Native macOS privacy utility

Protect private apps on your Mac.

AppLockr protects app launches and supports focus-based app locking with Touch ID or password authentication. Files and Automation are available separately when you need them.

Watch demo How the trial works

Buy App stays in the top bar. You can still try AppLockr first without paying.

AppLockr demo
1
Open appLaunch a protected app.
2
AuthenticateUse Touch ID or password.
3
ContinueAllowed users get straight in.
Apple notarizedGatekeeper-friendly distribution
Native macOSSwift and SwiftUI utility
Local-firstDesigned for on-device privacy
No trackingNo ads or telemetry dashboards
Works offlineProtection without cloud dependency
One-time purchase48-hour trial, then €4.99 once
Try first

Download the app without paying first.

The download starts a 48 hour trial. No card is required for the trial, and it is the same AppLockr app you can unlock later if you decide to buy.

  • No card required
  • Try base app protection on your own Mac
  • €4.99 one-time purchase after the trial
User reviews

Loved by early AppLockr users.

Ko-fi supporterVerified short review
★★★★★
“Really useful Mac app. Easy to set up, clean UI, and perfect for keeping private apps locked.”
Ko-fi review
Mac userVerified short review
★★★★★
“AppLockr does exactly what I needed. Simple, fast, and makes my Mac feel much more private.”
Discord review
Trial userVerified short review
★★★★★
“Great little app for locking Messages and Photos. The intruder photo feature is a nice bonus.”
Reddit review
Real Mac privacy moments

For the times a separate macOS account is too much.

AppLockr is for lightweight, everyday privacy: the moment someone borrows your Mac, you share a screen, or a private app is one click away.

ID

Shared Macs

Keep Notes, Mail, Photos, banking apps, or work tools from being casually opened by another person.

TV

Presentations and screen sharing

Avoid awkward surprises when you are switching apps in front of classmates, coworkers, clients, or family.

ED

School and work

Keep work apps from opening during a quick handoff, presentation, or screen share.

FM

Family devices

Let someone use your Mac while keeping your personal apps behind authentication.

FO

Focus reduction

Use focus-based app locks to add friction to distracting apps when you need it.

PR

Personal privacy

Protect the things that feel private, without installing heavy enterprise security software.

Core features

Simple controls, native Mac behavior.

Base AppLockr stays focused on app protection: lock the apps that matter and unlock them quickly when it is you.

1

App locking

Require authentication before selected macOS apps can be opened.

2

Focus-based locks

Re-arm selected app locks when it is time to stay on task.

3

Touch ID unlock

Use Touch ID or password authentication for quick, familiar access.

4

Lock-on-launch

Ask for authentication before protected apps can open.

5

Schedules

Use AppLockr schedules to support a consistent focus routine.

6

Intruder capture

Optionally capture a webcam photo after failed unlock attempts.

7

Menu bar app

Keep AppLockr available without getting in the way of your work.

8

Local-first

Designed for everyday app privacy without an always-online workflow.

Why not Screen Time?

Screen Time was not designed as a fast privacy lock.

Apple Screen Time is useful for parental controls and app limits, but it is not a simple way to protect private apps before someone else opens them. AppLockr focuses on immediate app protection for the person sitting at the Mac.

  • Screen Time: app limits, categories, downtime, parental-control workflows.
  • AppLockr: selected app launches protected with Touch ID or password authentication.
  • Good fit: shared Macs, quick lending, school/work privacy, and presentation safety.
AppLockr app lock controls on macOS
Modules

Expand AppLockr only when you need more.

Files Module and Automation Module are separate one-time add-ons for AppLockr. They are not part of the base app purchase.

F

Files Module

Separate one-time add-on for AppLockr. Choose encrypted Secure Vaults or Finder Shield folder deterrence.

 A

Automation Module

Separate one-time add-on for AppLockr. Build visual workflows in Automation Studio.
macOS setup

Clear setup, no mystery security language.

AppLockr explains required macOS permissions during setup so users understand what they are enabling and why the app needs it for the lock flow.

  • 01Guided permission steps.
    Users see what macOS asks for instead of guessing through system prompts.
  • 02Designed for everyday privacy.
    The app focuses on casual access prevention for personal and shared Macs.
  • 03Easy to review later.
    Important setup and privacy details are also covered in the FAQ and policy pages.
Apple notarized

Built for Gatekeeper trust.

AppLockr is distributed as a native macOS app from an Apple Developer account and is Apple notarized, so macOS Gatekeeper can verify the app before it runs.

  • IDDeveloper ID distribution.
    Made for normal macOS installation, not a browser extension or cloud service.
  • SWSwift and SwiftUI.
    A native app that fits into the macOS environment.
  • NTNotarization visible.
    A clear trust signal for users, reviewers, and directory listings.
AppLockr native macOS dashboard
Local-first privacy

Privacy protection should not create another privacy problem.

AppLockr is intentionally small: no ads, no telemetry, no tracking dashboards, and no always-online account system for day-to-day protection.

Read privacy policy Open FAQ
Guides

Trying to solve a specific Mac privacy problem?

Lock apps on Mac

How to protect selected apps from casual opening.

Password protect apps

What macOS offers, what it does not, and where AppLockr fits.

Files Module

Choose encrypted vaults or lighter Finder-level folder deterrence.

Touch ID app lock

Use familiar biometric unlock for protected Mac apps.

Screen Time alternative

A practical comparison for privacy, not parental controls.

Automation Module

Build tested visual workflows for your Mac routine.

AppLockr vs alternatives

How AppLockr compares with Screen Time, other app lockers, and separate accounts.

About AppLockr

Independent development, native macOS focus, and privacy principles.

Try AppLockr on your own Mac.

Download the 48 hour trial, lock a few apps, and see whether the workflow fits before buying.