How to Secure Your MacBook Pro 2016 Keyboard: A Comprehensive Guide
Securing your MacBook Pro 2016 keyboard is crucial to protect your data from accidental key presses when you're away from your device. This guide will walk you through various methods to lock your keyboard effectively. Whether you prefer using built-in features like screen savers or third-party applications, this article covers it all.
Method 1: Screen Saver Lock
One of the simplest methods to secure your MacBook Pro keyboard is by setting up a screen saver and requiring a password after activation.
Go to System Preferences Desktop Screen Saver
Choose a screen saver and set the time for its activation.
Go to System Preferences Security Privacy
Under the General tab, check the box for Show utilities from the menu bar.
Check the box for Require password [time interval] after sleep or screen saver begins.
Method 2: Hot Corners for Quick Access
For those who prefer a quicker way to activate the screen saver, you can use Hot Corners.
Go to System Preferences Desktop Screen Saver
Click on the Screen Saver tab and then the Hot Corners option.
Assign one of the corners to Start Screen Saver.
Now moving your cursor to that corner will activate the screen saver and lock your keyboard.
Method 3: Terminal Command for Temporary Locking
For times when you need a quick, temporary lock, you can use a Terminal command. However, be cautious as this method may affect system functionality.
Open the Terminal application.
Type the following command to disable the keyboard:
bash
sudo kextunload -b
To re-enable the keyboard, use the following command:
bash
sudo kextload -b
Method 4: Third-Party Applications
For more advanced users, third-party applications offer a range of locking capabilities.
Keyboard Locker: A simple utility that can lock your keyboard with a hotkey.
KeyFreeze: This application locks the keyboard and mouse input allowing you to keep the screen active without accidental input.
Note: Always be cautious when using Terminal commands and third-party applications. Ensure you have a way to regain control of your device if something goes wrong.
Additional Tips
For users seeking additional security, here's an alternative method to temporarily lock your keyboard:
Go to System Preferences Accessibility.
Scroll down to the Mouse Trackpad section.
Check the box for Ignore Built-in Keyboard when Mouse Keys is On.
Press Option/Alt five times to disable the keyboard.
Press Option/Alt five times again to re-enable the keyboard.
By following these steps, you can effectively secure your MacBook Pro 2016 keyboard, enhancing both security and peace of mind.