How can I prevent my MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed?

My strategy was more on the hardware side to keep things simple. Here’s how I managed it:
1. I used a simple HMI dummy plug, which I connected to an external port on my MacBook.
2. By plugging this in, the MacBook thinks a monitor is connected, and thus, it stays awake even with the lid closed.

This way, my MacBook continues running tasks without interruption, thanks to the dummy plug tricking the system into believing it’s still in use.

I found success using macOS’s built-in clamshell mode feature. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it work for you:
1. Connect your MacBook to an external monitor using the appropriate cable.
2. Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter.
3. Attach an external mouse and keyboard.

When the peripherals and power source are all set, you can close your MacBook lid. The system will use the external monitor as the primary display and remain awake. This method is convenient and straightforward for maintaining your workflow without interruptions.

My problem was solved by tweaking the Energy Saver settings in macOS. Here’s what I did:
1. Open System Preferences and go to Energy Saver.
2. Move the sliders for ‘Turn display off after’ and ‘Computer Sleep’ to ‘Never.’

This adjustment prevents your MacBook from sleeping even when the lid is closed. Keep in mind this might use more battery power and could wear out the battery faster if not plugged in. It’s a simple, built-in solution that worked perfectly for me without needing third-party apps.

For those who prefer third-party solutions, I recommend using the Amphetamine app, available for free on the Mac App Store. Here’s how you can leverage this powerful tool:
1. Install Amphetamine from the Mac App Store.
2. Launch the app and create a new session or adjust the settings to keep your Mac awake when specific conditions are met, like connecting to an external display.

Amphetamine provides flexibility with customizable triggers that ensure your MacBook doesn’t sleep when you don’t want it to. It offers a user-friendly interface and plenty of options to tailor your device’s sleep behavior as per your needs.

I opted for a dual approach, combining both hardware and software solutions for greater reliability. Here’s my method:
1. Hardware: Use an HMI dummy plug to simulate an external monitor connection.
2. Software: Utilize the Amphetamine app to prevent sleep based on various conditions.

Combining a physical plug with Amphetamine’s customizable settings has given me consistent and dependable results. The dummy plug tricks the MacBook into believing a display is connected, while Amphetamine manages the sleep settings effectively. This hybrid approach caters to different scenarios with ease.

Initially, I didn’t want to rely on apps or complex commands, so I went with a minimalistic physical trick. Here’s what I did:
1. I changed the Energy Saver settings to ‘Never’ for both display and computer sleep.
2. I then used a small, lightweight object, like a coin, on the MacBook’s trackpad.

The pressure of the object fools the MacBook into staying awake, believing it’s still in use. This method is basic but effective, without needing additional software or intricate steps.

To address this issue, I used a straightforward terminal command that bypasses the sleep settings. Here’s how:
1. Open the Terminal application from Launchpad or Applications > Utilities.
2. Type in sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1 and press Enter.
3. Authenticate with your macOS password when prompted.

This command completely disables the sleep mode when the lid is closed. While effective, it’s important to use the Terminal responsibly and understand the commands you’re issuing to avoid potential system issues.