bar is another easy way to lock your computer. Business Insider

Another simple way to lock your Mac is from the Apple icon in the menu bar. From the Apple icon dropdown menu, click on "Lock Screen."

Using keyboard shortcuts

You can easily lock your Mac from your keyboard:

  • Press Control + Command + Q: This shortcut will take you directly to the lock screen.

  • Press Control + Shift + Power button: This shortcut will turn your displays off only - background tasks, like music, will continue.

  • Press Command + Option + Power button:  This shortcut will put your computer into sleep mode.

Note: If you're using an older Mac with a media eject button, press the Eject button in place of the Power button.

Using Hot Corners

If you prefer locking your screen with a flick of the wrist, you can set a shortcut so your screen goes into screensaver mode when you move your pointer to a certain corner of the screen. This feature is called Hot Corners, and here's how to set it up:

1. Click the Apple icon. From the dropdown menu, click "System Preferences."

lock screen desktop screensavers
Hot Corners can be accessed from the "Desktop & Screen Saver" menu. Business Insider

2. Click "Desktop & Screen Saver"

lock screen hot corners
Click into the Screen Saver tab to access Hot Corners. Business Insider

3. In the window that pops up, navigate to the "Screen Saver" tab, then click "Hot Corners."

lock screen hot corners choose
Choose the corner you want to use. Business Insider

4. Click the pop-up menu for the corner you want to use, and choose "Start Screen Saver," then click "OK." Now, whenever you move the cursor to the corner selected, your computer will enter screensaver mode.

Using the Mac Touch Bar

If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, you can customize it to include a "Screen Lock" icon.

1. Click the Apple icon and open System Preferences.

lock screen touch bar keyboard
Navigate to the "Keyboard" in System Preferences. Business Insider

2. Click "Keyboard."

touch bar control strip
You can rearrange what shows up in your Touch Bar here. Business Insider


3. From the Keyboard menu, click "Customize Control Strip."

4. An icon menu will pop up from the bottom of your screen. Find the "Screen Lock" icon and drag it into the touch bar. You can arrange the buttons any way you like.

lock screen touch bar
Drag the "Screen Lock" icon down into your Touch Bar. Business Insider

5. Once complete, click "Done." You'll now be able to lock your screen via the Touch Bar.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

Read the original article on Business Insider