How to keep your Mac awake

A download, a presentation, a long export — keep the Mac awake for exactly as long as you need.

Short answer

macOS can stop sleep through System Settings or the caffeinate Terminal command. MacFixes does it from the menu bar — for a set time, until you turn it off, or while an app runs.

What macOS gives you

System Settings → Energy (desktop Macs) or Battery → Options (laptops, on the power adapter only) can stop automatic sleep, and Lock Screen sets when the display turns off. But changing them each time is a chore, and it’s easy to forget to change back. The Terminal command caffeinate keeps the Mac awake while it runs.

How MacFixes fixes it

  1. 1
    Add the fix
    Open MacFixes Settings → Everyday and add “Keep awake”. Fixes are off until you add them.
  2. 2
    Turn it on
    From the menu bar panel, choose a time limit or leave it on until you switch it off.
  3. 3
    Or automate it
    Keep the Mac awake while a chosen app runs, or while it’s on the power adapter.
This is one of 28 fixes in MacFixes.
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Questions

Does closing the lid still sleep the Mac?

Yes. Keep awake stops idle sleep; closing a MacBook’s lid still sleeps it.

More fixes macOS doesn’t give you

Change external monitor brightness›Turn off Bluetooth when your Mac sleeps›Hide desktop icons›