DeviceHowTo
macOS⏱ 3 min

How to Enable Screen Lock / Passcode on macOS

Set up a PIN, password, or biometric lock to protect your device.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS screen lock is layered: System Settings > Lock Screen controls when the screen locks and when a password is required after sleep, while System Settings > Touch ID & Password sets the authentication method itself. Enabling Require Password Immediately (rather than after a delay) means the Mac is protected the moment the display sleeps, which is important for portable use in public spaces. Touch ID on Macbooks provides fast biometric unlock without the screen going to a password prompt, and macOS 13 Ventura extended Touch ID unlock to external Bluetooth keyboards as well for desktop Mac users.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password (or Login Password on non-Touch ID Macs). Click Turn Password On and set a secure password.
  2. 2Set screen lock to activate after 30 seconds to 1 minute of inactivity for security without interruption.
  3. 3Biometric unlock (fingerprint, face) is the recommended default — PIN or password always remains as the backup.

Still Not Working?

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Verify the Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most secure screen lock type for macOS?
A strong alphanumeric password is the most secure option, but modern biometrics (Face ID on iPhone, fingerprint on Android) provide strong security with far better usability. A 6-digit PIN is a reasonable minimum. Avoid 4-digit PINs, patterns, and swipe-only locks for any device with sensitive data.
How do I set up fingerprint unlock on macOS?
Go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password and click Add Fingerprint. Scan your finger as prompted. Available on MacBooks with Touch Bar or Touch ID button.
How long should my macOS wait before locking?
30 seconds to 1 minute is the recommended balance between security and convenience for most users. Very short intervals (15 seconds) are appropriate for high-security environments. Setting it to Never is only appropriate for a desktop in a physically secure, private location.
What happens if I forget my macOS screen lock PIN or password?
Restart into Recovery Mode (hold Command + R on Intel Mac, or hold the power button on Apple Silicon). Use Utilities > Reset Password to create a new password.

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