> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.continis.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.continis.io/black-box/main-features/locking-prefabs/temp-unlock.md).

# Temp Unlock

In addition to fully [unlocking a Prefab](/black-box/main-features/locking-prefabs.md#unlocking-a-prefab), you can unlock a Prefab instance *temporarily*. While this can sound very similar, it has a few differences.

<figure><img src="/files/YO4JljpcEZC9Fhat4ndB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Temp unlock displays the Prefab *as if it were* unlocked, without actually modifying its **Locked** property value. It's a great way to quickly make a few edits to a particular instance in the scene, then go back to locked state.

While a Prefab is temporarily unlocked, you can also operate on any of its children. Selecting another GameObject or asset will result in the Prefab re-locking again.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only one Prefab instance at a time can be temporarily unlocked. Trying to temp unlock other instances will result in re-locking the first one.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
You cannot temporarily unlock children of a temporarily unlocked Prefab. You can only temp-unlock a root.
{% endhint %}

## Unlocking a Prefab temporarily

To unlock a Prefab temporarily, simply click on the lock icon in the Inspector:

<figure><img src="/files/97PAmYX1232rSw4q91PZ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>A locked Prefab displaying the Temp Unlock icon</p></figcaption></figure>

This unlocks the Prefab temporarily, revealing its components and children:

<figure><img src="/files/wt6yDQiSrLn9CiEBy2yA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>A Prefab now temporarily unlocked, displaying two of its root components</p></figcaption></figure>

## Re-locking

As soon as you focus the selection on another Prefab or GameObject, open another scene or enter Prefab Mode, the temp unlocked Prefab goes back to its locked state.

You can also explicitly re-lock the Prefab by clicking on the Temp Unlock button shown above.

## Temp Unlocking using shortcuts

You can temporarily unlock and re-lock a Prefab using the **U** key shortcut. This shortcut can be modified from Unity's [Shortcut Manager](https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/ShortcutsManager.html).

Using a shortcut is a great way to re-lock a Prefab from one of its children.

***

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** Some Prefabs cannot be temporarily unlocked. This can happen if they are already fully unlocked, or if locking has been [disable altogether](/black-box/other/project-settings.md#disable-locking) in the Project Settings.

When a Prefab cannot be temporarily unlocked it will display an unlocked icon but no button:
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/5aKinF3OYSwCejnwGAMK" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>This Prefab cannot be temporarily unlocked</p></figcaption></figure>