Lock your Mac in a second when you step away

Why it happens

Locking keeps your apps and windows open but stops anyone else using your Mac while you're away. It's quicker than logging out and doesn't put the Mac to sleep. It only protects you if your Mac asks for a password after the screen locks.

How to fix it

1. Press Control, Command and Q together. The screen locks at once.

2. If you prefer the mouse, click the Apple menu and choose Lock Screen.

   Apple menu›Lock Screen

3. Check your Mac asks for a password when it locks. In Lock Screen settings, set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately.

   Lock Screen›Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off

4. For a one-move lock, set a Hot Corner to Lock Screen. Then pushing the pointer into that corner locks the Mac.

   Desktop & Dock›Hot Corners…

Still not fixed?

1. Closing a MacBook's lid also locks it, as long as a password is required.

2. If Control-Command-Q does nothing, another app may be using that shortcut. Use the Apple menu instead, and check recently installed utilities for their shortcut settings.

3. If your Mac opens again by itself while you're nearby, your Apple Watch may be set to let you back in automatically. That's handy, but take the watch with you when you walk away, or turn the Apple Watch option off in Touch ID & Password.

   Touch ID & Password

4. If your Mac lets someone straight in after locking even with a password required, contact Apple Support.