By default, your Mac should enter sleep mode once the lid is closed. This feature ensures your Mac is ready to use as soon as you open the lid while conserving energy when it’s inactive.
However, if you notice light leaks from the sides of your Mac when the lid is closed, it means the display is still on, and your Mac has failed to enter sleep mode. So, if you’re experiencing this issue, here are some potential fixes you can try.
1. Reconfigure Sleep Settings
Sometimes, fixing this problem might be as easy as ensuring your sleep settings are configured correctly. To configure your MacBook sleep settings, follow these steps:
These settings ensure that your MacBook’s display doesn’t stay on indefinitely.
2. Disable Interfering Background Apps
Another quick fix isquitting any open applications, as they may prevent your Mac from going to sleep when you close the lid.
If you’ve done this and your Mac still doesn’t enter sleep mode when the lid is closed, an application might be running in the background, causing this issue.
You canuse the Activity Monitorto see if any background apps are running. To open it, openFinder, then go toApplications > Utilitiesfolder and double-clickActivity Monitor.
In Activity Monitor, head to theCPUtab in the toolbar. Here, you can quit any running applications or processes. Simply click the application in theProcess Namecolumn, then click theXbutton at the top of the toolbar.
Alternatively, you’re able to double-click an application and then clickQuit.
Another option is toboot your MacBook in safe mode. Safe mode helps to determine the cause of any hiccups you encounter while using your Mac. When you start up your Mac in Safe Mode, it boots the system without starting up any non-essential applications.
This stripped-back version of macOS can tell you if the problem is caused by an application or an issue with your Mac itself. If your MacBook goes to sleep just fine when the lid is closed in safe mode, the issue is from an application that you may need to update or uninstall.
3. Check Your Network Access Settings
Macs have a feature called “wake for network access” to wake the computer when other users on the same network require access to shared resources such as printers, documents, or even music playlists.
Though this feature is valuable to some, it could prevent your MacBook from entering sleep mode when not in use. To disable it, follow these steps:
4. Check Your External Devices
If you close the lid when external devices are connected, yourMacBook will enter clamshell mode, which allows you to use any devices connected to it while the lid is closed.
So, if your MacBook is connected to an external display, you have to put it in sleep mode manually. To do this, click theApple logoin the menu bar and selectSleepfrom the dropdown menu.
Also, connected peripheral devices, such as external drives, can interfere with sleep mode on your Mac. you may disconnect each external device to find out which of them, if any, is preventing your Mac from going to sleep.
5. Update Your Mac
If your MacBook still doesn’t enter sleep mode when the lid is closed, you can try updating the system software as a troubleshooting measure. Apple releases macOS software updates frequently, including new features and bug fixes that may resolve software glitches like this.
Toupdate your Mac, click theApple logoin the menu bar and selectSystem Settings. Then, selectGeneralfrom the sidebar and clickSoftware Updateon the right
Your Mac will automatically check if there are any updates available. If a new macOS version is available, clickUpdate Now. Remember to keep your MacBook charged and connected to the internet throughout the process.
6. Reset the SMC and NVRAM
Your Mac’s SMC (system management controller) is responsible for many hardware functions, including detecting when the lid is closed and putting your MacBook in sleep mode. So, where there is an error with this functionality, you may need to reset the SMC to resolve the issue.
Similarly, the NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory) stores information regarding specific settings and is sometimes responsible for hardware malfunctions.
Resetting the SMC and NVRAM can be pretty complicated, and the process may differ depending on the kind of Mac you have. But don’t worry; we have a complete guide onresetting the SMC and NVRAM on any Mac.
Restore the Sleep Functionality of Your MacBook
If you have tried all these fixes and you’re still experiencing this issue, there may be a problem with your MacBook’s lid angle sensor that detects when the lid is open or closed.
In that case, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider to get it fixed.
