diff --git a/hypr/hyprlock.conf b/hypr/hyprlock.conf
index acce3e6..1d414b5 100644
--- a/hypr/hyprlock.conf
+++ b/hypr/hyprlock.conf
@@ -1,4 +1,7 @@
 auth {
+    # Parallel fingerprint auth — used on Chester (fingerprint reader + fprintd).
+    # On machines without fprintd/reader (e.g. Rutherford) hyprlock simply never
+    # claims a device, so this stays inactive and only password auth applies.
     fingerprint {
         enabled = true
         ready_message = Scan fingerprint to unlock
@@ -29,13 +32,16 @@ label {
 input-field {
     size = 8%, 3%
     outline_thickness = 0
-    inner_color = rgba(255, 182, 193, 0.3)  # transparent background
+    inner_color = rgba(255, 182, 193, 0.6)  # translucent but clearly visible
     outer_color = rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5) rgba(255, 255, 255, 1.0) 90deg
     check_color = rgba(255, 50, 80, 0.9) rgba(255, 0, 100, 0.9) 30deg
     fail_color = rgba(255, 50, 80, 0.9) rgba(255, 0, 100, 0.9) 30deg
 
     font_color = rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9)
-    fade_on_empty = true
+    # fade_on_empty made the empty field nearly invisible (combined with the
+    # transparent inner_color and an empty $LAYOUT placeholder under fcitx5),
+    # leaving only the clock on screen with no way to tell where to type.
+    fade_on_empty = false
     rounding = 20
 
     position = 0, 60
@@ -43,6 +49,8 @@ input-field {
     valign = bottom
 
     font_family = Roboto
-    placeholder_text = $LAYOUT
+    # $LAYOUT can resolve to an empty string when fcitx5 owns the keyboard,
+    # which left a blank placeholder; show useful static text instead.
+    placeholder_text = Enter password
 }
 
diff --git a/hypr/scripts/lock.sh b/hypr/scripts/lock.sh
index 9e6c744..a6bc862 100755
--- a/hypr/scripts/lock.sh
+++ b/hypr/scripts/lock.sh
@@ -3,6 +3,13 @@
 # Prevent multiple hyprlock instances (second instance breaks the lock screen)
 pidof hyprlock && exit 0
 
+# --- Emergency unlock (from TTY or SSH) ---
+# If the lock screen ever misbehaves, unlock GRACEFULLY with:
+#   pkill -USR1 hyprlock
+# Do NOT kill it with SIGTERM/SIGKILL: Hyprland detects the lock screen dying
+# while locked and latches a "crashed lockscreen" state that then requires:
+#   hyprctl --instance 0 eval "hl.clear_crashed_lockscreen()"
+
 hyprctl switchxkblayout all 0
 fcitx5-remote -s keyboard-us-dvorak
 wpctl set-mute @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ 1