How can I prevent my MacBook from sleeping when I close the lid?

An alternative method that doesn’t require downloading any third-party software is to manipulate the Energy Saver settings within macOS. Follow these steps:

1. Open ‘System Preferences’ and go to ‘Energy Saver.’
2. Adjust the sleep settings by moving the sliders to your desired settings. You can set it to ‘Never’ if you don’t want the MacBook to sleep.
3. To prevent sleep when the lid is closed, you will need to connect your MacBook to an external display and then use a keyboard and mouse. This action triggers clamshell mode.

You can also maintain the Mac’s operations by activating ‘Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off.’

To address the need for preventing your MacBook from sleeping with the lid closed without using external hardware, you might want to consider changing some of the system’s default settings with Terminal commands. Here’s a simple approach using Terminal:

1. Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities.
2. Type sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1 and press Enter.

This command ensures your MacBook doesn’t sleep when the lid is closed. If you decide to revert this setting, simply use sudo pmset -a disablesleep 0.

Word of caution: Modifying system settings through Terminal can have system-wide effects, so proceed with understanding the implications.

To keep your MacBook awake when the lid is closed, you can use an app like Amphetamine. This free app is available on the Mac App Store and allows you to set up customizable sessions that prevent your MacBook from going to sleep. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download Amphetamine from the Mac App Store.
2. Launch the app and click on the pill icon in the menu bar.
3. Select ‘Indefinitely’ or set a time-based session.
4. Make sure to check ‘Allow display to sleep if desired’ to keep everything running efficiently.

Amphetamine is user-friendly and offers other powerful features to control your MacBook’s sleep settings.

Another practical approach is using an external hardware solution, such as Docking Stations. By plugging your MacBook into a docking station with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected, you can efficiently utilize clamshell mode to keep your device active.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Connect your MacBook to a power source.
2. Plug in an external monitor.
3. Use an external mouse and keyboard.

When properly set up, closing the lid will not interfere with your workflow as the external peripherals and power supply maintains the MacBook’s active state.

Each of these methods provides a different way to ensure that your MacBook remains awake when the lid is closed, catering to various needs and preferences.

For a more nuanced method that combines system preferences and accessibility features, consider scheduling wake times:

1. Go to ‘System Preferences,’ then ‘Energy Saver.’
2. Click on ‘Schedule’ and set a time for your MacBook to wake up even if the lid is closed.

Additionally, if you’re running macOS Catalina or later, leverage the built-in utility called ‘Caffeinate’ through Terminal:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type caffeinate -i and press Enter.

The command keeps the MacBook from going to sleep based on inactivity. This method is useful if you’re running tasks or scripts that need to be completed overnight or over an extended period without physical interaction.