Lock your Mac instantly and show a 'if found' message — via Apple Support

Hidden settinglow riskmacOS 14 Sonoma and later

One shortcut locks your Mac the moment you walk away. Pair it with 'require password immediately' so no one can wake it without you, and add a lock-screen message with contact details in case it's ever lost.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

  1. Press Control + Command + Q to lock the screen right away.
  2. Open System Settings > Lock Screen and set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately.
  3. On the same page, turn on Show message when locked and click Set to enter a short message, such as an email address to contact if found.
Don't put your home address or other sensitive details in the lock-screen message; anyone who picks up the Mac can read it.

Sources

Source reviewed
2026-11-02
Link checked
2026-11-02
Tested hands-on
Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every macOS version, so keep the undo handy.

lock screenlock macshortcutpasswordlost macmessage

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