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 .lock files 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, .lock files can block future attempts

Deleting .lock files is like hitting reset – it clears up the mess and lets your app run smoothly again! 

Windows

1. Stop all running profiles
2. Close the desktop app 🖥️ or disconnect the agent if you're using the web interface 🌐
3. Go to the mlx folder in your user folder: C:\Users\%username%\mlx
4. Delete all the .lock files

 

 

macOS

1. Stop all running profiles
2. Close the desktop app 🖥️ or disconnect the agent if you're using the web interface 🌐
3. Go to the mlx folder in your user folder: /Users/%username%/mlx
4. Delete all the .lock files

 

 

Why profiles get stuck locked

Sometimes a session doesn’t close properly (for example, due to a crash or connection issue). Multilogin uses temporary .lock files to track active sessions – if something goes wrong, the app may still think the profile is running.

Unlocking clears that state.

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.