If you regularly work in a crowded office, study in a university library, or travel with your MacBook, there is always a risk that you could misplace it or someone could accidentally grab the wrong identical silver laptop. To help ensure your computer gets returned to you, you can configure macOS to display your name, phone number, or a custom reward message directly on the lock screen—even before the password is entered.
How to Set a Lock Screen Message
This setting is built directly into the macOS System Settings.
- Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings… from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll down the left-hand sidebar and click on Lock Screen.
- Look for the option labelled Show message when locked and click the toggle switch to turn it On.
- A new Set… button will appear right next to the toggle. Click it.
- A text box will pop up. Type your custom message here. (e.g., “If found, please call 555-0198. Reward offered!”)
- Click the blue OK button to save your message.
To test it, you can instantly lock your Mac by pressing Control + Command + Q on your keyboard. Your new custom message will appear in small text near the bottom of the screen, just below the password entry box, visible to anyone who turns on the computer.