How to Prevent a MacBook From Sleeping When Lid Is Closed

Reasons for Preventing MacBook from Sleeping

When it comes to using a MacBook, there are instances where you might want to prevent it from sleeping when the lid is closed. While the default behavior of a MacBook is to enter sleep mode when the lid is shut, there are certain scenarios where this may not be desirable. Let’s explore some of the reasons why you might want to prevent your MacBook from sleeping:

Running Background Tasks: You may have certain processes or applications that need to continue running even when the lid is closed. For example, if you are downloading a large file, rendering a video, or running time-sensitive tasks, preventing your MacBook from sleeping can ensure that these tasks are uninterrupted.
External Monitor or Projector: If you frequently connect your MacBook to an external monitor or projector and want to use it with the lid closed, preventing sleep mode is essential. Otherwise, closing the lid will automatically cause the MacBook to enter sleep mode and disconnect from the external display.
Preventing Interruptions: In some cases, you may be using applications that require continuous access to the internet or need to stay connected to certain devices. Preventing your MacBook from sleeping ensures that these connections are maintained, preventing any disruptions or loss of data.
Presentations or Meetings: When giving presentations or attending meetings, it can be inconvenient to constantly wake up the MacBook every time the lid is opened. Keeping it awake with the lid closed allows for a seamless and professional experience.

These are just a few examples of situations where preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed can be beneficial. Luckily, there are various methods you can use to achieve this. Whether it’s adjusting power settings, using third-party apps, or utilizing terminal commands, you can find a solution that suits your specific needs.

How to Change Power Settings

Changing the power settings on your MacBook is one of the simplest ways to prevent it from going to sleep when the lid is closed. By adjusting the energy saver preferences, you can customize how your MacBook behaves in different scenarios. Here’s how you can do it:

Navigate to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
In the System Preferences window, click on “Energy Saver.”
Now, you will see two tabs: “Battery” and “Power Adapter.” Make sure to adjust the settings for both, as they dictate the behavior when your MacBook is running on battery power or connected to a power source.
Under each tab, there will be a slider for “Turn display off after” and “Put hard disks to sleep when possible.” Adjust these sliders according to your preferences.
To prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed, make sure the checkbox for “Put hard disks to sleep when possible” is unchecked.
Once you have made the necessary changes, close the Energy Saver window.

By modifying the power settings, you can ensure that your MacBook remains awake even when the lid is closed, provided it is connected to a power source. Keep in mind that adjusting these settings may impact battery life, so it’s important to consider your usage and power requirements.

If you want to fine-tune your power settings or explore more advanced methods to prevent your MacBook from sleeping, you can also utilize Terminal commands or use third-party apps specifically designed for this purpose. We’ll discuss these options in the following sections.

Adjusting Energy Saver Preferences

The Energy Saver preferences on your MacBook allow you to customize various power-related settings, including sleep behavior. By making adjustments in the Energy Saver settings, you can prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed. Here’s how you can do it:

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
In the System Preferences window, click on “Energy Saver.”
On the Energy Saver window, you will see two tabs: “Battery” and “Power Adapter.” These tabs control the power settings for when your MacBook is running on battery power or connected to a power source.
Adjust the settings under both tabs according to your preferences. Look for options like “Turn display off after” and “Put hard disks to sleep when possible.”
To prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed, ensure that the checkbox for “Put hard disks to sleep when possible” is unchecked.
Once you have made the necessary changes, close the Energy Saver window to save your settings.

By adjusting the Energy Saver preferences, you can effectively prevent your MacBook from going into sleep mode when the lid is closed. However, it is important to note that these changes may have an impact on your battery life. If you’re using your MacBook on battery power, keeping it awake with the lid closed for an extended period may drain the battery faster.

Consider your usage requirements and power availability when adjusting the Energy Saver preferences. If you need to keep your MacBook awake for an extended period without access to a power source, it might be necessary to explore other methods like using Terminal commands or third-party apps, which we’ll discuss in the following sections.

Modifying System Preferences

Modifying the system preferences on your MacBook is another way to prevent it from sleeping when the lid is closed. By adjusting specific settings, you can customize how your MacBook behaves in different scenarios. Here’s how you can modify the system preferences:

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
In the System Preferences window, click on “Desktop & Screen Saver.”
On the Desktop & Screen Saver window, navigate to the “Screen Saver” tab.
At the bottom of the Screen Saver tab, you’ll find a checkbox that says “Show with clock.” Make sure this checkbox is checked.
While on the Screen Saver tab, click on the “Hot Corners…” button at the bottom-right corner of the window.
A new window will appear, allowing you to assign specific actions to your mouse when it reaches the corners of your screen. Choose an option like “Start Screen Saver” or “Disable Screen Saver” for one of the corners. This will prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed.
Once you have made the necessary changes, close the Screen Saver and System Preferences windows.

By modifying the system preferences, you can ensure that your MacBook remains active even when the lid is closed. The combination of showing the screen saver with a clock and assigning a hot corner action will prevent your MacBook from going to sleep. However, keep in mind that this method may not work if your MacBook is connected to an external display or projector.

If you require more advanced control over sleep behavior or want to explore alternative options, you can consider using Terminal commands or third-party apps specifically designed for preventing your MacBook from sleeping with the lid closed. We’ll discuss these options in the following sections.

Using Terminal Commands

If you are comfortable using Terminal, you can utilize specific commands to prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed. Terminal commands provide a more advanced level of control over your system settings. Here’s how you can use Terminal commands:

Open Terminal on your MacBook. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder or by searching for it using Spotlight.
To prevent sleep mode when the lid is closed, use the command sudo pmset -a lidwake 0. You will need to enter your administrator password when prompted.
Once the command is executed, your MacBook will no longer go to sleep when the lid is closed. To revert to the default behavior, use the command sudo pmset -a lidwake 1.
Alternatively, you can also use the command caffeinate -i in Terminal to keep your MacBook awake as long as the command is running. Closing the lid will no longer put your MacBook to sleep.
To stop the caffeinate command and allow your MacBook to sleep normally again, you can press Ctrl + C in the Terminal window.

Using Terminal commands gives you precise control over how your MacBook behaves when the lid is closed. However, it’s important to exercise caution and only make changes if you are familiar with Terminal operations. Executing commands incorrectly can have unintended consequences on your system.

If you prefer a simpler solution or want more flexibility, you can also consider using third-party apps that provide a graphical user interface for preventing sleep when the lid is closed. We’ll discuss these apps in the next section.

Creating a Shell Script

If you’re comfortable working with shell scripts, you can create a custom script to prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed. A shell script allows you to automate tasks and execute multiple commands with a single command. Here’s how you can create a shell script:

Open a text editor on your MacBook, such as TextEdit or a code editor like Visual Studio Code.

Type the following lines of code in the text editor:

#!/bin/bash
    while true
    do
        # Prevent sleep when lid is closed
        case $(ioreg -r -k AppleClamshellState -d 4 | grep AppleClamshellState | head -1 | awk '{print $NF}') in
            "No") caffeinate -u -t 1
        esac
        sleep 1
    done

Save the file with a .sh extension, such as prevent_sleep.sh, and remember the location where you saved it.
Open Terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the shell script. Use the cd command to change directories.
In Terminal, make the script executable by running the command chmod +x prevent_sleep.sh.
Finally, run the script in Terminal using the command ./prevent_sleep.sh. The script will keep your MacBook awake when the lid is closed until you stop it.

By creating a shell script, you can have a custom solution to prevent your MacBook from entering sleep mode when the lid is closed. It continuously checks the state of the clamshell and uses the “caffeinate” command to keep the MacBook awake. Remember to stop the script manually when you want your MacBook to sleep normally.

While creating a shell script provides a flexible and customizable approach, it requires some technical knowledge. If you prefer a simpler solution, you can also explore third-party apps that offer a user-friendly interface for preventing sleep when the lid is closed. We’ll discuss these apps in the following section.

Using Third-Party Apps

If you prefer a more user-friendly solution or want additional features, you can utilize third-party apps designed to prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed. These apps often provide a graphical interface and offer more flexibility in customizing sleep behavior. Here are a few popular third-party apps to consider:

InsomniaX: InsomniaX is a lightweight app that allows you to keep your MacBook awake even when the lid is closed. It provides a simple interface with options to enable and disable sleep mode as needed.
NoSleep: NoSleep is another app that prevents your MacBook from entering sleep mode when the lid is closed. It also offers additional features such as enabling or disabling sleep with a keyboard shortcut and keeping the display awake while running on battery power.
Power Manager: Power Manager provides advanced scheduling and automation options for managing power-related settings on your MacBook. It allows you to create custom power profiles, including preventing sleep when the lid is closed, based on specific criteria or time intervals.
Caffeine: Caffeine is a simple utility app that keeps your MacBook awake by simulating user activity. It provides a menu bar icon that can be toggled on and off with a single click, preventing sleep when the lid is closed.

By using these third-party apps, you can easily control and customize the sleep behavior of your MacBook when the lid is closed. These apps often offer additional features, such as keyboard shortcuts, scheduling options, and more, giving you greater flexibility and convenience.

Before installing any third-party app, make sure to read reviews, check compatibility, and verify the source to ensure that you are downloading from a trusted and reputable provider. It’s also a good practice to regularly update the apps to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.

Now that you are aware of various methods to prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this behavior adjustment. We’ll discuss these considerations in the following section.

InsomniaX

InsomniaX is a popular third-party app that allows you to prevent your MacBook from entering sleep mode when the lid is closed. It provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to control the sleep behavior of your MacBook. Here’s what you need to know about using InsomniaX:

First, visit the official InsomniaX website or a reliable software platform to download and install the app on your MacBook. Once installed, launch the app and you will find its icon on the menu bar.

Clicking on the InsomniaX menu bar icon will provide you with various options. To prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed, navigate to the “Disable Lid Sleep” option and select it. InsomniaX will now keep your MacBook awake even with the lid closed.

One of the convenient features of InsomniaX is its ability to temporarily disable lid sleep. You can do this by selecting the “Enable Lid Sleep Temporarily” option from the menu bar icon. This allows you to revert to the default sleep behavior if desired.

InsomniaX also provides additional options to control sleep behavior when the lid is open. For example, you can choose to disable sleep only when the MacBook is connected to the power adapter or set a timer to automatically enable sleep after a certain period when the lid is closed.

This app offers a straightforward approach to preventing sleep when the lid is closed, making it ideal for users who prefer a simple and effective solution without too many advanced options. However, keep in mind that using InsomniaX or any third-party app to disrupt the normal sleep behavior of your MacBook may have some implications that you should consider.

Monitoring the performance and battery life of your MacBook while using InsomniaX is crucial. Continuous usage without sleep may cause increased battery drain, reducing the overall battery life. Additionally, prolonged operation without sleep can lead to increased heat generation, potentially affecting the performance and lifespan of certain components.

Consider these factors and evaluate your specific usage requirements before deciding to use InsomniaX or any other app to prevent sleep when the lid is closed.

With an understanding of the InsomniaX app and its considerations, you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right solution for your MacBook sleep behavior needs.

NoSleep

NoSleep is a convenient third-party app that allows you to prevent your MacBook from going to sleep when the lid is closed. With its user-friendly interface and additional features, NoSleep offers a reliable solution for keeping your MacBook awake. Here’s what you need to know about using NoSleep:

Start by downloading and installing NoSleep from a trusted source or the official NoSleep website. Once installed, launch the app to access its menu bar icon.

Clicking on the NoSleep menu bar icon will reveal its options. To enable NoSleep and prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed, simply click on the “Enable” button. NoSleep will keep your MacBook awake regardless of whether the lid is open or closed.

NoSleep also provides additional settings for customization. For example, you can choose to enable or disable sleep with a keyboard shortcut, allowing you to quickly switch between normal sleep behavior and NoSleep mode when needed.

An additional feature offered by NoSleep is the option to keep your display awake while running on battery power. This ensures that your MacBook remains active even when not connected to a power source, preventing interruptions or loss of data.

It is worth noting that extended usage of NoSleep or any third-party app to prevent sleep when the lid is closed can have implications that should be considered. The continuous use without sleep may result in increased battery drain, reducing the overall battery life of your MacBook. Additionally, prolonged operation without sleep can generate excess heat, potentially impacting the performance and lifespan of certain components.

As such, it is important to monitor the battery status and temperature of your MacBook while using NoSleep. It is also recommended to use NoSleep only when necessary, such as during presentations, meetings, or specific tasks that require your MacBook to stay awake with the lid closed.

With its user-friendly interface and additional features like keyboard shortcuts and display wake options, NoSleep is a reliable choice for preventing sleep when the lid is closed. However, it is important to assess your specific needs and usage patterns to determine whether NoSleep is the right solution for you.

By understanding the capabilities and considerations of NoSleep, you can ensure a seamless and uninterrupted experience when using your MacBook with the lid closed.

Power Manager

Power Manager is a powerful third-party app that provides advanced scheduling and automation options for managing power-related settings on your MacBook. With its customizable features, Power Manager offers fine-grained control over sleep behavior, including preventing sleep when the lid is closed. Here’s what you need to know about using Power Manager:

Start by downloading and installing Power Manager from a trusted source or the official website. Once installed, launch the app to access its interface and features.

Power Manager allows you to create custom power profiles based on specific criteria or time intervals. To prevent sleep when the lid is closed, you can create a new power profile dedicated to this purpose. Customize the settings under the “Sleep” or “Power” sections and set the action to “Prevent Sleep” when the lid is closed.

In addition to preventing sleep with the lid closed, Power Manager offers various scheduling options. For example, you can set specific times or durations for the prevention of sleep, allowing for a more automated and hands-free experience.

With its advanced features, Power Manager enables you to have complete control over sleep behavior and power settings on your MacBook. However, it is important to consider the impact on battery life and system performance when utilizing extended periods of wakefulness without sleep.

Monitoring the battery level and usage is crucial to ensure that the MacBook remains powered adequately while using Power Manager. It is recommended to assess your power requirements and adjust the power profiles accordingly to strike a balance between preventing sleep when the lid is closed and conserving battery life.

Power Manager offers a comprehensive solution for managing sleep behavior and power settings on your MacBook. Its advanced features and flexibility make it suitable for users who desire more control and automation for their power-related needs.

By understanding the capabilities and considerations of Power Manager, you can optimize sleep behavior based on specific criteria or time intervals and achieve a tailored experience when using your MacBook with the lid closed.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a simple and lightweight third-party app that keeps your MacBook awake by simulating user activity. With its easy-to-use interface and convenient functionality, Caffeine provides an effective solution for preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed. Here’s what you need to know about using Caffeine:

Start by downloading and installing Caffeine from a trusted source or the official website. Once installed, you will find Caffeine’s menu bar icon, which resembles a coffee cup.

Clicking on the Caffeine menu bar icon will toggle the functionality on or off. When the coffee cup icon is filled, Caffeine is active and will prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed.

A key feature of Caffeine is its ability to temporarily disable sleep prevention. To enable temporary sleep mode, hold down the Option key on your keyboard and click on the Caffeine menu bar icon. This is useful when you want your MacBook to sleep with the lid closed momentarily.

By default, Caffeine will keep your MacBook awake indefinitely. However, you can access its preferences by holding down the Command key and clicking on the Caffeine menu bar icon. From there, you can customize the duration of wakefulness before Caffeine automatically turns off.

Caffeine is a reliable tool for preventing sleep when the lid is closed, especially in situations where you need your MacBook to remain active for a specific period. It is worth noting, however, that prolonged operation without sleep may result in increased battery drain and potential overheating, which can impact performance and battery life.

It is recommended to monitor your MacBook’s battery status and temperature while using Caffeine and adjust the duration settings accordingly. By balancing the need for wakefulness with battery conservation, you can ensure an optimal and efficient experience when using your MacBook with the lid closed.

With its convenient functionality and user-friendly interface, Caffeine provides a straightforward solution for keeping your MacBook awake when the lid is closed. Whether you need continuous wakefulness or temporary sleep prevention, Caffeine offers a reliable and customizable option.

By understanding the features and considerations of Caffeine, you can make the most of this app and enjoy uninterrupted productivity when using your MacBook with the lid closed.

Pros and Cons of Preventing MacBook from Sleeping

Preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed can bring both benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to consider the following pros and cons before deciding to adjust the sleep behavior of your MacBook:

Pros:

Continuous Task Execution: Preventing sleep allows you to keep processes or applications running uninterrupted, such as large file downloads, rendering tasks, or time-sensitive operations.
Seamless External Display Usage: By keeping your MacBook awake with the lid closed, you can use it with an external monitor or projector without interruptions caused by lid closure-triggered sleep mode.
Uninterrupted Internet and Device Connections: Some applications or devices require continuous access to the internet or consistent connections. Preventing sleep ensures these connections remain active, avoiding any disruptions or data loss.
No Need for Frequent Wake-Ups: When giving presentations or attending meetings, preventing sleep eliminates the need to constantly open and wake up your MacBook, ensuring a seamless and professional experience.

Cons:

Potential Battery Drain: Extended periods of wakefulness without sleep will consume more battery power. It’s important to monitor battery levels and be mindful of conserving power when preventing sleep.
Overheating Concerns: Continuous operation without sleep may generate excess heat, which can potentially impact the performance and lifespan of certain components. Monitoring temperature levels is crucial to prevent overheating issues.
Impact on Performance: Prolonged wakefulness without sleep can lead to increased resource usage, which may impact overall system performance. Consider the tasks and applications you’re running to ensure smooth operation without experiencing sluggishness.

Understanding the pros and cons of preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed provides a balanced perspective. It allows you to assess the specific requirements of your tasks and usage patterns, enabling you to make an informed decision about adjusting the sleep behavior of your MacBook.

Potential Battery Drain

Preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed can lead to increased battery drain. Extended periods of wakefulness without sleep consume more battery power, impacting the overall battery life of your MacBook. It’s important to consider the potential battery drain when adjusting the sleep behavior of your device.

When your MacBook is in sleep mode, it goes into a low-power state, conserving battery life. Closing the lid triggers sleep mode, allowing you to save power when you’re not actively using the device. However, preventing sleep keeps your MacBook awake, utilizing more battery power than it would in sleep mode.

The exact battery drain will depend on various factors, such as the tasks or applications running, the duration of wakefulness, and the battery capacity of your MacBook. It’s essential to monitor the battery levels closely, especially when using your MacBook for extended periods without access to a power source.

To mitigate potential battery drain when preventing sleep, consider the following tips:

Use Power Saver Settings: Adjust your MacBook’s power settings to optimize power consumption. Reduce screen brightness, disable background processes, and adjust energy saver preferences to conserve battery life.
Keep an Eye on Battery Levels: Regularly monitor your battery levels using the battery indicator on your screen or the menu bar. This allows you to gauge your MacBook’s power status and take necessary actions to preserve battery life.
Charge When Possible: Take advantage of opportunities to charge your MacBook whenever a power source is available. This will replenish the battery and extend the operating time before you need to depend solely on battery power again.
Make Sleep Adjustments as Needed: Adjust the sleep behavior of your MacBook based on your immediate needs. If you require it to stay awake with the lid closed for a limited time, enable sleep mode when the task is completed to conserve battery life.

It’s important to strike a balance between preventing sleep to meet your specific requirements and ensuring that your MacBook has sufficient battery life for when you truly need it. By monitoring battery consumption and following best practices for power management, you can mitigate potential battery drain and optimize the usage of your MacBook.

Before making changes to the sleep behavior of your MacBook, consider the tasks you need to perform, the availability of power sources, and the duration for which you need to keep your device awake. This allows you to make informed decisions and ensure optimal battery performance.

Overheating Concerns

When preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed, it’s important to be aware of potential overheating concerns. Continuous operation without sleep can generate excess heat, which can impact the performance and lifespan of certain components.

Sleep mode allows your MacBook to enter a low-power state, which helps dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures. When the lid is closed, sleep mode allows airflow to cool down internal components, preventing overheating.

By keeping your MacBook awake with the lid closed for extended periods, heat might accumulate, potentially leading to increased temperatures. This can result in reduced performance, system instability, and even long-term damage to the internal components of your MacBook.

To mitigate potential overheating concerns when preventing sleep, consider the following tips:

Monitor Temperature Levels: Use third-party monitoring apps or built-in macOS tools to monitor the temperature of your MacBook. Keep an eye on temperature readings and ensure they remain within safe operating limits.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Avoid covering or obstructing the ventilation areas of your MacBook, such as the vents at the rear or sides. Ensure that airflow around the device is not restricted, allowing heat to dissipate effectively.
Use a Cooling Pad: If you anticipate extended periods of using your MacBook with the lid closed, consider using a cooling pad or an elevated stand. These accessories help improve airflow and assist in dissipating excess heat.
Avoid Intense Workloads: Be mindful of running resource-intensive tasks or applications for prolonged periods when preventing sleep. These tasks can generate additional heat and put a strain on your MacBook’s cooling system.
Take Breaks: If you’re using your MacBook intensively for an extended period, consider taking breaks where you allow it to cool down naturally. This allows the internal components to rest and lowers the risk of overheating.

Preventing sleep when the lid is closed can be convenient for specific tasks or scenarios, but it’s crucial to balance that convenience with the potential risks of overheating. By monitoring temperature levels, ensuring proper ventilation, and following best practices for heat management, you can minimize the chances of overheating and maintain the longevity and performance of your MacBook.

Always prioritize the well-being of your MacBook and be aware of any signs of overheating, such as excessively loud fan noise or unexpected system shutdowns. If you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s recommended to consult Apple Support or an authorized service provider for further assistance.

Impact on Performance

Preventing your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed can have an impact on performance, particularly if you keep it awake for extended periods without breaks. Continuous operation without sleep can lead to increased resource usage and potential performance issues.

When your MacBook is in sleep mode, it conserves resources and allocates them more efficiently. It suspends non-essential processes, saving CPU and memory usage, and prioritizes power-saving mechanisms. By preventing sleep, you keep these processes active, potentially consuming more system resources.

The impact on performance will depend on the specific tasks or applications running on your MacBook. Resource-intensive activities like rendering videos, running complex software, or executing multiple simultaneous tasks may encounter performance degradation over time.

It’s important to consider the following tips to minimize the impact on performance when preventing sleep:

Monitor Resource Usage: Use macOS built-in Activity Monitor or third-party tools to monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage. This provides insights into resource allocation and helps identify any performance bottlenecks.
Manage Background Processes: Close any unnecessary applications or processes running in the background. This reduces resource usage and can improve overall system performance.
Optimize Resource-Intensive Tasks: If possible, schedule resource-intensive tasks during periods when you can allow your MacBook to rest. This helps prevent excessive strain on the system and maintains more consistent performance.
Restart Regularly: Restarting your MacBook periodically clears memory, resets processes, and can help improve overall system performance. This is especially important when preventing sleep for extended periods.
Use Activity-Specific Power Modes: Some applications offer power-saving or performance-optimized modes. Adjust these settings based on your specific needs to strike a balance between performance and power consumption.

By monitoring resource usage, managing background processes, and optimizing resource-intensive tasks, you can minimize the impact on performance when keeping your MacBook awake with the lid closed. It’s important to consider the nature and duration of the tasks you’re performing and adjust accordingly to maintain consistent and efficient performance.

Exercise caution when preventing sleep for extended periods, especially during resource-intensive activities. Monitor your MacBook’s performance regularly and take breaks if necessary to allow the system to recalibrate and avoid any potential performance issues.