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 support displays stacked vertically?
Yes, but if the top screen is smaller than the bottom one, 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.
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.
My Dock is on the wrong screen and won’t move. Why?
If you’re using the DockLock Lite demo version, it can lock the Dock but not move it. Manually place the Dock on your preferred screen before launching the app.
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.
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?
If you’ve used a custom autohide-delay setting in Terminal, that might cause issues.
To reset, run:
defaults delete com.apple.dock autohide-delay; killall Dock
Then restart DockLock App and try again.
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.