Change Lock Screen settings on Mac
On your Mac, use Lock Screen settings to protect your Mac from malware and tampering.
To change these settings, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Lock Screen 👁 Image
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
Open Lock Screen settings for me
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Turn display off on battery when inactive | Choose how long your Mac can be inactive when running on battery power before the screen saver starts. |
Turn display off on power adapter when inactive | Choose how long your Mac can be inactive when connected to a power adapter before the screen saver starts. |
Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off | Lock your Mac when it’s left in an idle state. When the Mac wakes, a user login password must be entered before the Mac can be used. You can select the amount of time after the screen saver or sleep begins before a password is required. |
Show password hints | Provide a password hint in the login window. The hint is shown if the user clicks the question mark in the password field or enters a password incorrectly three times in a row. |
Show message when locked | Display a short message in the login window when your Mac is locked. The message is shown to any users who attempt to log in. It can also be used to provide contact information for a lost Mac. |
Login window shows | Select what’s displayed in the login window.
|
Show the Sleep, Restart, and Shut Down buttons | Display these buttons in the login window. |
Accessibility Options | Use accessibility options that make it easier to log in to your Mac. See Turn on accessibility options in the login window. |