MacBook – How to stop the MacBook Pro from automatically sleeping when I lock the screen

macbook proscreensaversleep-wakewifi

Whenever I lock my screen (via either the lock icon -> Lock screen or by using the Control+shift+eject key combination), my screen immediately turns off (not showing the screen saver), and the system seems to sleep.
This is inconvenient because it disconnects me from the network, causing Jabber to go offline / ssh connections to die.

I am constantly connected to AC, and am using the following Energy Saver->Power Adapter options:

  • Turn display off after: Never
  • Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off
  • Wake for Wi-Fi access

I have a 'late 2013' MacBook Pro running OS X 10.9.1.

Is there any way to stop this from happening?

Best Answer

Had the same problem in my Macbook(15") pro running 10.9.4.

I wanted my Mac to be locked while I was away (so configured hot corners) but at the same time did not want it to sleep (irrespective of whether it is connected to power or not) so that my wifi will be "ON" always for my jabber & mails. So here's what I did to prevent Mac from sleeping:

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Run sudo pmset -a sleep 0

Explanation of the command:

  • pmset command is to manipulate power management settings.

  • -a specifies that the setting applies for all conditions (power & battery)

  • sleep configure system sleep timer

  • 0 to disable

Check out man pmset for more information.

Related Question