Mac Kung Fu, 2nd Edition

Tip 204

View Tech Info When Logging In

Most Mac users are familiar with the login screen, which appears whenever you boot or reboot your Mac. Here are a handful of hacks to add info and text to it, although see also Tip 345, ​Create a Login Message ​.

Add Login Screen Message

You can add a sentence or paragraph of text that will appear on the login screen. This can be useful when using MacBooks to set an “if lost” or anti-theft message, such as your phone number. Don’t underestimate such low-fi technology! The majority of people who buy stolen hardware usually are aware that it’s stolen.

To set a login message, open System Preferences (Apple menu→System Preferences), click the Security & Privacy tab, and then select the General tab. Unlock System ...