3 Simple Ways to Clear Locked Apps on Mac

Locked App on Mac

Unlock the Unbreakable: A Guide to Conquering Locked Apps on Your Mac

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Have you ever found yourself in the frustrating predicament of an app rebellion on your Mac, stubbornly refusing to open its doors? Fear not, fellow Mac users! This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the labyrinth of locked apps, providing you with the means to reclaim your digital freedom. Whether it’s a forgotten password, a mischievous child’s prank, or a software glitch, follow along as we unveil the secrets to unlocking your applications with ease and efficiency.

Firstly, let’s explore the avenues available for unlocking locked apps on macOS. One method involves utilizing the “Keychain Access” utility, a built-in tool that securely stores passwords and other sensitive data. By accessing the keychain, you can potentially retrieve the forgotten password for the locked application. Alternatively, if you’ve enabled FileVault disk encryption, you may be able to reset the app’s password using your FileVault recovery key. In cases where these techniques prove unsuccessful, there’s still hope! We’ll dive into advanced troubleshooting methods, including using Terminal commands and third-party software, to maximize your chances of restoring access to your precious apps.

Using Keychain Access to Remove the App Lock

Keychain Access is a utility built into macOS that stores and manages passwords, certificates, and other sensitive information. It can be used to unlock apps that have been locked with a password.

Steps to Unlock an App with Keychain Access

Open Keychain Access from the Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
In the sidebar, select the “Keychains” category and then the “login” keychain.
In the search field, type the name of the app you want to unlock.
Locate the app in the search results and double-click it to open its details.
In the “Attributes” tab, uncheck the “Locked” box.
Click “Save Changes.”

Note: If you receive a warning about keychain integrity, click “Allow” to proceed.
Close Keychain Access and try to open the previously locked app.

Using a Script to Remove the App Lock

If you prefer, you can use a script to remove the app lock. This method is especially useful if you need to unlock multiple apps at once.

Here’s how to use a script to unlock apps:

Open the Terminal app from the Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
Copy and paste the following script into the Terminal window and press Enter:

#!/bin/bash
  KEYCHAIN_PASSWORD="YOUR_KEYCHAIN_PASSWORD"
  for APP in "APP_1" "APP_2" "APP_3"; do
    security unlock-keychain -p "$KEYCHAIN_PASSWORD"
    security set-keychain-settings -t unlock-on-startup -u
    security set-key-partition-list -S apple-tool:,apple: -s -k "$KEYCHAIN_PASSWORD"
    security list-keychains -s | grep $APP | while read KEYCHAIN_NAME; do
      security unlock -k "$KEYCHAIN_PASSWORD" "$KEYCHAIN_NAME"
    done
  done

Replace “YOUR_KEYCHAIN_PASSWORD” with your actual keychain password.
Replace “APP_1”, “APP_2”, and “APP_3” with the names of the apps you want to unlock.
Press Enter again to execute the script.

Once the script finishes running, the specified apps will be unlocked.

Resetting the Mac’s NVRAM and SMC

The NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) and SMC (system management controller) are two essential components of your Mac’s hardware. The NVRAM stores certain system settings, such as the time and date, while the SMC controls various hardware functions, such as power management and fan speed. Resetting these components can sometimes resolve issues with locked apps or other system malfunctions.

Resetting the NVRAM

Shut down your Mac.
Press the power button to turn it back on.
Immediately press and hold the following four keys: Option, Command, P, and R.
Continue holding the keys for approximately 20 seconds, or until you hear the startup chime a second time.
Release the keys and allow your Mac to boot up normally.

Resetting the SMC

Shut down your Mac.
Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your Mac.
Press the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of the built-in keyboard, and then press the power button.
Hold all four keys for 10 seconds.
Release all four keys and wait a few seconds.
Press the power button to turn on your Mac.

NVRAM Reset	SMC Reset
Stores system settings	Controls hardware functions (power management, fan speed)
Held four keys: Option, Command, P, R	Held four keys: Shift, Control, Option, and power button
Resets time and date, among other settings	Resolves issues with power management and hardware functions

Reinstalling the Locked App

Reinstalling the locked app is another option to unlock it. Follow these steps to reinstall the app:

1. Quit the App

Force quit the locked app using Activity Monitor. To do this, open Activity Monitor from the Utilities folder in Applications. Find the locked app in the list and click on the “Quit Process” button.

2. Uninstall the App

Drag the app icon from the Applications folder to the Trash to uninstall it.

3. Clear App Data

Open the ~/Library/Application Support folder. Find the folder corresponding to the locked app and move it to the Trash.

4. Reinstall the App

Reinstall the app from the App Store or from the official website of the developer.

5. Additional Tips for Reinstalling

Here are some additional tips for reinstalling the locked app:

Tip	Description
Restart Your Mac	Restarting your Mac can sometimes resolve the issue.
Use a Third-Party Uninstaller	Third-party uninstallers can help remove all traces of the locked app, including its associated files and preferences.
Contact the Developer	If you are still unable to unlock the app, contact the developer for further assistance.

Creating a New Administrator Account

If you’ve forgotten your admin password, you can create a new one using Recovery Mode. Here’s how:

1. Restart Your Mac

Press and hold the power button until your Mac shuts down. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on.

2. Hold Command + R

As your Mac starts up, hold down the Command + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.

3. Open Utilities > Terminal

From the Utilities menu bar, select Utilities > Terminal.

4. Run the Reset Password Command

In the Terminal window, type the following command:

resetpassword

Press Enter.

5. Select Your User Account

In the Reset Password window, select the user account you want to reset the password for.

6. Enter a New Password

Enter a new password and confirm it. You can also create a password hint to help you remember it. Once you’re satisfied with your new password, click the “Reset Password” button.

**Advanced Option: Resetting the Keychain Password**

If you’ve also locked your keychain password, you can reset it using the following command in Terminal:

security unlock-keychain -p <old password>

Replace with your old keychain password.

Contacting Apple Support for Assistance

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and still can’t unlock your locked app, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They have the necessary tools and knowledge to diagnose and resolve complex issues.

To contact Apple Support, you can follow these steps:

Go to the Apple Support website: https://support.apple.com/
Select “Contact Support” from the top menu.
Choose the “App Store & iTunes” category.
Select the “Locked App” option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to connect with an Apple Support representative.
Explain your issue to the representative and provide them with any relevant details, such as the name of the locked app and the error message you’re encountering.
Provide your contact information so that the representative can reach out to you if needed.

Apple Support may provide additional troubleshooting steps or guide you through the process of resetting your app or Mac, if necessary.

Command	Usage
resetpassword	Resets the login password for a user account
security unlock-keychain -p	Resets the keychain password using the old password

Contact Method	Availability
Phone	9:00 AM – 9:00 PM EST, 7 days a week
Chat	9:00 AM – 9:00 PM EST, 7 days a week
Email	24/7

Troubleshooting Common App Lock Errors

1. Reset App Lock Password

If you’ve forgotten your App Lock password, you can reset it by following these steps:

Open the App Store app.
Click on the “Account” menu.
Select “View My Account”.
Enter your Apple ID password.
Click on the “App Lock” tab.
Click on the “Reset Password” button.

2. Update the App Lock App

If you’re experiencing errors with App Lock, make sure you’re using the latest version of the app. To update App Lock, open the App Store app and click on the “Updates” tab. If there’s an update available for App Lock, click on the “Update” button.

3. Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac can often resolve errors with App Lock. To restart your Mac, click on the Apple menu and select “Restart”.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

App Lock requires an internet connection to work. If you’re experiencing errors with App Lock, make sure you’re connected to the internet.

5. Contact App Lock Support

If you’re still experiencing errors with App Lock, you can contact App Lock support for help. To contact App Lock support, open the App Lock app and click on the “Help” tab. Then, click on the “Contact Support” button.

6. Reinstall App Lock

If you’re unable to resolve the errors with App Lock, you can try reinstalling the app. To reinstall App Lock, open the App Store app and search for “App Lock”. Then, click on the “Install” button.

7. Check Your Antivirus Software

Some antivirus software can interfere with App Lock. If you’re experiencing errors with App Lock, try disabling your antivirus software and see if that resolves the issue.

8. Check Your Firewall Settings

Your firewall can also interfere with App Lock. If you’re experiencing errors with App Lock, try adding App Lock to your firewall’s allow list. To do this, open the “System Preferences” app and click on the “Security & Privacy” icon. Then, click on the “Firewall” tab and click on the “Add Application” button. Select App Lock from the list of applications and click on the “Add” button.

Error	Solution
App Lock is not working	Try restarting App Lock or your Mac.
I forgot my App Lock password	Reset your App Lock password.
App Lock is crashing	Update App Lock or reinstall it.

How to Clear Locked App in Mac

1. Force quit the app using Activity Monitor:
– Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
– Select the locked app and click on the “Quit Process” button.

2. Clear the app’s caches and preferences:
– Open Finder and click on “Go” in the menu bar.
– Select “Go to Folder” and enter ~/Library/Caches.
– Delete the cache files related to the locked app.
– Repeat the process for ~/Library/Preferences.

3. Reinstall the app:
– Drag the app to the Trash.
– Empty the Trash.
– Reinstall the app from the App Store or from the developer’s website.

4. Contact the app’s developer:
– Visit the developer’s website or contact them via email or phone.
– Explain the issue and provide any relevant details.
– Follow the developer’s instructions to resolve the lock.

Best Practices for Preventing Future App Locks

Verify App Permissions

Ensure the locked app does not require additional permissions that could lead to conflicts with other apps or system settings.

Regularly Update Apps

Software updates often address bugs and security flaws that can cause app locks. Keep your apps up-to-date to minimize vulnerabilities.

Use App Lock Protection

Install app lock protection software that monitors app activity and prevents unauthorized access. This can help protect sensitive data and prevent accidental locks.

Avoid Third-Party App Stores

Downloading apps from reputable sources like the App Store reduces the risk of encountering malware or malicious apps that could lead to locks.

Use Antimalware Software

Run regular malware scans on your Mac to identify and remove any potential threats that could interfere with app functionality.

Backup Important Files

Store crucial data in a separate location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects your files from being lost or corrupted if an app becomes locked.

Restart Your Mac

In some cases, a simple restart can resolve app locks caused by temporary glitches or memory leaks.

Contact Apple Support

If all other options fail, contact Apple Support for assistance in troubleshooting and resolving persistent app locks.

System Compatibility

Check if the app is compatible with your current macOS version. Incompatible apps may encounter stability issues leading to locks.

How To Clear Locked App In Mac

Locked apps on Mac can be frustrating, especially when you need to access them urgently. If you have forgotten the password to a locked app, there are a few methods you can try to clear it.

One method is to use the Keychain Access app. This app stores all of your passwords and other secure information. To use Keychain Access to clear a locked app password, follow these steps:

Open Keychain Access from the Applications folder.
In the search bar, type in the name of the locked app.
Double-click on the app’s entry in the search results.
Click on the “Show password” checkbox.
Enter your Mac’s administrator password.
The app’s password will now be displayed.

Another method you can try is to use the Terminal app. The Terminal app allows you to access the Mac’s command line. To use the Terminal app to clear a locked app password, follow these steps:

Open the Terminal app from the Applications folder.
Type in the following command: sudo rm ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC/TCC.db
Press Enter.
Enter your Mac’s administrator password.
The TCC.db file will now be deleted.
Restart your Mac.

If you are still unable to clear the locked app password, you can try contacting the app’s developer. The developer may be able to provide you with a way to reset the password.