Secret MacBook Tip: Plug In Without Turning on

When you open an Apple M-series MacBook or put in a power adapter, the laptop will instantly switch on. It makes some sense, doesn’t it? Your MacBook should switch on as you are most likely going to use it when you open it.

How to Configure Your MacBook Using Terminal Commands

But what if you would want to be able to plug in or open it without it turning on? You can now configure your MacBook with macOS Sequoia to prevent it from turning on when you open it or plug in the adapter.

You must use the Terminal application, found under Applications > Utilities, to input instructions in order to modify this option. Once Terminal has launched, type one of the following commands:

Command to Disable Power-On When Plug In or Open

• Enter the following if you wish to connect to power or open the MacBook without it turning on: BootPreference=%00 sudo nvram

Command to Prevent Power-On When Opened

• Enter the following to prevent the MacBook from turning on just when it is opened: BootPreference=%01 sudo nvram

Command to Prevent Power-On When Plug In

• Enter the following to prevent the MacBook from coming on while it is merely connected to power: BootPreference=%02 sudo nvram

Once the command has been typed, hit the Return key. You won’t be able to see your password typed on the screen until you enter it. Once you hit Return, you’re done.

Launch Terminal, type sudo nvram -d BootPreference, and then hit Return to reset the feature so that your MacBook turns on when you open it or plug in. When you open the lid, your Mac will then resume its default function of turning on.