Did you know that your Mac has a default setting that automatically turns off the screen after a certain amount of time of inactivity? While this is a great feature to save your battery life and energy consumption, it can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of work and your screen goes to sleep. In this article, we’ll show you how to keep screen from turning off on your Mac in just a few simple steps.
Steps:
Step 1: Go to System Preferences
The first step is to go to your Mac’s System Preferences. You can do this by clicking on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, and then choosing System Preferences from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can search for “System Preferences” in Spotlight (the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of your screen).
Step 2: Click on Energy Saver
Next, you’ll need to click on the Energy Saver icon in the System Preferences window. It’s represented by a lightbulb with a green leaf on it.
Step 3: Adjust the settings
In the Energy Saver window, you’ll see two tabs: Battery and Power Adapter. Adjust the settings to your desired preferences for both tabs. You can adjust the sliders under “Turn display off after” and “Put hard disks to sleep when possible” to determine how long your Mac should wait before turning off the screen and when to put your hard disks to sleep.
Step 4: Use a third-party app
If you want more control over your Mac’s screen saver settings, you can use a third-party app like Amphetamine or Caffeine. These apps keep your Mac awake by simulating user activity. You can download these apps from the Mac App Store.
Step 5: Use Terminal
If you’re comfortable using Terminal, you can use a command to keep your Mac awake. Simply open Terminal (found in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder), and type in the following command: caffeinate. Press enter to run the command, and your Mac will stay awake until you close the Terminal window.
Step 6: Disable your screensaver
If you don’t want your screensaver turning on at all, you can disable it entirely. Go back to the System Preferences window, and click on Desktop & Screensaver. Click on the Screensaver tab, and choose “Start after: Never” from the dropdown menu.
Step 7: Disable “Display sleep”
Another way to keep your screen from turning off is to disable “Display sleep” in Energy Saver preferences. This option is located directly beneath the “Turn display off after” option. Simply uncheck the box next to “Display sleep.”
Step 8: Keep a video playing
If you’re watching a video and don’t want your screen to go to sleep, simply keep the video playing in full-screen mode. This will keep your Mac awake until you close the full-screen video.
Step 9: Use a mouse jiggler
A mouse jiggler is a small device that you connect to your Mac’s USB port. It simulates mouse movement to keep your Mac awake. You can purchase a mouse jiggler online or from your local computer store.
Step 10: Set up hot corners
Hot corners allow you to set up specific actions when you move your mouse to certain areas of your screen. Go to the System Preferences window, and click on Mission Control. Click on the Hot Corners button, and choose an action such as “Disable Screen Saver” or “Prevent Sleep.”
Step 11: Use keyboard shortcuts
You can also use keyboard shortcuts to keep your Mac awake. Pressing the spacebar or any arrow key will simulate user activity and keep your Mac awake.
Step 12: Use a script
If you’re comfortable with using scripts on your Mac, you can create a script that will keep your Mac awake. Open AppleScript Editor (found in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder), and type in the following script: tell application “System Events” to keystroke return. Save the script as an application, and run it whenever you want to keep your Mac awake.
Explanation:
Now that you know the 12 steps to keep your Mac from turning off the screen, let’s take a closer look at some of the explanations behind each step.
Step 1 is pretty self-explanatory. You’ll need to access your Mac’s System Preferences to make any changes to your settings.
Step 2 takes you to the Energy Saver preferences, where you can adjust the settings for how long your Mac should wait before turning off the screen.
Step 3 allows you to adjust the settings for both the Battery and Power Adapter tabs in Energy Saver preferences.
Step 4 introduces you to third-party apps that can help you keep your Mac awake.
Step 5 is for those who are comfortable with Terminal and want a quick way to keep their Mac awake.
Step 6 shows you how to disable your screensaver entirely.
Step 7 is a simple option to disable “Display sleep,” which prevents your screen from turning off.
Step 8 is a good option for those who are currently watching a video and want to keep their Mac awake until the video is finished.
Step 9 introduces you to mouse jigglers, a small device that can help keep your Mac awake.
Step 10 shows you how to set up hot corners to perform specific actions when you move your mouse to certain areas of your screen.
Step 11 shows you how to use keyboard shortcuts to simulate user activity and keep your Mac awake.
Step 12 is for those who are comfortable with scripts and want a quick way to keep their Mac awake.
Tips and Tricks:
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you keep your Mac from turning off the screen:
Tip 1: Keep your Mac updated
Make sure you’re running the latest version of macOS to ensure that your Mac’s sleep settings are optimized.
Tip 2: Clean your Mac’s fans
If your Mac is overheating, it may go to sleep to prevent damage. Clean your Mac’s fans to keep it running cool.
Tip 3: Check your power settings
If your Mac is still turning off the screen, check your power settings to make sure they’re correct.
Tip 4: Use a battery charger
If you’re using your Mac on battery power, make sure you have a charger nearby to keep your battery from dying.
Tip 5: Use an external display
If you’re working on a project that requires your Mac to be awake for an extended period of time, consider using an external display.
Tip 6: Take breaks regularly
Remember to take regular breaks to give your eyes and mind a rest. This will also prevent your Mac from going to sleep due to inactivity.
Tip 7: Use a screensaver you like
If you want to use a screensaver but don’t want it turning on when you’re working, choose a screensaver you like and set it to turn on after a longer period of inactivity.
Tip 8: Use Airplay
If you have an Apple TV, you can use Airplay to mirror your Mac’s display and keep it awake.
Tip 9: Disable Bluetooth
If you’re not using Bluetooth devices, disable Bluetooth to save battery life and prevent your Mac from going to sleep unexpectedly.
Tip 10: Use System Preferences
Remember that System Preferences is your friend. Whenever you’re having trouble with your Mac’s sleep settings, start by checking your preferences.
By following these 12 steps and tips, you’ll be able to keep your Mac from turning off the screen and stay productive for longer periods of time.
How to Keep Screen from Turning Off on Mac
Advantages
1. Convenience
By keeping your screen from turning off, you can continue working uninterrupted without having to move the mouse or press a key to wake it up.
2. Increased Productivity
You can maintain your focus and productivity by avoiding the need to constantly wake up the screen.
3. Avoid Losing Data
If the screen turns off and goes to sleep, any unsaved work will be lost. By keeping the screen on, you can avoid losing data and progress.
4. Better Viewing Experience
When streaming videos or doing presentations, keeping the screen from turning off ensures a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience.
5. Customizable Settings
On a Mac, you can customize the time it takes for the screen to turn off, allowing you to choose the ideal amount of time for your specific needs.
6. Energy Conservation
Keeping the screen from turning off may also conserve energy, as the computer won’t need to wake up the screen as frequently.
7. Increased Security
If your screen turns off and requires a password to log back in, keeping the screen from turning off can increase security by preventing unauthorized access.
8. Extended Lifespan
By keeping the screen from turning off and reducing the amount of wear and tear on the display, you can potentially extend the lifespan of your Mac.
9. Aesthetic Appeal
When using your Mac for visual purposes, such as displaying images or artwork, keeping the screen from turning off can enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall experience.
10. User Control
Ultimately, keeping the screen from turning off gives users more control and flexibility in how they use their Mac.
Disadvantages
1. Battery Drain
By keeping the screen from turning off, it can drain your Mac’s battery faster, reducing its overall lifespan.
2. Overheating
If your Mac overheats, it can cause damage to its internal components. Keeping the screen from turning off may contribute to overheating if used for extended periods.
3. Distraction
For some users, having a screen that’s always on may be distracting and interrupt concentration during work or study.
4. Inconvenient for Shared Devices
If you share your Mac with others, keeping the screen from turning off may be inconvenient for them and prolong the amount of time it takes for them to log in.
5. Security Risks
If your Mac is not password protected or requires a password to wake up, keeping the screen from turning off could pose a security risk if left unattended.
6. Screen Damage
Keeping the screen on for extended periods may increase the risk of screen burn-in or other damage to the display.
7. Reduced Reliability
Depending on your Mac’s age and condition, keeping the screen from turning off may decrease its reliability and increase the likelihood of malfunctions.
8. Reduced Performance
If your Mac is older or has limited processing power, keeping the screen from turning off may reduce its overall performance.
9. Costly Repairs
If keeping the screen from turning off contributes to hardware damage or malfunctions, it can be costly to repair or replace.
10. Limited Customization
While it’s possible to customize the time it takes for the screen to turn off, keeping the screen on for extended periods may be limited by your Mac’s hardware capabilities.
FAQ
1. Why does my Mac screen keep turning off?
Your Mac is designed to conserve energy by automatically turning off the screen after a period of inactivity. This is a default feature to help save battery power and extend the life of your Mac’s display.
2. How can I stop my Mac screen from turning off?
You can adjust the settings in the Energy Saver preferences to prevent your Mac screen from turning off. Simply go to System Preferences > Energy Saver > Battery or Power Adapter tab, and adjust the settings for “Turn display off after” to suit your preferences.
3. Can I set a different time for turning off my screen when on battery power?
Absolutely. You can set different screen-off times for when using battery power and when using the power adapter. Simply go to System Preferences > Energy Saver > Battery or Power Adapter tab, and adjust the settings according to your preference.
4. Can I prevent my Mac from sleeping while watching a movie?
Yes, you can. To prevent your Mac from sleeping while watching a movie, simply go to System Preferences > Energy Saver, and uncheck the box next to “Put hard disks to sleep when possible”. This will prevent your Mac from sleeping while you’re watching your favorite shows or movies.
5. Does using a screensaver prevent my Mac from turning off?
No, using a screensaver does not prevent your Mac from turning off. A screensaver is simply a visual display that activates when your Mac is idle for a certain amount of time. To prevent your Mac from turning off, you need to adjust the Energy Saver settings.
6. Can I allow my Mac screen to turn off only when the lid is closed?
No, this is not possible. Your Mac screen will automatically turn off after a period of inactivity, regardless of whether the lid is closed or not. However, you can prevent your Mac from sleeping when the lid is closed by adjusting the settings in the Energy Saver preferences.
7. How can I adjust the brightness of my Mac screen?
You can adjust the brightness of your Mac screen using the brightness keys on your keyboard, or by going to System Preferences > Displays > Brightness. You can also enable automatic brightness adjustment by checking the “Automatically adjust brightness” box.
8. Can I set a custom time for turning off my screen?
Yes, you can. You can set a custom time for turning off your screen by going to System Preferences > Energy Saver, and adjusting the settings for “Turn display off after”. You can choose any time between 1 minute to 3 hours.
9. How can I prevent my Mac from going to sleep while downloading large files?
To prevent your Mac from going to sleep while downloading large files, simply go to System Preferences > Energy Saver, and uncheck the box next to “Put hard disks to sleep when possible”. This will prevent your Mac from sleeping while downloading large files.
10. How can I quickly turn off my Mac screen?
You can quickly turn off your Mac screen by pressing the “Control + Shift + Power” keys. This will turn off your Mac screen instantly.
11. Can I use third-party apps to prevent my Mac screen from turning off?
Yes, there are many third-party apps available that can prevent your Mac screen from turning off. Some popular apps include Amphetamine, Caffeine, and NoSleep. However, it’s important to carefully research and choose a reputable app to ensure your Mac’s security and performance is not compromised.
12. Does keeping my Mac screen turned on all the time reduce its lifespan?
No, keeping your Mac screen turned on all the time will not reduce its lifespan. However, it’s important to note that screens do have a finite lifespan and will eventually wear out over time.
13. Are there any other benefits to turning off my Mac screen when not in use?
Yes, turning off your Mac screen when not in use can help save energy and reduce your electricity bill. It can also help extend the lifespan of your Mac’s display, as well as provide a level of privacy and security by preventing unauthorized access to your computer.
How to Keep Screen from Turning Off on Mac
Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re working on your Mac and suddenly the screen turns off? This can be frustrating, especially if you have to keep turning it back on while you’re working. Fortunately, there is a way to keep your screen from turning off on your Mac. Here’s how:
Method 1: Adjust Energy Saver Preferences
The easiest way to keep your Mac screen from turning off is to adjust the Energy Saver preferences. To do this, click on the Apple icon located on the top left corner of your screen and choose System Preferences. Next, click on Energy Saver and adjust the settings so that your Mac does not turn off the screen or go to sleep when you’re using it. You can also adjust the time it takes for the screen to turn off or go to sleep when you’re not using it. This is an easy way to keep your screen on and prevent it from turning off while you’re working.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps
If you want more control over your Mac’s display settings, you can use third-party apps. There are many apps available that allow you to customize your Mac’s display settings, including keeping the screen from turning off. Some popular apps include Amphetamine, Caffeine, and InsomniaX. These apps are easy to use and allow you to control your screen from turning off while you’re using your Mac.
Conclusion
Keeping your Mac screen from turning off can be a simple process with the right tools and knowledge. Whether you prefer adjusting the Energy Saver preferences or using third-party apps, you can find a solution that works for you. By taking these steps, you can work uninterrupted and prevent your screen from turning off while you’re using your Mac.
Closing
We hope this article helped you learn how to keep your Mac screen from turning off. By implementing these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your screen stays on while you’re working, making your Mac experience more efficient and productive. Thanks for reading and see you soon!