How to unlock a locked profile
How to use active session lock in Multilogin
What session lock does
Session lock makes sure a mobile or browser profile can only run on one device at a time. It helps avoid conflicts and keeps everything stable.
- Protects data: avoids lost cookies, form data, or unsaved work
- Prevents syncing issues: keeps profile sessions from clashing between devices
- Keeps things consistent: avoids weird behavior from duplicate sessions
Here's how session lock works: if a profile is running on Device A, you won’t be able to start it on Device B at the same time. Instead, you’ll see a padlock icon.
How to unlock or stop an active session
Click the “Stop” button in the profile list. That safely ends the session and unlocks the profile.
If a profile stays locked, hover over the lock icon and click “Unlock” or “Unlock all” in the top-right of the dashboard. Refresh the page – the padlock will disappear.

If the “Unlock” button doesn't show up, follow the actions below.
.lock files
.lock files are temporary files apps make to show a file or resource is in use. Here's why you can delete them:
-
Fix stuck apps: if an app crashes, leftover
.lockfiles can trick the system into thinking it’s still running - Stop errors: these files might block your app from starting or working properly
-
Clear update problems: if an update or sync gets interrupted,
.lockfiles can block future attempts
Deleting .lock files is like hitting reset – it clears up the mess and lets your app run smoothly again!
Windows
- Stop all running profiles
- Close the desktop app 🖥️ or disconnect the agent if you're using the web interface 🌐
- Go to the mlx folder in your user folder: C:\Users\%username%\mlx
- Delete all the
.lockfiles

macOS
- Stop all running profiles
- Close the desktop app 🖥️ or disconnect the agent if you're using the web interface 🌐
- Go to the mlx folder in your user folder:
/Users/%username%/mlx - Delete all the
.lockfiles

FAQs
Why is my profile still locked after closing?
It might’ve crashed or closed incorrectly. Use the unlock steps above to fix it.
Can I force-open a profile on another device?
Nope – and that’s on purpose. It’s meant to keep your data and identity safe.
What does the padlock icon mean?
It means the session is still running somewhere – or Multilogin thinks it is.