Automatically lock and unlock Mac via Bluetooth

You can lock and unlock your Macs automatically via Bluetooth. So your data on Mac is automatically protected from others as soon as you leave your work place.

Automatic Bluetooth lock with your smartphone

You have two options for this convenience in the workplace: you can either connect your smartphone to your Mac or wear a stylish Bluetooth gadget on your body. Both work on the same principle: If the Bluetooth connection is interrupted, your Mac automatically activates the screen saver and password. When you come back to the computer, the Bluetooth connection is automatically restored and the computer is unlocked.

• It is particularly easy to implement with the iPhone app "Knock" and the Mac app of the same name. Install the two tools and pair the devices via Bluetooth.
• The way to unlock the Mac is particularly nice: If you tap the iPhone, you no longer have to enter a password. The app is very easy to use and is particularly quick to use.
• Owners of an Android or Windows phone use the free Mac app "Proximity". You don't need an extra app for your smartphone here.
• Simply pair your smartphone with your Mac via Bluetooth. You can then make the settings conveniently in the Mac app from the system bar.

Alternative: lock and unlock Mac via Bluetooth with gadgets

Alternatively, you can use the "Sesame" key from Atama. It does the same job.

• An advantage of the gadget is that your smartphone battery is not burdened by the running Bluetooth and the button cell of the key should last for several months.
• Sesame is only the size of a lighter, so it does not interfere with the keychain, but costs just under 40 euros. Thanks to Bluetooth 4.0 and a low-energy mode, the battery performance of your MacBooks should not suffer from this convenience, according to the manufacturer.

With the Bluetooth variants, you can log into your Mac, but forgotten passwords do not replace the gadgets. Read another practical tip on how to restore your forgotten admin password.