Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common questions about DockLock Pro, Lite, and Plus. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact support or open an issue on GitHub.

Accessibility Access

Why do DockLock Lite, DockLock+, and DockLock Pro require Accessibility Access?
These apps need Accessibility permissions to perform their core function — controlling and locking the Dock’s behavior in multi-monitor setups. They track screen geometry and Dock position to ensure the Dock stays where you want it.

How is Accessibility Access used?
Accessibility Access allows DockLock apps to detect when the Dock appears on unintended screens and apply user-defined rules to manage its position. Without this permission, the apps cannot interact with system-level Dock behavior.

Do DockLock apps collect personal data or keystrokes?
No. DockLock Lite, DockLock+, and DockLock Pro use Accessibility Access strictly for Dock management. They do not access, store, or transmit any personal data, keystrokes, or unrelated system information.

What happens if Accessibility Access is not granted?
If you don’t grant Accessibility permissions, DockLock apps will not function correctly. The Dock will remain free to move between displays without restriction.

General Usage

How do I open the DockLock App menu?
Click the app’s menu bar icon to access settings and options.

Can I quit the app if I no longer need it?
Yes. Right-click the menu bar icon and select “Quit DockLock App”.

Can I make the app start automatically on login?
Yes. Enable “Auto-Start” in the settings.

Can I temporarily disable DockLock App without quitting the app?
Yes! Open the menu bar icon and toggle “Lock Dock Position” off.

Compatibility

Does DockLock work without “Displays have separate Spaces”?
No. This macOS option must be enabled for the app to function correctly.

Does it support left or right Dock positions?
No. DockLock App only works when the Dock is positioned at the bottom of the screen.

Does it work in auto-hide mode?
Yes, but at least one display must allow Dock movement via “Allow Dock to Jump To” setting — otherwise the Dock may not appear at all.

How many displays does it support?
It supports as many as macOS allows. You need at least two (monitors or an iPad via Sidecar).

Does it work with docking stations?
Yes. DockLock supports docking stations and DisplayLink adapters if macOS detects the displays.

Does it work with AirPlay (Apple TV, iPad)?
Yes, as long as the display is extended (not mirrored).

Does it support displays stacked vertically?
Yes, but if the top screen is smaller than the bottom one, or the same width, you’ll need to slightly offset its position in System Settings → Displays so the bottom edges don’t perfectly align. This allows the Dock to move to the upper screen.

“Displays have separate Spaces” must be enabled in System Settings → Desktop & Dock. Without this, the Dock can’t be locked properly per screen.

Settings & Behavior

How do I move the Dock to a different screen?
In the app’s menu, go to “Allow Dock to Jump To” and enable only the screen you want. Restart the app if needed.

What happens if I enable a screen in “Allow Dock to Jump To”?
If at least one screen is selected in the “Allow Dock to Jump To” setting, the app will use that as a fallback target. On reboot or wake from sleep, if DockLock App detects the Dock on a wrong screen, it will automatically relocate it to the first selected screen in that list. This makes it useful to keep your preferred screen enabled there, even if you don’t normally allow Dock movement.

What if my Dock jumps to a screen I don’t want it on?
Uncheck that screen in “Allow Dock to Jump To” under the app’s menu. These settings are saved per display configuration.

Are settings saved when I restart the app?
Yes, DockLock App saves your allowed screen preferences and restores them after relaunch.

What happens if I disable all allowed displays?
If auto-hide is on, the Dock may disappear. At least one display must be allowed for Dock movement.

Can I hide the Dock icon or menu bar icon?
Yes. You can hide one or both from the app’s settings. This requires a purchase.

Does it work with third-party Dock replacements?

DockLock App is designed to work exclusively with the original macOS Dock.
It does not support any third-party Dock replacements or custom Dock utilities.
If you’re using alternative tools that replace or modify the native Dock, DockLock App may not function as expected.

What does “Allow Dock Jumping with Modifier Key” do?
This setting allows you to temporarily move the Dock between allowed screens by hovering the mouse at the bottom only while holding a selected modifier key.

It does not affect DockLock’s screen-locking logic - it simply creates an exception when the key is pressed.

Options:

• None - Dock remains locked at all times.
• Shift / Command / Option / Control - While the selected key is held, you can move the Dock by hovering the mouse at the bottom of another allowed screen.

Important:
If you uncheck all screens in the “Allow Dock to Jump To” setting, automatic Dock relocation after wake or startup will not work. The app needs at least one allowed screen to know where to relocate the Dock.

Security & System

Does DockLock App modify system files?
No. It uses macOS’s Accessibility API and does not patch or modify any system files.

Why does it need Accessibility permissions?
DockLock App monitors Dock movement and prevents unwanted changes. This requires Accessibility permission, but does not compromise your system.

Does it require disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP)?
No. SIP can stay enabled. DockLock works entirely within macOS’s permission model.

Will it work with future macOS versions?
Yes. DockLock App is actively maintained and updated for macOS compatibility.

DockLock App not working in fullscreen or during screen sharing?

In the past, many online guides suggested setting a custom autohide-delay in Terminal to “fix” Dock behavior and keep it in place. While this tweak no longer works with modern macOS versions, it can still remain active if you applied it previously.

Unfortunately, this old setting can interfere with DockLock App, especially in fullscreen mode or during screen sharing.

If you’ve ever used such instructions, it’s a good idea to reset this setting:

defaults delete com.apple.dock autohide-delay; killall Dock

After running this command, restart DockLock App and try again.

This will restore the Dock’s default behavior and ensure full compatibility with DockLock App.

For IT and System Administrators

Are DockLock Apps suitable for managed or enterprise Macs?
Yes. DockLock+ and DockLock Lite are fully sandboxed Mac App Store apps with no network access, making them safe for privacy-conscious and security-sensitive environments. The apps do not modify system files or require elevated privileges beyond Accessibility permissions.

Can DockLock Apps be deployed via MDM?
Yes. You can deploy DockLock Apps using any standard MDM solution. If you want to pre-authorize Accessibility permissions, you can push a configuration profile using the com.apple.TCC.configuration-profile-policy domain to grant Accessibility access to pro.docklock.lite or pro.docklock.plus.

Are there any network dependencies or telemetry?
No. DockLock Apps do not initiate any network connections and contain no telemetry. They operate fully offline and store no personal data.

How can we activate full licenses for DockLock Apps?
For DockLock Lite, promo codes or volume purchase licenses can be distributed via Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. DockLock+ offers a one-time purchase model which may be preferable for environments avoiding subscriptions.

What if our users don’t have admin rights?
Accessibility permissions must be granted by an administrator. Your IT team can approve these manually or pre-configure them via MDM to avoid requiring user action.

If your organization needs help integrating DockLock Apps, feel free to contact support.

Still Need Help?

If something doesn’t work as expected — or if you’re not sure whether a behavior is intended — contact support and I’ll be happy to help. I actively maintain the app and will do our best to resolve any issue.