Config Files can be added and installed on most Mac devices, even without requiring device supervision or management. These Config Files can be used to restrict features that might be used to disable content filtering on your Mac computer, and can be enforced in such a way that a Passcode is required to remove them.

We strongly recommend using the configuration wizard on the Tech Lockdown dashboard. It will walk you through the installation process.

How to Add a Config File to a Mac

Step 1: Download Config Files onto Your Mac

Config Files can be downloaded directly from the Tech Lockdown dashboard if you're signed in. 

If you've downloaded the Config File from the Tech Lockdown dashboard, the default location you'll find the file should be under the Downloads folder.

Step 2: Load the Config File

Once a config file is downloaded onto your Mac, you'll need to load it so that System Settings recognizes that you're trying to install it.

Double-click the Config File to load it. You should see a message like this:

Click OK to dismiss the notification

Step 3: Install the Config File onto Your Mac

Once the Config File is staged, you can now install it.

Open your Mac's Settings. You should see a notification in the sidebar that says Profile Downloaded, like this: 

Click this to show the Device Management menu:

You should see the Config File you've downloaded listed under the Downloaded group near the top. Double click the entry to review it:

You can review the list of restrictions that a particular Config File will enforce on your device on this screen.

You'll then need to click the install button. In most cases, you need to confirm the installation again:

The Config File should now be installed onto your computer. In some cases, you'll need to restart your computer in order for it to fully take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't see the Profile Downloaded item in Settings. How do I fix this?

In some cases, you might not see the message correctly, even if the Config File is staged.

In System settings, go to General > Device Management. You can also search for "profile" in the search menu.

If you still don't see your Config File listed in the Device Management menu, then the file wasn't staged or recognized by your Mac.

I don't see all of my staged Config Files listed in Settings after I double click them. Why?

Config Files need to be installed one at a time. Your Mac computer will only show you the last Config File you double-clicked.

Note that you can download as many Config Files onto your Mac as you'd like. 

Does deleting the Config File after I've installed it onto my Mac undo restrictions?

After the Config File is installed using System Settings, you Mac stores it's own copy of the Config File and it's restrictions. You can safely delete the file you double-clicked without removing restrictions.

I'm getting an error message instead of the "Profile Downloaded" message. How do I get help?

You can reach out to Tech Lockdown support if you're running into issues installed Config Files.