What does a keyboard lock actually do?

Mac Input Lock intercepts local keyboard, mouse, and trackpad input while the app is locked. A brush across the keys cannot type into the app underneath, and a trackpad click cannot move you to another window. Your screen stays visible; calls and playback continue normally.

It is a convenience for avoiding accidental input, including during a quick dry dusting. For cleaning with a damp cloth or cleaning products, follow Apple's shutdown instructions. You do not need to buy an app to shut down or disconnect a keyboard.

Shut down

Follow physical-cleaning guidance

Stops the computer. Use the manufacturer-recommended approach for the cleaning you are doing.

Lock Screen or sleep

Protect access or save power

Neither is a dedicated input lock. Keys can still wake the Mac or act on the login screen.

Input lock

Keep the current screen visible

Blocks accidental typing and clicks while software continues. It does not provide password security.

Set up Mac Input Lock

  1. Install and open the app

    Drag Mac Input Lock into Applications, then open it. It requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later on an Apple Silicon or Intel Mac. Find the padlock in the menu bar. If it is hidden, reopen the app from Applications or Spotlight to bring up its full controls.

  2. Allow Accessibility access

    In System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility, enable Mac Input Lock. The app uses this powerful system permission to intercept input events and recognize your unlock sequence locally. It does not record or transmit your typing.

  3. Choose and test an unlock sequence

    Use one or more visible, case-sensitive characters you can remember. For example, unlock is different from Unlock. Lock and unlock once before relying on it. A long, distinctive sequence is less likely to be typed accidentally; this is not a security password.

Current Mac Input Lock controls with the demonstration sequence unlock, Start button, and instant shortcut
The full control window is available even when the menu-bar icon is hidden. Screenshot: Mac Input Lock 1.3.2.

Lock, then unlock when you are ready

Press Start for a five-second countdown. To lock immediately, press Control–Option–Command–D (⌃⌥⌘D). The shortcut works while the app is running and ready to lock.

01Start or ⌃⌥⌘D

Choose the countdown or lock instantly.

02Input is locked

The screen stays visible. Typing and clicks stop.

03Type to unlock

Enter your key sequence, or press ⌃⌥⌘D again.

The same shortcut restores input instantly; your chosen sequence also works. Mac Input Lock blocks built-in and connected keyboards, mice, trackpads, scrolling, dragging, and media-key events that pass through the macOS session event stream. Hardware controls outside that stream, including the physical power button, remain controlled by macOS.

If input does not come back

First try the exact case-sensitive unlock sequence and Control–Option–Command–D. While locked, clicking the menu or using ordinary Force Quit is not a practical fallback because those inputs are blocked.

If neither unlock method works, hold the physical power or Touch ID button until your Mac turns off, then restart. Unsaved work may be lost. Mac Input Lock does not automatically relock after restarting.

If input is already working but you cannot find the padlock, reopen Mac Input Lock. You can enable Show Mac Input Lock in the Dock in its controls for another way to find it.

Choose the tool for your use

A dedicated cleaning tool may be the better fit if you want dark screens or a cleaning timer. Read our KeyboardCleanTool alternatives comparison. For videos, family calls, audio stories, and photo slideshows, see Guided Access for Mac.

The official signed, notarized app costs $9 once and includes automatic updates. The MIT source is free to build yourself.