Start the screen saver after inactivity

Set a screen saver or display timeout and require a password immediately after the screen saver starts or the display turns off. This helps protect information that may be visible when you step away from your Mac.

How to fix it

macOS 13 and later

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then select Lock Screen in the sidebar.
  2. Choose an inactivity period that fits your environment for starting the screen saver or turning off the display.
  3. Set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately.

The names and available timeouts can vary slightly by macOS version and Mac model.

Lock Screen settings in macOS, showing the screen saver and password options

macOS 10.11 – 12

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “Desktop & Screen Saver”
  2. Click the Screen Saver tab. Screen savers appear on left side of the window, and a preview of the selected screen saver appears on the right.
  3. In “Start after,” choose a short time that fits your environment.
  4. Ensure in the Screen saver options, that your computer name is not shown.
Screen Saver settings in an earlier version of macOS

Require a password after the screen saver begins

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “Security & Privacy” > “General”
  2. Set “Require password” to “Immediately”.
Security and Privacy settings showing the Require password option

More information

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Other security setting to check

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TIP AND DISCLAIMER!

Keep in mind: not every security and privacy setting is suitable for everyone. Enhancing the security can lead in losing functionality and/or comfort.
Before making changes, please backup your Mac! Do not make too many change at once. After changing your Mac, check if your normal usage of your Mac has changed in a way which fits to you. Are your really willing to loose some functionality and/or comfort?
Most important is, that you learn and understand what are the advantages and disadvantages of the security settings and that you are aware about the capabilities and risks of your Mac configuration.

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CHECK RESULTS BY SIMPLEUMCHECK DO NOT COVER ALL ASPECTS OF POSSIBLE SECURITY CHECKS OR MAYBE INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE. THE RESULTS ARE ONLY CLUES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE SECURITY AND PRIVACY ON THE MAC.

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