You may have sensitive files like documents, images, videos, voice notes, that you want to keep private from friends and family (if they ever happen to use your Mac). Thankfully, it is effortless to put a password on a folder to shield it from others. So, without further ado, let’s get to the steps and show you how to encrypt and password protect a folder on your Mac.
Here, first check the “Start at Login” option. It will make sure that AppLocker starts up automatically every time you boot up your Mac and locks all your selected apps. Second, click on the plus sign (+) to add an app. From the new window, search for an app on your Mac and then click on it to instantly add the program to the locked apps list. Or, press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search and type this app’s name. From the top menu bar, click on File → New Image → Image from Folder. Now, select the desired folder you wish to lock and click on Choose. MacID is an application developed and maintained by one person only named Kane. To lock your Mac until you need to access it again, simply press the following key combination: Control + Shift + Eject (or Power, depending on the age of your Mac, or if you’re using an external keyboard on a MacBook). Your computer will lock and the screen will go dark until you move your mouse or tap a key on the keyboard. Near Lock is available for your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch as separate apps. Control multiple Macs User Near Lock to lock and unlock multiple Macs, copy and paste clipboards, take photos on failed login attempts and many more features. Choose an app you want to lock and tap it. If the app you want isn't listed, choose any app. It's just a gateway to get to deeper settings. Tap 'Add Limit.' From here, tap 'Edit Apps' and add all. Well, using Mac App Blocker you can password protect individual applications, with an added security ingrained in the software. Mac App Blocker offers a free, 15-day trial for people who are interested in adding another level of security, beyond the standard administrator password.
How Do I Password Protect a Folder on Mac?
How To Lock An Apple Mac
- Open Disk Utility. For this, open Finder → Applications → Utilities → Disk Utility. Or, press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search and type this app’s name.
- From the top menu bar, click on File → New Image → Image from Folder.
- Now, select the desired folder you wish to lock and click on Choose.
- Optional: For ‘Save As:’ continue with the same name, or you may also change it. Click on ‘Where:’ and choose the desired location to save the disk image. You can move it later as well.
- Important: For ‘Encryption:’ choose 128-bit AES encryption (recommended). The second option here (256-bit) is slower. Please enter the desired password, re-enter it to verify, and finally click on Choose.
- Important: Click on ‘Image Format:’ and choose read/write.
- Finally, click on Save.
You have successfully created a disk image (.dmg file) that is protected with a password. Now, let me show you how to use it.
How to View and Re-Lock the Password Protected Folder on Mac
- Locate the .dmg disk file.
- Double click to open it.
- You will be asked to enter the password. Type the same password you used while creating the disk image and click OK. (Note: Do not check the box for ‘Remember password in my keychain.’ If you do, it may defeat the purpose. The saved password will fill in automatically if someone has your Mac or knows its password.)
- After you enter the password, you will see a disk image on the desktop. It looks similar to an external pen drive. Double click to open it, and you will see the contents in it.
- Important: Now, delete the original folder so that the content inside it is removed from your Mac and is only available inside this password-protected disk image.
- To re-lock the protected folder, right-click and choose Eject “Folder Name.”
- To reopen it, follow the same process from step 1.
Notes:
- This disk image will have almost the same capacity as the size of the original folder. You can freely delete existing content inside it and replace it with other content.
- Do not delete this .dmg file. If you do, everything will be lost.
- If you want to permanently remove the locked folder (and its contents), open Disk Utility, → choose the disk image from the left sidebar, → right-click on it, and choose ‘Delete APFS Volume.’
Signing Off
This is how you can quickly, safely, and freely lock a folder with a password on Mac. I hope this guide was helpful, and you learned something new.
Mac How To Lock An Apple Watch
You can also use third-party apps like Encrypto to encrypt and put a password on individual files and folders.
Want to know more? See how to password protect PDFs and lock notes on Mac.
How To Lock An App On Mac
Finally, here’s an additional tip for you. If you do not want the folder to show up in Spotlight Search, add .noindex after the folder name.
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I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.
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When you walk away from your desk for a restroom break, lunch, or another reason, you run the risk of prying eyes viewing your work and personal data. This is especially important in an office, a library, or if you have a particularly nosy cat. Here’s how to quickly lock your Mac before leaving your desk.
How to Quickly Lock Your Mac From the Keyboard
First, make sure your Mac has password protection enabled. To do this, go to “System Preferences” -> “Security & Privacy” -> “General.” Click the “Require password” checkbox.
While you’re here, set your computer to require the password either immediately to within 5 seconds after the screen goes dark. Even though you can set the password to be required after up to 8 hours after it goes to sleep or the screen saver kicks in, immediately or 5 seconds is the most secure choice. It’s just another layer of protection.
Once you’ve configured those settings, you can close the System Preferences window.
To lock your Mac until you need to access it again, simply press the following key combination: Control + Shift + Eject (or Power, depending on the age of your Mac, or if you’re using an external keyboard on a MacBook). Your computer will lock and the screen will go dark until you move your mouse or tap a key on the keyboard. You’ll then need to enter your password to unlock the computer.
When locking your machine, your apps can continue to run while your computer is locked. This allows you to leave your desk while you’re uploading a file or a similar task.