Getting started
- Open SafeWake. Its shield appears in the macOS menu bar.
- Choose Watch Mode Screen and select what you want SafeWake to show.
- Choose Start Watch Mode or a timed session.
- Use the on-screen unlock control when you return.
Screen modes
Live Desktop
The running desktop stays visible through a translucent cover, but SafeWake intercepts casual interaction.
SafeWake Logo
The desktop is fully hidden behind the SafeWake icon, running status, timer, and unlock control.
Minimal Privacy
The desktop is fully hidden and only the essential status, timer, and unlock control remain.
Unlock and stop
Choose the on-screen unlock button or the SafeWake menu command. macOS handles Touch ID or password authentication; SafeWake does not receive or store your password or biometric data.
Troubleshooting
The Mac still slept
Confirm SafeWake showed an active status in the menu bar. Shutdown, power loss, force-quit, system policy, and some hardware states can still end a session.
I cannot see the menu bar
Move the pointer to the top edge of the screen. SafeWake hides the menu bar during a full-screen session but keeps it available.
Authentication is unavailable
Confirm your Mac has a login password configured and that Touch ID or password authentication is currently available. Use the development stop script only on a local development build.
Is SafeWake a real system lock?
No. SafeWake is an app-level privacy blocker for casual protection. Use the real macOS Lock Screen whenever you need an operating-system security boundary.