The lock mac shortcut is Control + Command + Q. The screen switches to the login window straight away, your apps keep running, and you need your password or Touch ID to get back in.
It works on every Mac and MacBook running a recent version of macOS. Older guides mention Control + Shift + Power, which turns the display off; that only locks if the Mac asks for the password immediately after sleep.
Quick facts
Lock
Control + Command + QDisplay off
Control + Shift + PowerTouch ID key
A short press locks on many MacBooksHot corner
Move the pointer to a set cornerUnlock
Password or Touch IDWindows
Win + L
Lock mac shortcut and other ways
| Method | Keys or action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard shortcut | Control + Command + Q | Fastest, always works |
| Apple menu | Apple menu, then Lock Screen | Same result |
| Touch ID key | Short press | On MacBooks with Touch ID |
| Display off | Control + Shift + Power | Needs the password setting below |
| Hot corner | Pointer to a chosen screen corner | Set in Desktop and Dock settings |
Make the Mac ask for the password immediately
- Open System Settings, then Lock Screen.
- Set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately.
- Optionally set Start Screen Saver when inactive to a few minutes.
With this setting, sleeping the display, closing the lid or starting the screen saver all lock the Mac, not just the shortcut. On a work laptop, your organisation may already enforce this.
Set up a hot corner to lock
In System Settings, open Desktop and Dock and click Hot Corners at the bottom. Choose Lock Screen for one corner, such as bottom right. From then on, flicking the pointer into that corner locks the Mac without touching the keyboard, which is handy when you stand up in a hurry.
When the lock shortcut does nothing
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Control + Command + Q quits an app | You pressed Command + Q only; add Control |
| Display turns off but no password asked | Set the password to Immediately in Lock Screen settings |
| Shortcut changed | Check Keyboard Shortcuts in System Settings |
| Mac locks too often | Increase the inactivity time in Lock Screen settings |
Locking, sleeping or logging out
Locking keeps everything open and is right for short breaks. Sleep, with the lid closed or Option + Command + Power, also saves power and locks if the password setting is on. Logging out with Shift + Command + Q closes your apps, which suits shared family Macs at the end of the day. Shutting down is best when you will not use the Mac for a long time or are travelling. In an office, a quick lock before every coffee break is usually enough, and it takes less than a second with the keys.
Lock on Windows and more Mac keys
On Windows the same job is Win + L; see the lock screen shortcut key. Shutting down and sleep on a Mac are covered in Mac shutdown and sleep, and the rest under Mac shortcut keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to lock a Mac?
How do I lock a MacBook with keys?
The same Control + Command + Q, or a short press of Touch ID.
Does locking close my apps?
No. Apps keep running behind the lock screen.
Why does my Mac not ask for a password after sleep?
Set Require password to Immediately in Lock Screen settings.
Can I lock a Mac without the keyboard?
Yes, with a hot corner or the Apple menu.