How to stop Mac from sleeping

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To stop your Mac from sleeping, you can adjust the Energy Saver settings in System Preferences, use Terminal commands, or utilize third-party applications. These methods allow you to customize your Mac's sleep behavior based on your needs.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
  • •A Mac running macOS Mojave (10.14) or later.
  • •Administrator access to modify system settings.
  • •No active power-saving applications that might override settings.
  • •Important data should be backed up to avoid loss during changes.

Method 1: Adjusting Energy Saver Settings

This method is the most straightforward way to prevent your Mac from sleeping. Use it when you want to keep your Mac awake during tasks such as presentations or downloads.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • •Step 2: Select 'System Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: Click on 'Energy Saver' (or 'Battery' on macOS Big Sur and later).
  • •Step 4: Adjust the 'Turn display off after' slider to 'Never'.
  • •Step 5: Uncheck 'Put hard disks to sleep when possible'.
  • •Step 6: Close the window to save changes.
  • •Step 7: To verify, move your mouse or press a key; the display should remain active.
  • •Step 8: If it doesn't work, check if any third-party applications are managing sleep settings.

For macOS Big Sur and later

The Energy Saver settings have been integrated into the Battery preferences.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu and select 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Battery'.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Power Adapter' and adjust the settings as described above.

For macOS Catalina and earlier

The interface remains similar to previous versions.
  • •Step 1: Follow the main method steps as they apply directly.

Method 2: Using Terminal Commands

This method is useful for advanced users who prefer command-line interfaces or need to script the behavior.
  • •Step 1: Open 'Terminal' from Applications > Utilities.
  • •Step 2: To prevent sleep, type the command: `caffeinate` and press Enter.
  • •Step 3: Your Mac will stay awake as long as the Terminal window is open.
  • •Step 4: To stop, simply close the Terminal window or press Ctrl + C.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Mac continues to sleep despite making changes, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Sleep settings not applying' - Solution: Ensure no third-party applications are overriding Energy Saver settings.
  • •Issue: 'Mac sleeps during active downloads' - Fix: Use the `caffeinate` command in Terminal.
  • •Problem: 'Display turns off but Mac remains awake' - Workaround: Adjust the display sleep settings separately in Energy Saver.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to optimize their Mac's sleep settings:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Option + Power - This puts the display to sleep without affecting the system.
  • •Command line: `pmset -a sleep 0` - This command sets the sleep timer to never for all power sources.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Prevent Sleep' option in third-party apps like Amphetamine - Access through the app's menu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, combine Energy Saver settings with Terminal commands for specific tasks.