Troubleshooting

Most issues with ProximityLock have simple fixes.  Let's get you back up and running.

Screen Locking Not Working

If ProximityLock shows "Protected" status but your screen doesn't lock when you walk away:

ProximityLock uses the macOS Screen Saver to lock the screen - make sure it is not disabled:

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Wallpaper
3. Click Screen Saver button
4. Make sure it has some configuration that works (try previewing it)

2.  Verify Lock Screen Settings

ProximityLock can trigger the screen saver, but macOS decides if it requires a password:

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Lock Screen
3. Enable "Require password immediately after sleep or screen saver begins"

3.  Test Lock Functionality

Before trusting ProximityLock with your security:

1. Save your work first!
2. Go to Help → Test Lock
3. Your screen should lock immediately
4. If it doesn't lock, check the notification for specific instructions

Device Not Detected

Can't find your device in the list?  Here's what to check:

1.  Check Bluetooth is Enabled

• On your computer: System Settings → Bluetooth (ensure it's turned on)
• On your device: Settings → Bluetooth (ensure it's turned on)

2.  Device Advertising

Some Bluetooth devices only advertise when they're not connected to other devices:

• Try disconnecting your device from other Bluetooth accessories temporarily
• Check if your device has a "discoverable" mode and enable it
• Some devices advertise infrequently.  Give ProximityLock a minute to detect it

3.  Move Device Closer

Try moving the device closer to your computer during initial detection.  Bluetooth range can vary depending on obstacles and interference.

4.  BLE Devices Work Best

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices provide more consistent signal strength readings.  Most modern devices are BLE:

• iPhone (all recent models)
• Apple Watch
• AirPods and AirPods Pro
• Most fitness trackers
• Newer Bluetooth earbuds and headphones

The best devices are those that you keep on your person - such as the Apple Watch or iPhone.  If you leave it near the computer when you walk away, ProximityLock would still see it near the computer and thus not activate.

5.  Rescan for Devices

In the Settings window, devices are scanned continuously.  Wait a moment and your device should appear.  If it doesn't show up after a minute, try restarting Bluetooth on both devices.

False Disconnects (Computer Locks While Device is Nearby)

Computer locking while your device is sitting right there on your desk?  Frustrating, but easy to fix.  The signal graph will show you exactly what's happening:

1.  Open Settings and Observe the Signal Graph

1. Click Settings... in the main window
2. Watch the blue signal line in real-time
3. Look for frequent drops into the red zone (below the threshold line)
4. Check if your typical signal strength hovers near the threshold

2.  Analyze the Pattern

The graph shows historical data that helps you understand what's happening:

• If the blue line frequently dips into the red zone → threshold may be too high
• If signal is consistently green but you're getting locks → timeout may be too short
• Look at the "Current: -XX dBm" reading at the top left for live signal strength

3.  Lower the Threshold

Make the system less sensitive:

1. Drag the circular threshold handle DOWN on the right side of the graph
2. Watch the red dashed line move down
3. Try lowering it to -75 or -80 dBm to start
4. This enlarges the green "safe" zone

4.  Increase the Timeout

Give more time for brief signal drops to recover:

1. Drag the Signal Timeout slider to the RIGHT
2. Increase from 12 seconds to 15-20 seconds
3. This accounts for missed Bluetooth advertisements due to interference

5.  Test Your Changes

With the Settings window still open:

• Watch the graph for 2-3 minutes to see the pattern with new settings
• Signal should stay mostly in the green zone during normal use
• Brief dips into red are okay if your timeout is long enough
• Click OK when satisfied, then test by walking away briefly

6.  Reduce Interference

If the signal graph shows erratic, rapid fluctuations:

• Move away from Wi-Fi routers
• Keep distance from microwave ovens when in use
• Reduce nearby Bluetooth devices if possible
• These can cause visible interference on the graph

Notifications Not Appearing

If ProximityLock is locking your computer but you're not receiving notifications:

1.  Check Notification Permission

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Notifications
3. Find ProximityLock in the list
4. Ensure "Allow Notifications" is enabled

2.  Test Notifications

1. Go to Help → Test Notification
2. A test notification should appear on your screen
3. If it doesn't appear, double-check step 1

3.  Adjust Notification Style

In System Settings → Notifications → ProximityLock:

• Set notification style to "Alerts" instead of "Banners"
• Alerts stay on screen until dismissed
• Banners disappear after a few seconds and can be easily missed

ProximityLock Not Starting at Login

If ProximityLock doesn't launch when you log in:

1.  Check the In-App Setting

1. In the main ProximityLock window, find the "Automatically start at login" toggle
2. Make sure it is turned ON — the change takes effect immediately

2.  Check Login Items

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to General → Login Items & Extensions
3. Check if ProximityLock is in the "Open at Login" list
4. If not, click + and add ProximityLock.app from Applications

High CPU Usage or Battery Drain

ProximityLock is designed to be very efficient, but if you're experiencing performance issues:

1.  Check for Excessive Devices

If you're in an environment with hundreds of Bluetooth devices broadcasting constantly, this can impact performance.  ProximityLock automatically cleans up old devices, but extremely busy environments may cause higher CPU usage.

2.  Verify Sleep Behavior

ProximityLock should automatically pause when your computer sleeps.  If you notice battery drain:

• Check Activity Monitor to see if ProximityLock is running while your computer is asleep
• Try quitting and restarting ProximityLock

Settings Not Saving

If your device selection or threshold settings don't persist:

1.  Click OK to Save

Make sure you're clicking the blue OK button in the Settings window.  The Cancel button discards changes.

2.  Check File Permissions

ProximityLock stores settings in your user preferences.  If settings aren't saving, there may be a permissions issue with your Library folder.

Bluetooth Permission Issues

If ProximityLock isn't detecting any devices at all:

Grant Bluetooth Permission

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security → Bluetooth
3. Ensure ProximityLock is in the list and enabled
4. If it's not in the list, restart ProximityLock to trigger the permission prompt

General Troubleshooting Steps

If you're experiencing issues not covered above:

1. Restart ProximityLock: Quit (⌘Q) and relaunch the app
2. Restart Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and on in System Settings
3. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes a fresh start solves mysterious issues
4. Check for Updates: Make sure you're running the latest version of ProximityLock

Still Having Problems?

If none of the above solutions work:

• Double-check that your computer meets the System Requirements
• Verify your device is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device for best results
• Try selecting a different monitoring device to rule out device-specific issues
• Use the test features (Test Notification, Test Lock) to isolate the problem

For more answers see the FAQ page.

© 2025-2026 - Michael Sinz