Screensaver settings not honored in Catalina

[maiertech]

I noticed that on macOS Catalina the two settings

defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPassword -int 1
defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPasswordDelay -int 0

listed in this section of the README do not seem to have any effect.

When I make a change in the corresponding tab in the Security & Privacy settings in the System Preferences UI, both values above do not change while the UI settings are honored.

Or the other way round, you cannot override more lax settings from the UI with the two commands above.

This might be related to Catalina's new security model. I am wondering if there is another way to enforce these settings via the command-line.

[drduh]

Is this still the case for others and on Big Sur?

[tshu-w]

Is this still the case for others and on Big Sur?

Yes, macOS Big Sur 11.4.

[andrewcrook]

I find the same for other features that I read in peoples dot files which often have setup scripts. if you can’t, you can always try using AppleScript

[drduh]

I haven't had my hands on a Mac in a while, so help still wanted with this issue.

[drduh]

Resolving to inactivity. If anyone knows the correct screensaver settings in recent macOS versions, please send a PR.

[andrewcrook]

@drduh as far as I can see in macOS 14 they no longer exist because the screen saver settings have been replaced by the lock screen settings therefore will always ask for a password if locked . There are some settings for "Start Screen Saver when inactive” and "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off” which are time related.

Start Screen Saver when inactive ‘idleTime’. integer '60' "$HOME/Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.screensaver.<GUID>.plist”

Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off I haven't been able to workout the location of this yet I am thinking that it might not be stored in a plist?

and