Yes, you can absolutely lock a toy crane machine to prevent children from playing without permission. This is a common concern for parents, home owners, and businesses wanting to manage playtime and costs. The most straightforward method is using a physical key lock. Many commercial-grade claw machines come equipped with a built-in cabinet lock that controls the main power switch. When locked, the machine loses power and becomes inoperable. For machines without this feature, you can install an external power switch lock or place the entire unit on a smart plug, allowing you to cut power remotely via a smartphone app. Another effective approach is to control access to the tokens or coins. Using a locked token box or simply removing the coins/tokens ensures the machine cannot be activated. Some modern, app-connected crane machines even offer software-based parental controls through a dedicated application, letting you disable the game with a tap. Implementing these locks promotes safety by preventing unsupervised play, helps manage screen time or game time, and controls operational expenses. It teaches children about boundaries and responsible play while giving parents complete peace of mind.