Using ProximityLock

Once configured, ProximityLock operates automatically in the background.  This page explains the various indicators and features you'll encounter during day-to-day use.

Main Window Overview

The main window provides a clean, simple interface with four main sections:

• Status Indicator (top) - Shows your current protection status with a colored background
• Selected Device (middle) - Displays your monitoring device, signal threshold, and timeout with quick access to settings
• Enable Monitoring Toggle - One-click enable/disable of automatic locking
• Automatically Start at Login Toggle - Controls whether ProximityLock launches at login

Main Window Status Indicators

The main window provides clear visual feedback about your protection status through the colored status section at the top.  The dock icon also reflects the current state:

Protected (Green)

Green background with shield icon in the main window.

• Status: "Protected"
• Meaning: Your device is detected and within range, your computer is protected
• What to do: Nothing!  Everything is working as expected

Discovering (Orange)

Orange background in the main window.

• Status: "Discovering"
• Meaning: Searching for your selected device, monitoring is starting
• What to do: Wait a few seconds for ProximityLock to find your device

Not Monitoring (Red)

Red background with slashed shield in the main window.

• Status: "Not Monitoring"
• Meaning: Monitoring is turned off or no device is selected
• What to do: Enable monitoring with the toggle switch, or select a device in Settings

Device Out of Range (Yellow)

Yellow background with warning symbol in the main window.

• Status: "Device Out of Range"
• Meaning: Your device has been lost, computer has been locked
• What to do: Unlock your computer when you return.  Monitoring will resume automatically

Dock Icon States

ProximityLock's dock icon changes to reflect the current security status.  Even with the window closed, a quick glance tells you everything:

Disabled Monitoring is OFF	Discovering Searching for your device
Protected Device in range, computer protected	Locking Device out of range (rarely visible)

Background Operation

ProximityLock doesn't need its window open to work.  It's perfectly happy monitoring in the background.  Close the window and it'll keep protecting you:

1. Close the main window using ⌘W or click the red window button
2. ProximityLock continues monitoring in the background
3. The dock icon keeps you informed of the current status
4. Click the dock icon anytime to reopen the window

Testing Features

ProximityLock includes several testing features accessible from the Help menu:

Test Notification

Verifies that notification permissions are working correctly.  You should see a test notification appear on your screen.

If the notification doesn't appear:

• Check System Settings → Notifications → ProximityLock
• Ensure "Allow Notifications" is enabled

Test Lock

Immediately locks your screen to verify that the locking mechanism is working. Save your work first!

If the lock doesn't work:

• Check System Settings → Wallpaper → Screen Saver
• Ensure that it can run by doing a preview
• You'll receive a notification with instructions if it fails

The Enable Monitoring Toggle

The Enable Monitoring toggle switch in the main window controls whether ProximityLock is actively monitoring:

• Blue (ON): Monitoring is active, your computer will lock when your device goes out of range
• Gray (OFF): Monitoring is disabled, your computer will not automatically lock

When to turn monitoring off:

• When you're going to be away from your desk but want to leave your computer unlocked (working from another room)
• When someone else needs to use your computer while you're away
• When you're troubleshooting or testing settings

Quick Access to Settings

Click the Settings... button next to your device name to quickly:

• View real-time signal strength
• Adjust threshold or timeout
• Switch to a different monitoring device
• Check historical lock events

Notifications

ProximityLock sends notifications to keep you informed:

Lock Notifications

When your computer is locked because your device went out of range, you'll receive a notification confirming the lock occurred.  This helps you understand when and why your computer was locked.

Lock Failure Notifications

If ProximityLock tries to lock your screen but fails (due to permission issues), you'll receive a time-sensitive notification with instructions on how to fix the problem.  These notifications are marked as high-priority so they won't be missed.

Sleep and Wake Behavior

ProximityLock is smart about your computer's sleep state:

• When your computer sleeps: ProximityLock automatically pauses monitoring to save battery
• When your computer wakes: Monitoring resumes automatically if it was previously enabled
• Already locked computer: ProximityLock doesn't try to lock a sleeping or already-locked computer

Keyboard Shortcuts

ProximityLock supports standard macOS keyboard shortcuts:

• ⌘W - Close window (monitoring continues in background)
• ⌘Q - Quit ProximityLock completely (stops monitoring)
• ⌘, - Open Settings (same as clicking Settings... button)

Menu Bar Features

ProximityLock Menu

• About ProximityLock - Version and copyright information
• Settings... - Quick access to settings window (⌘,)
• Quit ProximityLock - Exit the application (⌘Q)

Help Menu

• ProximityLock Help - Opens this help system
• Test Notification - Sends a test notification
• Test Lock - Immediately locks your screen

Daily Usage Tips

• Check the dock icon regularly to verify monitoring is active
• Watch for notifications if your computer locks unexpectedly.  It might indicate you need to adjust your threshold
• Keep your device charged and Bluetooth enabled for reliable monitoring
• Review the signal graph periodically to see if your settings are still optimal as your environment changes
• Enable auto-start at login (see Auto-Start at Login) for automatic protection

For more answers see the FAQ page.

© 2025-2026 - Michael Sinz