How to Adjust Your Mac’s Energy Settings to Prevent the Screen from Going Black

If you’re a Mac user, you might have noticed that your screen sometimes goes black after a period of inactivity. This feature is designed to save energy and prolong your device’s life. However, if it’s more bothersome than helpful, you can customize your Mac’s energy settings to prevent the screen from going black.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open System Preferences:
   • Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
   • Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
2. Access Energy Saver:
   • In the System Preferences window, click on the “Energy Saver” icon.
3. Choose Your Power Source:
   • You’ll see two tabs in the Energy Saver window: “Battery” and “Power Adapter.” Select the tab corresponding to your power source (Battery if you’re on battery power, Power Adapter if your Mac is plugged in).
4. Adjust Display Settings:
   • Look for the “Display” section in the Energy Saver window.
   • There are two sliders here:
     • Turn display off after: This slider controls how long your display stays on before it goes black. To prevent the screen from going black, move the slider all the way to the right.
     • Put hard disks to sleep when possible: This slider controls how long your hard drive stays active before going into sleep mode. To prevent the hard drive from going to sleep, again, move the slider all the way to the right.
5. Save Your Changes:
   • Once you’ve adjusted the settings to your liking, click the “OK” button to save your changes.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully adjusted your Mac’s energy settings to prevent the screen from going black.

Now, let’s delve into some more Mac-related topics and discover additional ways to enhance your Mac experience.

How to Troubleshoot Common Causes of a Black Screen on Your Mac

Encountering a black screen on your Mac can be a frustrating experience. But fret not; there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and get your Mac back in working order. Let’s explore common causes and solutions:

1. Check Power Connection:

• Ensure your Mac is receiving power. If not, check the power cord’s connections to your Mac and the power outlet. Try pressing the power button to turn it on.

2. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC):

• Shut down your Mac and unplug the power cord.
• Wait for 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in and press the power button.

3. Reset the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM):

• Shut down your Mac and unplug the power cord.
• Wait for 15 seconds, then press and hold the Command, Option, P, and R keys. Keep holding until you hear the startup sound twice.

4. Reset the Parameter RAM (PRAM):

• Shut down your Mac and unplug the power cord.
• Wait for 15 seconds, then press and hold the Command, Option, P, and R keys. Keep holding until you hear the startup sound three times.

5. Consider Hardware Issues:

• If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it could be a hardware problem. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek assistance from an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.

These troubleshooting steps should help you diagnose and address a black screen issue on your Mac. Remember to follow each step carefully, and hopefully, you’ll have your Mac back up and running smoothly.

How to Use the Terminal to Stop Your Mac Screen from Going Black

Did you know that you can use the Terminal application to prevent your Mac screen from going black? The Mac operating system’s screen saver feature can be easily customized with a few commands. Let’s explore how:

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find the Terminal application in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder.
2. Enter the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command:
     arduino

     defaults write com.apple.screensaver idleTime 0


     This command disables the screen saver, preventing your screen from going black.

3. Save Changes:
   • Press the Return key to execute the command and save the changes.

To re-enable the screen saver at any time, you can use the following command in the Terminal:

This command sets the idle time to 10 minutes, which is the default setting. Once again, press Return to save the changes.

By using the Terminal application, you can easily customize your Mac’s screen saver settings to suit your preferences and work style.

How to Update Your Mac’s Software to Stop the Screen from Going Black

A black screen issue on your Mac can sometimes be attributed to outdated software. Keeping your Mac’s software up to date is crucial for optimal performance and to prevent screen-related problems. Here’s how you can update your Mac’s software:

1. Open the App Store:
   • Locate and open the App Store on your Mac.
2. Go to the Updates Tab:
   • Click on the “Updates” tab at the top of the App Store window.
3. Check for Updates:
   • A list of available updates will be displayed. If updates for your Mac’s software are available, they will be listed here.
4. Select Updates:
   • Choose the updates you want to install and click the “Install” button.
5. Enter Credentials:
   • If prompted, enter your Apple ID and password.
6. Wait for Installation:
   • Allow the updates to download and install on your Mac.
7. Restart Your Mac:
   • After the updates have been installed, it’s a good practice to restart your Mac.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your Mac’s software is up to date, potentially resolving the issue of your screen going black. Keeping your Mac updated is essential for performance, security, and stability.

How to Use Third-Party Apps to Prevent Your Mac Screen from Going Black

If you’re searching for a more customizable solution to prevent your Mac screen from going black, consider using third-party apps. These apps offer additional settings and flexibility to suit your preferences. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download a Third-Party App:
   • Explore the available third-party apps that offer screen customization features. Look for apps that allow you to prevent the screen from going black.
2. Install the App:
   • After downloading your chosen app, follow the installation instructions to install it on your Mac.
3. Launch the App:
   • Once installed, open the app and look for settings related to preventing the screen from going black.
4. Adjust Settings:
   • Depending on the app, you can customize settings like screen timeout or screen saver preferences to prevent the screen from going black.
5. Save Your Settings:
   • After making the desired adjustments, remember to save the settings so they are applied each time you use your Mac.

Third-party apps provide a user-friendly way to tailor your Mac’s screen behavior according to your preferences. Be sure to follow the app’s instructions carefully for the best results.

Now that you’re armed with knowledge about adjusting your Mac’s energy settings, troubleshooting a black screen, using the Terminal for customization, updating your software, and exploring third-party app options, you can make your Mac experience even more tailored to your needs. Enjoy a screen that stays as active as you need it to be!