How to Lock the Keyboard on a Mac? [Solved!]

People are lured to Macbooks because they are sleek and shiny gadgets. Small children and even dogs are sometimes included, but those are the last people you want meddling with your Mac. This is the place to go if you need a quick solution to lock your Mac’s keyboard to prevent any form of interference.

To lock a Mac keyboard, use a third-party tool like Karabiner Element, Lockey, or Keyboard Locker, or simply lock the entire computer. When the keyboard is locked with an app, people can still use their Mac, but they can’t unlock it with key shortcuts.

Locking a Macbook keyboard can be useful when you least expect it. Below this line, you’ll find instructions on how to lock your keyboard, clean it, cat-proof it, and a few other helpful hints. Hopefully, these pointers will assist anyone in gaining a better understanding of how to efficiently safeguard their Macbook!

How to Lock the Keyboard on a MacBook

When it comes to protecting a Mac keyboard from small children, wandering cats, or simply putting it aside while watching a movie, locking it is often necessary. However, anyone who wishes to do so must possess the necessary information. Here are a couple of different ways to lock your Mac keyboard!

Apps Created by Others

It’s sometimes worthwhile to download a couple of apps to assist you to control your Mac’s system and keyboard. Apps like Karabiner Element, Lockey, and Keyboard Locker will lock your Mac’s keyboard while keeping the screen on. If you ever needed to watch a movie or listen to music on your Mac without using the keyboard, this is the way to go.

However, as the Mac operating system evolves, some of these apps may cease to function. If you can’t lock your keyboard using any of these apps when your Mac gets updated, you’ll have to find a new one.

One of the most popular third-party software for locking your Mac keyboard is Karabiner Element. To use Karabiner Element to lock your keyboard, do the following:

1. Open the Karabiner Element program you just downloaded.
2. In the search box, type “disable.”
3. Select the box that corresponds to the internal keyboard by clicking on it.

Locking the Entire Computer

It isn’t much you can do to lock only the keyboard on your Mac if you don’t want to download a third-party tool. You can, however, secure the entire computer.

You can lock your Mac by pressing Control+Shift+Power Button, or you can put it to sleep by pressing Option+Command+Power Button. Both of these options turn off your keyboard, but they also turn off the rest of your computer. If you have a MacBook, you can simply close the lid, however, this stops you from using the keyboard altogether. (Source) \Settings

Do the following to operate your Mac while the keyboard is locked:

1. Open the System Preferences window.
2. Navigate to the Accessibility icon.
3. Click the “Options” button in the upper right corner.
4. Make a checkbox next to “Ignore Built-In Trackpad When Mouse Keys is On” by clicking the box.
5. “OK” should be selected.
6. Close the System Preferences window

The Mac Keyboard Can Be Locked and Cat-Proofed

If you have a cat and a Macbook, you’ve probably had the annoying experience of the wandering cat coming over and sleeping on the laptop keyboard once it’s warmed up. While some may find this adorable, it ignores the fact that the computer is also utilized for other, more vital and practical purposes. Here are some helpful hints for cat-proofing your Mac.

To lock the keyboard, you can use any of the methods listed above. However, using an external monitor is one of the most common techniques to keep the cat off your keyboard. By connecting an extra keyboard and monitor, a person can keep their laptop closed the entire time. This will deter the cat from lying on the laptop, particularly when it is in use.

Another suggestion is to keep the Macbook somewhere where the cat is unlikely to try to use it. A desk or a couch don’t always work because a cat can get up and make itself at home in both of those areas.

Consider typing on a kitchen counter or bar, or somewhere else where the cat isn’t allowed to sit on the computer or distract the human typing or doing any work. This isn’t exactly locking the keyboard, but it should help solve the problem.

Another idea is to retire to a private bedroom and shut the door if nothing else seems to be working and it’s becoming tempting to strangle the cat. While the cat is trapped inside, you can go outdoors and get some fresh air.

Cleaning and Locking

Knowing how to clean a Mac is a smart way to take care of it, in addition to locking the keyboard from bothersome cats. If the keyboard is still on and in the way, finding the screen messed up will be a nightmare, as cleaning it has touched far too many keys.

Before cleaning the Mac, make sure the keyboard is locked; otherwise, if the wrong keys are pressed at the wrong moment, it will be a mess to clean up.

Here are a few cleaning suggestions that can be used for any product:

• Make use of lint-free cloths.
• Towels, paper towels, and abrasive towels should be avoided.
• Excessive wiping can result in damage.
• Disconnect any external power sources and wires.
• Nobody likes being shocked.
• There should be no liquids around or dampness in any holes.
• Overall, when it comes to liquids and electronics, simply be cautious.
• Aerosol sprays, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide should not be used.
• Lysol and Clorox Kitchen disinfecting wipes are two cleaners Apple recommends for cleaning. The following are some more particular wipes:
• Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol
• Wipe with 75% ethyl alcohol

These tips and methods can help you lock the keyboard and prevent animals and dust from ruining your Mac experience. Cleaning, preventing catwalks, and using the keyboard lock should be all that are required for a person to have the finest computer experience possible.