Ashwin Lewis
If your Mac won't wake up from sleep, it could be due to several reasons. It could be an issue with your sleep settings, or it could be that your Mac is still running in the background. It could also be due to Bluetooth settings, which allow your Mac to wake up when a Bluetooth device, such as a mouse or keyboard, is used. Additionally, it could be due to power issues, where your Mac has drained its battery while in sleep mode. Furthermore, it could be due to applications or software that were running before your Mac went into sleep mode. To fix these issues, you can try resetting your SMC (System Management Controller), which controls sleep settings, or boot your Mac into Safe Mode to uninstall suspicious applications or software. You can also try updating your macOS software, checking for malware, or changing your sleep and network access settings.
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What You'll Learn
Check for system bugs and glitches
If your Mac won't wake up from sleep, there could be several reasons, including system bugs and glitches. Here are some ways to check for and address these issues:
Check for System Updates
Firstly, ensure that your Mac is up-to-date and running the latest macOS software. To do this, select "About This Mac" from the Apple menu, then click on "Software Update." If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Once your Mac restarts, try putting it into sleep mode again to see if the problem persists.
Check for Interfering Network Activities
Interfering network activities, such as notifications, software updates, or system updates, can cause your Mac to wake up unexpectedly. To address this, go to System Preferences > Battery > Power Adapter, and uncheck "Wake for network access." Additionally, select "Schedule" to check if a specific automatic wake time has been set.
Check for Malware
If your settings are not the issue, the next step is to check for malware. Malware can interfere with your Mac's sleep mode and cause it to wake up unexpectedly. Use trusted antivirus software to scan your system for any malicious programs or files.
Boot into Safe Mode
If you suspect that an application is causing the issue, boot your Mac into Safe Mode to prevent unnecessary startup items and third-party software from loading. To do this, press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then, restart your Mac while holding the Shift key. Once you're in Safe Mode, uninstall any suspicious or problematic apps.
Reset SMC (System Management Controller)
The SMC is responsible for managing low-level settings, including sleep and wake functions. To reset the SMC, shut down your Mac and press the following keys on your keyboard for 10 seconds: Control, Option, and the left-side Shift key. If you have a T2-based Mac, use the right-side Shift key instead. Release the keys and wait a moment before trying to wake your Mac.
Reset NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory)
NVRAM stores certain system-related settings and can impact your Mac's sleep behavior. To reset NVRAM, shut down your Mac completely, then press the power button along with Option + Command + P + R keys for 20 seconds. Release the keys when you hear the startup chime twice or see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice.
If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Service Center for further assistance.
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Interfering network activities
If your Mac won't wake up from sleep, it could be due to interfering network activities. Here are some ways to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
Check Network Access Settings
If you use a shared network, another user might be waking your Mac remotely. To prevent this, change your network access settings:
- Go to the Apple logo.
- Select "System Preferences".
- Click "Energy Saver" or Battery.
- Uncheck "Wake for network access".
- Select "Schedule" to check if a specific automatic wake time has been set.
Disable Sharing Preferences
Using shared services, such as a printer or accessing shared files, can interfere with your Mac's sleep mode. To disable sharing preferences:
- Go to the Apple logo.
- Select "System Preferences".
- Choose "Sharing".
- Deselect the tick boxes next to any shared services that could be causing the issue.
Bluetooth Settings
Bluetooth devices can also interfere and wake up your Mac. To prevent this:
- Go to the Apple logo.
- Select "System Preferences".
- Click "Bluetooth".
- Uncheck "Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer".
Activity Monitor
Background processes running on your Mac can prevent it from entering sleep mode. Check the Activity Monitor to identify any apps or processes that are using an unexpectedly high amount of CPU resources and force quit them if necessary.
Safe Mode and Software
If the issue persists, boot your Mac into Safe Mode and remove any suspicious software that may be causing the problem. Safe Mode will prevent unnecessary startup items and third-party software from loading.
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Shared services
If your Mac won't wake up from sleep, there are several fixes you can try. Firstly, check if your Mac is charged. If your Mac has been in sleep mode for a long time, the battery may have drained, causing it to shut down. Charge your Mac for at least half an hour to an hour and then try rebooting it.
If charging doesn't work, you may need to reset the SMC (System Management Controller). The SMC manages low-level settings like sleep and wake, and errors in the SMC can cause issues with your Mac waking up from sleep. To reset the SMC, shut down your Mac, unplug the power cord, wait 15 seconds, plug the power cord back in, and then wait another 5 seconds before pressing the power button to turn it on.
If your Mac still won't wake up, try booting it into Safe Mode and removing any suspicious software. Safe Mode will prevent unnecessary startup items and third-party software from loading, allowing you to identify and uninstall any problematic apps.
Another possible reason for your Mac not waking up is interfering shared services or devices. If you're using shared services like a printer or shared files, they may be preventing your Mac from sleeping or causing it to wake up unexpectedly. To fix this, go to System Preferences > Sharing and deselect any shared services that could be causing the issue.
Additionally, you should check your sleep settings to ensure they are configured correctly. Go to System Preferences > Battery > Power Adapter and uncheck "Wake for network access." You can also adjust the amount of time that should pass before your Mac goes to sleep by selecting the appropriate option from the pop-up menu next to "Turn display off on battery when inactive" or "Turn display off on power adapter when inactive."
If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Service Center for further assistance.
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Reset SMC (System Management Controller)
Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) can help solve issues related to hardware or power, such as sleep and wake functions, hibernation, battery supply, temperature regulation, and power management.
- Shut down your Mac by going to the Apple menu and selecting "Shut Down".
- If you have a Mac notebook, unplug the power adapter from your Mac and the electrical outlet. If your Mac notebook has a removable battery, remove it.
- Press and hold the power button for a few seconds to ensure your Mac is completely shut down.
- For T2-based Macs: Press and hold the right Shift key, left Option key, and left Control key for 7 seconds.
- For non-T2-based Macs: Press and hold the left-side Shift key, Control key, and Option key for 10 seconds.
- While still holding the keys, press and hold the power button for another 7 or 10 seconds, depending on your Mac model.
- Release all the keys and wait a few seconds.
- Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
If you are unsure whether your Mac has a T2 chip, it is likely an Intel Mac. You can also identify your Mac model by checking the model number on the bottom of your Mac.
Note: Resetting SMC will not work for M1 and M2 Macs as they do not have a system management controller.
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Boot into Safe Mode
If your Mac won't wake up from sleep, booting it into Safe Mode can help diagnose and fix the problem. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that performs checks during startup, allowing your Mac to run with only the essential kernel extensions and startup apps. It prevents unnecessary startup items and third-party software from loading, which can be useful for uninstalling suspicious software that may be causing issues.
To boot your Mac into Safe Mode, first, press the power button to turn it off and wait a few moments. Then, press the power button again to restart and simultaneously hold the Shift key. Release the Shift key once the login window appears. Alternatively, you can shut down your Mac, press and hold the power button until the startup options appear, select your startup disk, and then press the Shift key. Click "Continue to Safe Mode" and release the Shift key.
It's important to note that you should ensure your Mac is completely powered off before attempting to boot into Safe Mode. Additionally, make sure you hold the Shift key for a sufficient duration, as releasing it too early can prevent Safe Mode from activating. If you're using a Mac with an Apple Silicon chip, the process is slightly different. Click on the Apple logo and select "Shut Down." Wait for the screen to turn off and the lights to switch off, then follow the steps for booting into Safe Mode.
By booting your Mac into Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot and resolve issues related to sleep mode, as well as perform maintenance, clean up folders, and check for viruses in a controlled environment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your Mac won't wake up from sleep. It could be due to issues with your sleep settings, peripheral devices, or even a drained battery. Try charging your Mac for at least half an hour, and then press the power button to see if it starts up.
First, check your sleep settings and ensure they are configured as you want them to be. If you're using a shared network, another user might be waking your Mac remotely. In this case, change your network access settings to prevent this.
Peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, and trackpads can sometimes cause issues that prevent your Mac from waking up. Try disconnecting these devices one by one to identify the problematic device, and then replace it.
You can try resetting the NVRAM/PRAM, SMC, or PRAM. If that doesn't work, boot your Mac in Safe Mode and uninstall any suspicious or problematic software. If all else fails, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Service Center.
