Quick Start

Let's get ProximityLock protecting your computer.  This takes under 5 minutes, and most of it is just selecting your device.  We designed the defaults to work right away, so you can fine-tune later if you want to.

1 Grant Permissions

When you first launch ProximityLock, allow access when prompted:

• Bluetooth - To scan for your devices
• Notifications - To alert you when your computer locks

If you need to check or change permissions later, see Settings - Permissions.

2 Select Your Device

In the ProximityLock window:

1. Click the Settings... button
2. Find your device in the list (iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, etc.)
3. Click the selection indicator next to your device
4. Click OK

3 Enable Monitoring & Auto-Start

In the main window, turn on both switches:

1. Toggle Enable Monitoring ON (the switch turns blue).  The status at the top should show "Protected" with a green background.
2. Toggle Automatically start at login ON so ProximityLock protects you after every restart — no need to remember to launch it.

You're done!  Your computer is now protected.

Test It!

Before trusting ProximityLock with your security, verify everything works:

Enable Screen Lock Password (Critical for Security)

ProximityLock activates your screen saver when your device goes out of range.  This macOS setting is what actually requires a password when the screen saver is active.  Without it, the screen saver provides no security.

Test Screen Locking

1. Save your work first!
2. Go to Help → Test Lock
3. Your screen should lock immediately
4. Enter your password to unlock

Test Proximity Monitoring

1. Make sure monitoring is enabled (blue toggle)
2. Walk away from your computer with your monitoring device
3. Your computer should lock within your timeout period (default: 12 seconds)
4. Return and unlock your computer

Optional: Fine-Tune Your Settings

We set the defaults (threshold: -70 dBm, timeout: 12 seconds) to work in most environments.  You really don't need to change anything unless:

• Your computer locks when you're still at your desk (threshold too high or timeout too short)
• Your computer doesn't lock when you walk to another room (threshold too low)
• You want faster locking when you leave

If You Need to Adjust

Open Settings... and watch the real-time signal graph:

• Signal Threshold - Drag the red line on the graph to adjust sensitivity
  • Lower (e.g., -80 dBm) = Need to go farther away to trigger lock
  • Higher (e.g., -60 dBm) = Locks sooner, more sensitive
• Timeout - How long to wait before locking (default: 12 seconds)
  • Shorter = Faster locking but more false alarms
  • Longer = More patient, fewer false alarms

For detailed information about tuning these settings, see Settings.

For more answers see the FAQ page.

Learn More

• Using ProximityLock - Understand the status indicators and daily operation
• How It Works - Learn about proximity monitoring technology
• Troubleshooting - Solutions to common problems

© 2025-2026 - Michael Sinz