Add a message to your Mac’s login screen with contact information, login instructions, inspirational quotes, or more.
Security is an important part of any modern operating system, and macOS offers a range of tools you can use to secure your device. Some features, such as FileVault, are obvious and will even show up during installation, while others are easy to miss if you don’t look for them. For example, did you know you can create a custom message for your Mac’s login screen?
This simple security feature has a range of possible uses. Let’s see how to set a custom login screen message on your Mac.
How to set a custom login screen message
A login or lock screen message can serve multiple purposes. For example, having macOS display your contact information after it starts could help someone return your device if it goes missing.
Also, if more than one person uses your Mac, especially in a public or office environment, you can present instructions on how to sign in to a macOS guest account or something similar. And if you don’t want anyone else to use your device, adding a warning or threat to the login screen can help deter unauthorized users. Again, this may just encourage them.
Here’s how to set a custom login screen message in macOS:
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.
- Unlock it Security padlock in the lower left corner using your administrator’s password.
- Check Display a message when the screen is locked and click Set lock message.
- Enter your message and click OKAY.
If you have FileVault enabled, the message will not appear on the initial login screen. However, it will show up on the lock and login screens once you decrypt the drive and load macOS.
Mac login messages serve multiple purposes
Although you can use a login screen message as a security measure or as an instructional note, you can also use it as a personalization tool. The same way you can decorate a home or office, adding a few personal touches to your Mac can help personalize it.
That said, there’s a fine line between style and distraction, so try not to get too wacky with it.
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