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

Keep your MacBook Air M2 running cool:

Shop MacBook Cooling Stands on Amazon →

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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