Mac users always encounter the problem of their computers going idle, which can quickly become frustrating. It can be a real distraction while working or watching movies. However, there are several methods to prevent a Mac from entering sleep mode or screen saver mode. These methods can be helpful for preventing the computer from switching off or entering idle mode.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
The process of disabling the sleep mode in Mac OS doesn’t require any extra accessories or software. All you need is a Mac computer with an operating system, macOS High Sierra or later.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before trying to disable your Mac from sleep mode, you must guarantee to have an AC power supply. It will assist you in avoiding the interruption of any critical work that you are doing. Also, users should recognize that disabling the sleep mode on a MacBook could cause your battery to overheat and lower the battery cycle count. Hence, you should take caution while expecting to keep the computer awake.
Method 1: Disabling Sleep Mode using System Preferences
Step 1: Firstly, tap on the Apple logo displaying on the upper-left corner of the desktop.
Step 2: Select the System Preferences option.
Step 3: Click on the Energy saver alternative.
Step 4: Customize the time settings according to your preference. If not, by default, your Mac goes into Sleep mode after one hour of idleness.
Step 5: To disable the Sleep mode feature, move the Slider bar into "Never."
Pros
• Easy to accomplish
• Does not demand any extra software or hardware
Cons
• Using "Never Idle" can generate your battery to overheat.
• It is not practical if you don’t have access to power for a long duration.
Method 2: Using Terminal to Turn off Sleep Mode
Step 1: Open the terminal by navigating to the Applications folder inside the Utility folder.
Step 2: Inside the terminal, type in the command:" sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep never"
Step 3: Once you tap on the Return key, it prompts you to enter your password. Input the password you used to log in your Mac computer.
Step 4: After viewing the computer prompts in Terminal, the Sleep mode functionality will disappear.
Pros
• Easy steps to follow
• Code can be reversed
Cons
• If you’re not comfortable using terminal commands, this method can be challenging.
• Using the Terminal can sometimes create issues or errors in the computer settings.
Method 3: Keeping the Display Awake While Mac Sleeps
Step 1: Launch "System preferences" in your Mac.
Step 2: Press the "Energy saver" option.
Step 3: Select the option "Prevent screen saver from starting automatically when the display is off."
Step 4: Press the "Battery" or "Power Adapter" button, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Configure the sleep settings according to your requirement.
Step 6: Select the "Inactivity" tab.
Step 7: Customize the inactivity time settings.
Pros
•The method keeps the screen alive and not influenced by the Sleep process.
•Such a functionality is usable when you prefer background apps or iTunes to run overnight, considering without failing Sleep Mode.
Cons
• Keeping the screen awake will consume more energy, which can affect the computer’s battery life.
• You can not move away from the current session, considering that the screen is alive.
Why Can’t I Keep My Mac Alive?
1. Power supply: Ensure that your computer is plugged into a power outlet, or it has a full battery charge.
2. Settings: Mac Sleep settings may have triggered on a schedule, so make sure to adjust the settings as per your wish.
3. The time of inactivity: The sleep mode will happen when your screen is inactive, so adjust the settings according to your choices.
Suggestions
• Don’t hesitate to make manual adjustments while not using any app because Sleep Mode is crucial to battery longevity.
• For heavy usages, invest in a suitable power adaptor to avoid any electric damage to your computer.
• If your Mac is still asleep, restart the computer to fix any settings that could have caused it to go into sleep mode.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I don’t put my Mac to sleep?
A: Leaving your Mac idle for longer durations without Sleep mode can impact the longevity and battery life of your computer.
Q: Do I have to disable sleep mode every time I work on my computer?
A: No, you only need to disable sleep mode if your work requires so. Otherwise, Sleep mode is essential for your computer’s health.
Q: Can I stop my Mac from sleeping during an ongoing update?
A: It is highly recommended to avoid making any changes to your Mac when updates are running. Interrupting the process would result in permanent damage to the system.
Q: Will it drain my battery when I keep my screen awake while my Mac sleeps?
A: Keeping the screen of your Mac awake while the system is in sleep mode would consume more energy leading to battery drain.
Q: Is it safe to use Terminal on a Mac?
A: Yes, you can use the Terminal to stop sleep mode functionality without any issues; however, it would be best if you had knowledge of the commands.
Conclusion
Disabling the sleep mode on your Mac is not complicated, with many options to choose from. Opening System Preferences and navigating to energy saver or using a Terminal is by far the simplest and most recommended methods. Still, it is crucial to ensure that you have an AC power supply before trying to disable the sleep mode functionality. Always put your Mac to sleep when you’re away from your computer for an extended period to extend your battery life.