pmset

• pmset

  • Built-in macOS command for reading and changing power management settings: sleep timers, wake events, hibernation, and whether the system sleeps at all.
  • Reading settings works as any user. Changing one needs root, so writes run under sudo.

  • Usage

    • sh

      pmset -g                 # settings in use now, plus system-wide settings
      pmset -g custom          # settings for each power source
      pmset -g assertions      # processes currently holding the Mac awake
      sudo pmset -a <setting> <value>

    • -a, -b, -c and -u apply a setting to all power sources, battery, charger, or UPS.

  • disablesleep

    • sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1 stops the system from sleeping, including when the lid closes. sudo pmset -a disablesleep 0 turns sleep back on, which is the macOS default.
    • pmset -g shows the value as SleepDisabled under "System-wide power settings".
    • man pmset does not document this setting.
    • MacOS/How To/Keep a Mac Awake with the Lid Closed uses it, through mise tasks that record the earlier value and restore it.

  • Related settings

    • lidwake wakes the Mac when the lid opens.
    • sleep, displaysleep and disksleep are idle timers in minutes, with 0 meaning never.

  • mise tasks

    • pmset/mise/Task/lid-awake/enable
    • pmset/mise/Task/lid-awake/restore
    • pmset/mise/Task/lid-awake/install-sudoers