A Mac that wakes by itself—or will not stay asleep—usually has an app, connected device, network setting, or scheduled activity preventing normal sleep. To fix it, disconnect accessories, close apps, review sharing and wake settings, update macOS, and test the Mac in Safe Mode. If the problem continues after those steps, a battery, power, or other hardware issue may be involved.
Quick Answer
Try these fixes in order:
- Close apps that may be performing downloads, backups, media playback, or other background work.
- Disconnect USB, Thunderbolt, display, and other external devices.
- Turn off Wake for network access and review Sharing settings.
- Temporarily disconnect Bluetooth accessories and check whether they are waking the Mac.
- Install available macOS updates.
- Start the Mac in Safe Mode to determine whether third-party software is responsible.
- Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider if the Mac still wakes unexpectedly, overheats, shuts down, or has battery or power problems.
The exact settings available can vary by Mac model and macOS version.
First, Identify What Is Happening
“Sleep problems” can describe several different situations:
- The Mac goes to sleep but wakes a few seconds or minutes later.
- The Mac refuses to sleep when you choose Sleep.
- The display turns off, but the Mac continues running.
- The Mac wakes when a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, or other device is moved.
- The Mac wakes at a particular time every day.
- The Mac restarts or powers off instead of sleeping.
These symptoms can have different causes. Before changing settings, note when the problem occurs and what was connected to the Mac. If it happens only during downloads, backups, video playback, or file sharing, an app or system service may be keeping the Mac active.
Close Apps and Stop Background Activity
An app may prevent sleep while it performs work such as downloading files, syncing data, exporting media, or backing up files.
Quit apps normally
- Save your work.
- Click the app’s name in the menu bar.
- Choose Quit [App Name].
- Repeat for apps that commonly run in the background, including backup, cloud storage, download, media, and virtualization software.
- Try putting the Mac to sleep again.
You can also press Command-Q after selecting an app.
Warning: Quitting an app can stop an active task. Save your work first, and do not quit an app during an important export, backup, or file transfer unless you understand the consequences.
If an app will not quit:
- Choose Apple menu > Force Quit.
- Select the unresponsive app.
- Click Force Quit.
Warning: Force Quit closes the app immediately and may discard unsaved changes.
Check Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor can help identify apps using unusually high processor or energy resources.
- Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
- Select the CPU tab and look for an app using a large amount of CPU.
- Select the Energy tab and review apps with high Energy Impact.
- If you recognize an app that is no longer needed, quit it normally.
- If necessary, select the app, click the Stop button in the toolbar, and choose Quit.
Do not end processes you do not recognize unless you know what they do. System processes are often required for macOS to operate correctly.
Disconnect External Devices
A faulty or incompatible accessory can cause repeated wake events. This includes:
- USB hubs and docks
- External hard drives and SSDs
- Printers and scanners
- Webcams
- Audio interfaces
- External displays and adapters
- Keyboards, mice, and trackpads
- Network adapters
- iPhone or iPad connections
- Save your work.
- Eject external storage in Finder by clicking the Eject icon beside the drive, or by dragging its icon to the Trash.
- Disconnect nonessential accessories.
- Put the Mac to sleep.
- Reconnect devices one at a time until the problem returns.
If one device appears to be responsible, install any firmware or software updates supplied by its manufacturer. Try a different cable, port, hub, or adapter if available.
Warning: Do not unplug external storage while files are being copied or written. Eject it first to reduce the risk of data loss.
An external display can also complicate sleep behavior. Test the Mac with the display, dock, and display adapter disconnected. If sleep works normally, reconnect each component individually.
Turn Off Network Wake
macOS can wake a Mac to respond to certain network activity, such as file sharing or other services. This feature can be useful, but it may make the Mac appear to wake unexpectedly.
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Click Battery.
- Click Options.
- Find Wake for network access.
- Set it to Never, if that option is available.
- Put the Mac to sleep and test it again.
On some Mac models or macOS versions, the setting may appear in a different place, such as Energy Saver in System Preferences. Search for “network access” in System Settings if you cannot find it.
Turning off this option may prevent other devices from accessing shared files or services while the Mac is asleep.
Review Sharing Settings
Sharing services can keep a Mac available on a network and may contribute to wake events.
- Open System Settings.
- Click General.
- Click Sharing.
- Review the services listed under Services.
- Turn off any service you do not use, such as File Sharing, Screen Sharing, Remote Login, Remote Management, or Content Caching.
To turn off a service, click its information button or switch, depending on your macOS version, and disable it.
Warning: Turning off a sharing service changes how other devices connect to your Mac. Do not disable a service if you rely on it for work or access from another device.
If you are unsure whether sharing is involved, turn off only nonessential services temporarily. Test sleep, then restore the settings if they are not related to the problem.
Check Bluetooth Devices
A Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, trackpad, game controller, or other accessory may wake the Mac when it moves, receives input, or develops a connection problem.
- Open System Settings.
- Click Bluetooth.
- Turn off or disconnect nonessential Bluetooth devices.
- If available, select the device and choose Forget This Device only if you are prepared to pair it again later.
- Put the Mac to sleep and test it.
You can also turn Bluetooth off temporarily from System Settings > Bluetooth. On a Mac desktop, keep a wired keyboard or mouse available if you need to wake or control the Mac afterward.
If the Mac sleeps normally with one accessory disconnected, charge that accessory, update it if the manufacturer provides an update, or pair it again.
Look for Scheduled Sleep and Wake Events
A Mac may wake at a regular time because of a scheduled energy setting or another installed utility.
Check the Energy settings
- Open System Settings.
- Click Battery.
- Click Schedule, if the option is available.
- Review any scheduled startup, wake, sleep, or shutdown events.
- Disable schedules that you do not need.
On some systems, scheduled behavior may be available through Energy Saver in System Preferences.
Check third-party utilities
Utilities for backups, maintenance, remote access, smart home control, and power management may schedule wake events. Open the settings for apps that run automatically and look for options such as:
- Wake the Mac
- Run while asleep
- Schedule maintenance
- Allow remote access
- Perform overnight backup
- Start at login
Disable a setting only if you understand what it does. If an app is not needed, quit it and test sleep before uninstalling it.
Install Available macOS Updates
Software updates can correct bugs involving sleep, wake, networking, drivers, and connected devices.
- Open the Apple menu .
- Choose System Settings.
- Click General.
- Click Software Update.
- Install available updates.
- Restart the Mac if prompted, then test sleep again.
Warning: An update may restart the Mac and temporarily interrupt apps, downloads, backups, or other work. Save files and connect a Mac notebook to power before updating.
Also update important third-party software, especially:
- Dock and display software
- Backup tools
- VPN clients
- Antivirus and security tools
- Virtual machine software
- Cloud storage apps
- Hardware drivers and utilities
Test the Mac in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts macOS with limited software and performs certain checks. It can help determine whether login items, extensions, caches, or other third-party software are causing the sleep problem.
Start an Apple silicon Mac in Safe Mode
- Shut down the Mac from Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears.
- Select a startup volume.
- Press and hold the Shift key.
- Click Continue in Safe Mode.
Start an Intel-based Mac in Safe Mode
- Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Turn on the Mac.
- Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key when the login window appears.
- Log in. You may be asked to log in again.
Test sleep while in Safe Mode. If the Mac sleeps normally there, third-party software is a likely cause.
To leave Safe Mode, restart the Mac normally.
Warning: Safe Mode may temporarily disable some features, extensions, login items, and drivers. This is a diagnostic test, not a permanent configuration.
If Safe Mode fixes the issue, review System Settings > General > Login Items. Turn off nonessential items under Open at Login, then restart and test. Re-enable items one at a time to identify the source.
Restart and Check Basic Power Conditions
A normal restart can clear a temporary system or driver problem.
- Save your work.
- Choose Apple menu > Restart.
- After the Mac starts, close unnecessary apps.
- Try sleep again.
For a Mac notebook, test both battery and power-adapter operation. A damaged adapter, loose connection, or unstable power source can cause unusual behavior. Try a different compatible power outlet and inspect the charging cable for visible damage.
Do not continue using a damaged power adapter or cable.
When Hardware May Be Involved
Software troubleshooting is less likely to help if the Mac:
- Wakes repeatedly even with all accessories disconnected
- Restarts or shuts down instead of sleeping
- Becomes unusually hot while idle
- Has a swollen battery, damaged cable, or burning smell
- Shows display, charging, or power-button problems
- Experiences the problem in Safe Mode
- Has suffered liquid or physical damage
For a Mac notebook, stop using it and seek service if the battery appears swollen. Do not attempt to open or puncture the battery.
If the Mac is covered by a warranty or service plan, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Keep a current backup before service whenever possible.
Troubleshooting
The Mac wakes only when I move the mouse
A mouse or trackpad may be sending input, or its battery may be failing. Turn off Bluetooth temporarily, disconnect USB input devices, and test sleep without them. If the problem stops, reconnect devices one at a time.
The Mac wakes when connected to a network
Turn off Wake for network access and temporarily disable unused services in System Settings > General > Sharing. Also test with Ethernet disconnected and with VPN or remote-access software closed.
The Mac will not stay asleep after closing the lid
Remove external displays, docks, storage devices, and accessories. Close apps that may be preventing sleep, then restart the Mac. If the issue occurs only with a dock or display connected, update or replace that accessory or its cable.
The display turns off, but the Mac remains active
The Mac may be dimming or turning off the display without entering full sleep. Check whether an app is downloading, backing up, syncing, or playing media. Review Battery settings and test with external devices disconnected.
The problem began after installing an app
Quit or temporarily disable the app and review System Settings > General > Login Items. If the issue disappears in Safe Mode, remove or update the recently installed software.
Can I reset power-management settings?
Power-management behavior is handled differently across Mac models and macOS versions. Avoid applying random Terminal commands or instructions intended for a different Mac. If the standard settings, updates, accessory tests, and Safe Mode test do not help, Apple Support can provide model-specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac wake from sleep by itself?
Common causes include network wake, Bluetooth input, external devices, scheduled events, sharing services, and background software. Hardware or power problems are also possible.
How do I stop my Mac from waking for network access?
Open System Settings > Battery > Options and set Wake for network access to Never, if that setting is available. The option may appear under Energy Saver on some systems.
Can a USB device prevent my Mac from sleeping?
Yes. A dock, drive, display adapter, keyboard, or other USB device can send activity or cause a connection problem. Eject external storage, disconnect accessories, and reconnect them individually to find the cause.
Will Safe Mode delete my files?
Safe Mode is designed as a temporary startup mode and does not normally delete personal files. However, save your work before restarting, and do not use Disk Utility options that erase or reformat a drive.
Should I shut down my Mac instead of using sleep?
Sleep is generally convenient for short breaks and preserves your open session. Shut down the Mac when you will not use it for an extended period, when troubleshooting persistent problems, or when instructed during service. Shutting down does not fix an underlying hardware problem, but it can help separate sleep-related behavior from general power problems.
What if my Mac still wakes unexpectedly after all these steps?
Disconnect every nonessential accessory, install available updates, test in Safe Mode, and check for hardware symptoms. If the issue continues, arrange service and describe when the Mac wakes, what was connected, and whether Safe Mode changed the behavior.
Final Thoughts
A Mac that sleeps or wakes unexpectedly is most often affected by an active app, network wake setting, sharing service, Bluetooth device, external accessory, or outdated software. Work through those causes systematically, testing sleep after each change. If the behavior continues with accessories removed and in Safe Mode—or if the Mac shows heat, battery, charging, or restart problems—have it evaluated by Apple or a qualified service provider.