Top 5 Methods to Disable Autoboot on MacBook Pro

What to know

This blog post will guide you through the process of disabling autoboot on your MacBook Pro, giving you the power to choose when your Mac awakens from its slumber.
Autoboot, also known as “Open on wake,” is a feature that automatically powers on and boots your Mac whenever you open the lid.
If you want to disable autoboot only for certain users on your Mac, you can use the following steps.

Are you tired of your MacBook Pro automatically booting up every time you open the lid? This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to conserve battery life or simply want more control over when your Mac starts up. This blog post will guide you through the process of disabling autoboot on your MacBook Pro, giving you the power to choose when your Mac awakens from its slumber.

Understanding Autoboot on Your MacBook Pro

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what autoboot actually is. Autoboot, also known as “Open on wake,” is a feature that automatically powers on and boots your Mac whenever you open the lid. While it can be convenient, it can also drain your battery unnecessarily and disrupt your workflow if you’re not ready to use your Mac.

Disabling Autoboot Through System Preferences

The easiest way to disable autoboot on your MacBook Pro is through the System Preferences. Here’s how:
1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Navigate to Energy Saver: Click on the “Energy Saver” icon.
3. Uncheck “Wake for network access”: In the “Computer Sleep” section, uncheck the box next to “Wake for network access.” This will prevent your Mac from waking up to receive network data, even if it’s closed.
4. Uncheck “Wake for Wi-Fi network access”: If you’re using Wi-Fi, uncheck the box next to “Wake for Wi-Fi network access” as well. This ensures that your Mac won’t wake up for Wi-Fi-related activities.
5. Uncheck “Wake for file sharing”: If you’re not using file sharing, uncheck the box next to “Wake for file sharing.” This prevents your Mac from waking up when another device tries to access files on your Mac.

Disabling Autoboot Using Terminal

If you’re comfortable working with the command line, you can also disable autoboot using the Terminal. Here’s how:
1. Open Terminal: Open the “Applications” folder, then “Utilities,” and launch “Terminal.”
2. Enter the command: Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sudo pmset -a lidwake 0
“`
3. Enter your password: You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password. Type it and press Enter.
4. Verify the change: To verify the change, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
pmset -g
“`
Look for the “lidwake” setting. It should now be set to “0,” indicating that your Mac will not wake up when the lid is opened.

Disabling Autoboot for Specific Users

If you want to disable autoboot only for certain users on your Mac, you can use the following steps:
1. Open Users & Groups: In System Preferences, click on “Users & Groups.”
2. Select the user: Click on the user account for which you want to disable autoboot.
3. Change the login items: In the “Login Items” tab, click the “+” button to add a new login item.
4. Select “Terminal”: In the “Application” dropdown menu, select “Terminal.”
5. Add the command: In the “Arguments” field, enter the following command:
“`
pmset -a lidwake 0
“`
6. Save the change: Click “Add.” This will ensure that the command runs every time the user logs in, effectively disabling autoboot for that specific user.

Troubleshooting Autoboot Issues

If you’ve followed the steps above and your MacBook Pro is still autobooting, you may need to troubleshoot further. Here are some common causes and solutions:

External Devices: Check if any external devices, like a USB drive or Bluetooth keyboard, are connected to your Mac. Some devices can trigger autoboot, even if they’re not actively in use. Try disconnecting them and see if the issue persists.
Power Adapter: If your Mac is plugged in, try unplugging the power adapter. Sometimes, the power adapter can trigger autoboot, especially if it’s faulty.
Software Updates: Outdated software can sometimes cause autoboot issues. Ensure that your macOS is up to date by checking for updates in the App Store.
Third-Party Apps: Certain third-party applications can interfere with autoboot settings. Try temporarily disabling or uninstalling any recently installed apps to see if the issue resolves.

Autoboot Alternatives: Power Nap and Sleep Mode

If you want to keep your Mac up to date with emails and other notifications without constantly having it on, you can utilize Power Nap and Sleep Mode.

Power Nap: This feature allows your Mac to perform tasks like checking for email, downloading updates, and backing up data while it’s sleeping. This means you can still benefit from some of the advantages of autoboot without having to keep your Mac fully powered on.
Sleep Mode: This mode allows your Mac to enter a low-power state, saving battery life. It’s a good option if you need to temporarily pause your work and want to conserve battery power.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Approach for You

Understanding how to disable autoboot on your MacBook Pro gives you more control over your Mac’s power consumption and workflow. Whether you choose to use System Preferences, Terminal, or a combination of both, make sure to select the method that best suits your needs and comfort level.
By taking control of your Mac’s autoboot settings, you can ensure that it only wakes up when you’re ready to use it, maximizing your productivity and battery life.