Key takeaways:
- Customize your Mac’s sleep settings to prevent the screen from turning off automatically
- Use the Energy Saver or Battery settings in System Preferences to adjust display sleep time
- Prevent your Mac from sleeping when the display is off to keep it running in the background
- Use the Terminal command “caffeinate” for a quick, temporary solution
Are you tired of your Mac’s screen turning off automatically while you’re in the middle of a task? Whether you’re giving a presentation, following a tutorial, or simply want to keep your screen on for an extended period, it’s easy to customize your Mac’s sleep settings to prevent the display from turning off.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the various methods to keep your Mac’s screen awake and provide step-by-step instructions for each approach.
Table of Contents
Adjusting Energy Saver Settings (macOS Monterey and earlier)
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen
- Select “System Preferences”
- Click on “Energy Saver” (for desktop Macs) or “Battery” (for MacBooks)
- Locate the “Turn display off after” slider
- Drag the slider to the right to increase the time before your display turns off, or set it to “Never” to keep the screen on indefinitely
Note: Keeping your display on for extended periods may impact your Mac’s battery life and energy consumption.
Adjusting Lock Screen Settings (macOS Ventura)
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen
- Select “System Settings”
- Click on “Lock Screen” in the sidebar
- Under “Display & Screen Saver,” locate the “Turn display off on battery when inactive” and “Turn display off on power adapter when inactive” options
- Use the dropdown menus to select the desired time before your display turns off, or choose “Never” to keep the screen on indefinitely
Preventing Your Mac from Sleeping When the Display is Off
In some cases, you may want to keep your Mac running in the background even when the display is off. To do this:
- Follow the steps above to access the Energy Saver (macOS Monterey and earlier) or Lock Screen (macOS Ventura) settings
- Check the box next to “Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off” (macOS Monterey and earlier) or enable “Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off” (macOS Ventura)
This setting ensures that your Mac continues to run and perform tasks even when the screen is turned off.
Using the Terminal Command “caffeinate”
For a quick, temporary solution to keep your Mac’s screen on, you can use the Terminal command “caffeinate.” Here’s how:
- Open the Terminal app (found in Applications > Utilities)
- Type “caffeinate” (without quotes) and press Enter
- Your Mac’s screen will now stay on until you stop the command by pressing Control + C or closing the Terminal window
This method is particularly useful when you need to keep your screen on for a short period, such as during a presentation or while following a tutorial.
Third-Party Apps and Tools
In addition to the built-in methods, there are several third-party apps and tools available that can help you keep your Mac’s screen awake:
- Amphetamine: A free, feature-rich app that allows you to keep your Mac awake for a specified duration or while certain apps are running
- KeepingYouAwake: An open-source menu bar utility that keeps your Mac from going to sleep
- Mouse Jigglers: Physical devices that simulate mouse movement, preventing your Mac from detecting inactivity and turning off the display
While these tools can be helpful, it’s essential to use them judiciously and consider the potential impact on your Mac’s battery life and energy consumption.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Saver/Battery Settings | Built-in, easy to customize | May impact battery life and energy consumption |
| Lock Screen Settings | Built-in, easy to customize | May impact battery life and energy consumption |
| Terminal Command “caffeinate” | Quick, temporary solution | Requires Terminal usage |
| Third-Party Apps and Tools | Feature-rich, customizable | May impact system performance and battery life |
By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily prevent your Mac’s screen from turning off automatically and keep your display on for as long as you need.
FAQ
How do I change my Mac’s sleep settings?
You can change your Mac’s sleep settings by going to System Preferences > Energy Saver (macOS Monterey and earlier) or System Settings > Lock Screen (macOS Ventura). From there, you can adjust the “Turn display off after” slider or dropdown menu to set the desired time before your display turns off.
Will keeping my Mac’s screen on affect battery life?
Yes, keeping your Mac’s screen on for extended periods can impact battery life and energy consumption. It’s essential to find a balance between your needs and energy efficiency.
Can I prevent my Mac from sleeping when the display is off?
Yes, you can prevent your Mac from sleeping when the display is off by checking the box next to “Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off” (macOS Monterey and earlier) or enabling “Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off” (macOS Ventura) in the Energy Saver or Lock Screen settings.
What is the “caffeinate” Terminal command?
The “caffeinate” Terminal command is a quick, temporary solution to keep your Mac’s screen awake. When you type “caffeinate” in the Terminal and press Enter, your Mac’s screen will stay on until you stop the command by pressing Control + C or closing the Terminal window.
Are there any third-party apps that can help keep my Mac’s screen on?
Yes, there are several third-party apps and tools available, such as Amphetamine, KeepingYouAwake, and physical mouse jigglers, that can help keep your Mac’s screen awake. However, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on your Mac’s battery life and energy consumption when using these tools.
