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MacBook Air M2 Won't Sleep - Fix Guide
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The MacBook Air M2 is designed to sleep automatically after inactivity. If your Mac stays awake or won't enter sleep mode, these steps will help diagnose and fix the issue.
Step 1: Check Sleep Settings
Step 1
Go to System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions → Allow in the Login Window:
- Also check System Settings → General → Desktop & Dock
- Look for a "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off" setting
- Make sure it's unchecked
Step 2: Check for Running Applications
Step 2
Some apps prevent sleep:
- Open Activity Monitor (search in Spotlight)
- Click the Energy tab
- Look for apps marked as "Preventing sleep"
- Close or quit those applications
Step 3: Check Energy Saver Settings
Step 3
Go to System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions:
- Check if any apps are set to launch on login that prevent sleep
- Remove apps you don't need to start automatically
Step 4: Check for Video Playback
Step 4
Fullscreen videos or streaming prevent sleep:
- Close Safari, Chrome, or any video players
- Streaming apps like Netflix also prevent sleep
- Test sleep mode again with all media apps closed
Step 5: Disable Bluetooth Devices
Step 5
Wireless peripherals can prevent sleep:
- Disconnect or turn off external mice, keyboards, and trackpads
- If sleep works with Bluetooth off, a device is the culprit
- Try re-pairing the device
Step 6: Check Wake on Network Access
Step 6
Network activity can wake the Mac:
- Go to System Settings → General → Wake on Network Access
- Consider toggling this OFF if you don't need it
- Network requests from other devices can prevent sleep
Step 7: Disable Background App Refresh
Step 7
Go to System Settings → General → Background App Refresh:
- Turn off or disable for problematic apps
- Mail, Messages, and other apps can keep the Mac awake
Step 8: Update macOS
Step 8
Sleep bugs are fixed in macOS updates:
- Go to System Settings → General → Software Update
- Install the latest macOS version
Step 9: Reset Sleep Settings
Step 9
Reset power management to defaults:
- Go to System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset
- Tap Reset All Settings
- This resets sleep preferences to default
Step 10: Use Sleep Command
Step 10
If nothing works, force sleep via Terminal:
- Open Terminal (search in Spotlight)
- Type:
pmset sleepnow
- Press Enter
- Your Mac will sleep immediately
When to Contact Apple Support
Final Step
If your MacBook Air M2 still won't sleep, it may be a hardware issue:
- Check warranty at checkcoverage.apple.com
- The sleep sensor or power management circuit may be faulty
- Apple can run diagnostics to confirm
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