How to Keep Music Playing When Laptop is Closed Mac: Exploring the Intricacies of Mac Audio Settings

When diving into the realm of multimedia experiences on a Mac, one often encounters the question of how to keep music playing even after closing the laptop lid. This inquiry, while seemingly straightforward, opens up a can of worms regarding power management, audio settings, and the interplay between hardware and software. Understanding how to maintain an uninterrupted auditory experience involves dissecting multiple facets of macOS, from basic preferences to hidden terminal commands. Let’s embark on this journey to uncover the secrets behind keeping the tunes flowing seamlessly.

Understanding Mac Sleep Modes

At the core of this exploration lies the concept of sleep modes in macOS. When you close your MacBook’s lid, it typically enters sleep mode to conserve battery life. This state shuts down most of the system’s functionalities while retaining a minimal power draw to preserve the current state, allowing for quick wake-up times. However, this default behavior pauses any active audio playback, which is where our intervention is needed.

Adjusting Power Settings

1. Prevent Automatic Sleep:

   • Navigate to System Preferences > Energy Saver.
   • For both “Battery” and “Power Adapter” tabs, uncheck the box labeled “Put the computer to sleep when it is inactive for…” This prevents the Mac from automatically entering sleep mode based on inactivity.

2. Customizing Sleep Triggers:

   • While the above step stops inactivity-induced sleep, closing the lid still triggers sleep unless adjusted. Enter Terminal (found via Spotlight Search) and use the command pmset -g to view current power settings.
   • To prevent lid closure from putting the Mac to sleep, use sudo pmset lidwake 1. This enables wake-on-lid-open functionality, but it doesn’t inherently keep music playing.

Using External Displays and Devices

An indirect yet effective method involves connecting your MacBook to an external monitor or display:

• Connected Display Trick: When connected to an external display, closing the laptop lid usually won’t put the Mac to sleep, assuming the display remains active. Use this setup to keep your music app running uninterrupted.
• HDMI Dongles and Docks: These accessories can mimic the presence of an external display, preventing sleep even without an actual monitor attached.

Third-Party Applications and Utilities

For those seeking more tailored solutions, several apps can customize Mac behavior beyond native settings:

1. Caffeine:

   • This lightweight utility prevents sleep by simulating user activity. Simply launch Caffeine, and it keeps your Mac awake indefinitely until you manually deactivate it.

2. Amphetamine:

   • Similar to Caffeine but with a broader range of customization options, Amphetamine allows scheduling sleep prevention based on time, apps in use, or specific conditions.

3. Alfred Workflow and Scripts:

   • Alfred, a productivity tool, supports custom workflows and scripts. Create a workflow that runs a script to prevent sleep when a specific music app is active.

Adjusting Audio Output Settings

Controlling where and how audio is output can also play a role in maintaining playback:

• Bluetooth Devices: Pair your MacBook with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. These devices often maintain a connection even when the laptop is closed, allowing music to continue playing.
• AirPlay: If you have an Apple TV or compatible smart speakers, use AirPlay to stream audio. This method ensures your music keeps playing as long as the receiving device remains powered on.

Exploring Terminal Commands

For advanced users, delving into Terminal offers deeper customization options:

• Preventing Sleep via pmset:

  • The pmset command is versatile and can be used to tweak sleep settings. For instance, sudo pmset noidle prevents the system from idling to sleep, while sudo pmset sleep 0 sets the sleep timer to zero, effectively disabling sleep.

• Creating Custom Sleep Profiles:

  • Use pmset -a for adaptive settings that apply universally (-a), modifying parameters like hibernatemode, autosuspend, and disksleep to fine-tune power management without fully disabling sleep.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: Does connecting a power source affect sleep behavior? A: Yes, connecting your MacBook to a power source often alters sleep settings. The laptop may have different inactivity thresholds for battery vs. powered states.

Q: Can I use an external keyboard to control music playback? A: Absolutely. Most music apps support media keys, and external keyboards can control playback even when the laptop lid is closed. Ensure Bluetooth connectivity for wireless keyboards.

Q: Will my MacBook overheat if I keep it awake for long periods? A: While it’s possible, especially with intensive tasks, macOS has built-in thermal management. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning vents and ensuring adequate airflow, can mitigate overheating risks.

Q: Can I automate the process of preventing sleep? A: Yes, using Automator or scripting languages like AppleScript, you can create workflows that activate sleep prevention based on specific conditions or events, like launching a music app.

By navigating through these various avenues, you can tailor your MacBook’s behavior to ensure your musical experience remains uninterrupted, even when the laptop lid is closed. Happy listening!