macOS provides multiple methods to protect the data on a Mac: a user account password, encryption via FileVault, and optional low-level security measure that prevents starting up from storage devices other than the selected startup disk. That's known as the firmware password or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) lock, which will also block the user's ability to use all startup key combinations, except the NVRAM or PRAM reset combinations. This command (Option + Command + P + R), however, will initiate the machine from macOS Recovery instead.
- Mac Lock Shortcut
- How To Lock Mac Computer
- Image Lock For Mac Catalina
- Image Lock For Mac Os
- Mac Os Lock Screen
Choose from hundreds of free lock-screen wallpapers. Download HD wallpapers for free on Unsplash. Boot up your Mac, and you should not see the firmware lock again. Disable the Password With Firmware Password Utility. Restart your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys to enter Recovery Mode. When the Utilities screen appears, go the Utilities menu bar, and select “Firmware Password Utility”. Choose to turn the Firmware Password off. On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Preferences, then click Users & Groups. How to change the lock screen on your Mac computer First of all, find an image that you want to use as your new lock screen. Make sure it's a.png file, and fits the resolution of your computer. Choose from hundreds of free Mac wallpapers. Download HD wallpapers for free on Unsplash.
The Lost Mode feature of Find My Mac will remotely lock the Mac with a firmware password for one-time use. The user's Mac receives the lock instruction from iCloud, restarts, and asks for the system lock PIN code that they set up. After entering the passcode the Mac starts up from the designated startup disk and disables the passcode.
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A firmware password is not the same as the administrator password or login password. It's a separate password that appears immediately after boot and must be entered into the system lock screen, which appears as a lock symbol on either a black or a gray background.
Firmware Passcode Security
Low-level passwords are quite secure, which also means there is potentially a headache if the password is forgotten. If you or any of your users can't remember the firmware password or passcode, know that Apple doesn’t allow for any workarounds, but instead recommends scheduling a service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. The process requires the original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.
Earlier versions of macOS required manual installation of the firmware but, starting in 2015, Apple began bundling EFI updates with the macOS updates in order to deliver security patches to all users. But as security firm Duo Labs discovered in late 2017, some Macs aren't getting the right firmware, which makes them vulnerable to hackers. They recommend checking the firmware version and updating if needed.
Firmware Passcode Location
On Intel-based Macs shipped before 2011, the firmware password was stored in the PRAM and read by the system EFI firmware before other PRAM variables. That lead to a serious security issue, allowing the firmware to be revealed in a native macOS app and weakening the enhanced security Apple had hoped to introduce with the addition of the firmware password.
In 2011, however, Apple added an important change to the system: the firmware password was moved to a separate programmable controller from Atmel. This component contains lockable flash memory to store the password and requires special programming with identifier numbers for both the Mac's motherboard and the Atmel chip to access and reset it.
Since the controller is an independent component, the only way to bypass it is to manually remove it from the motherboard, but this requires highly precise reflow soldering tools and techniques.
Bypassing the Mac Firmware Password on MacBooks With Upgradeable RAM
This hardware hack works on both Intel- and Motorola-based MacBooks and requires users to remove the RAM and reinstall it. You can check our guide on how to remove the RAM on MacBooks for further reading.
- Shut down your computer and remove the battery.
- Locate your RAM, remove one of the RAM modules and put it aside.
- Put the battery in, and boot your computer while holding the Command + Option + P + R keys to reset the parameter RAM.
- Wait for the chime to sound three times.
- Release the keys and shut down the computer.
- Remove the battery again, and reinsert the RAM module.
- Put the battery back in.
- Boot up your Mac, and you should not see the firmware lock again.
Disable the Password With Firmware Password Utility
- Restart your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys to enter Recovery Mode.
- When the Utilities screen appears, go the Utilities menu bar, and select “Firmware Password Utility”.
- Choose to turn the Firmware Password off.
If none of the above methods worked, there are still two more options to try: either have Apple do it for you, so long as you have the original receipt or invoice, or alternatively use any of the EFI lock bypass hardware kits available for sale on various sites. In using one of these EFI lock hardware bypass methods you’ll almost certainly void your warranty, so it is down to you whether you want to risk the procedure.
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This article applies to: Secure Your Computer and Mobile Device
Mac Lock Shortcut
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).
You can also lock your screen manually using a Hot Corner.
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.
How To Lock Mac Computer
How to Set Up a Hot Corner to Lock Your Screen Manually
Image Lock For Mac Catalina
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
Image Lock For Mac Os
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.
Mac Os Lock Screen
The screen saver starts. Your password is required to start using the computer again.