There are several ways to prevent your Mac Sonoma (presumably running macOS Monterey or Ventura) from going to sleep:
Method 1: Using System Preferences
- Click on the Apple menu () in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select System Preferences.
- Click on Battery (on laptops) or Energy Saver (on desktops).
- Click on the Battery or Power Adapter tab (depending on your preference).
- Uncheck the box next to “Put hard disks to sleep when possible.”
- For maximum prevention of sleep, adjust the slider next to “Turn display off after” to “Never.”
Method 2: Using Terminal (for advanced users)
- Open Terminal (located in Applications > Utilities).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
pmset -a noidle
- This command prevents the system from automatically initiating sleep based on inactivity.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Method 1 is generally recommended as it’s a user-friendly interface.
- Disabling sleep can impact battery life significantly, especially on laptops.
- The
pmsetcommand offers more granular control over sleep settings, but proceed with caution if you’re not familiar with Terminal commands. - Some applications might have built-in features to prevent sleep while they’re running. Check the application’s preferences for such options.
Alternative Solutions:
- Using Caffeine Apps: Third-party applications like “Caffeine” can prevent sleep by simulating keyboard or mouse activity, essentially tricking the computer into thinking it’s still in use.
- Setting Screen Saver to “Never”: While not a complete sleep prevention method, setting your screen saver to “Never” in System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver can help keep the display active for longer periods.
Remember, completely preventing sleep can have downsides like reduced battery life and increased heat generation. Choose the method that best suits your needs and prioritize energy efficiency when possible.