How to Stop Your MacBook from Turning On When You Open the Lid

By default, modern MacBooks automatically power on when you open the lid. While this feature can be convenient, some users prefer to disable it to have more control over when their MacBook turns on. Unfortunately, Apple does not provide a simple toggle in System Settings to disable this behavior, but there are workarounds using Terminal commands and power management settings.

This guide will walk you through different methods to stop your MacBook from turning on when you open the lid.

Why Does Your MacBook Turn On When You Open the Lid?

Apple introduced the Auto Boot feature in 2016 with the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and has since included it in newer MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. The feature is designed to:

• Improve boot-up times.
• Make it easier to start your Mac without pressing the power button.
• Enhance the user experience by reducing the need for manual intervention.

However, if you want to disable this feature for personal preference or to avoid unnecessary power consumption, you can follow the methods below.

Method 1: Disable Auto Boot Using Terminal

The easiest way to stop your MacBook from turning on when you open the lid is by using a Terminal command.

1. Steps to Disable Auto Boot
2. Open Terminal. You can find it in Applications > Utilities > Terminal, or search for "Terminal" using Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
3. Enter the following command and press Enter:sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00
4. Enter your administrator password when prompted (you won’t see the characters as you type).
5. Restart your MacBook for the changes to take effect.

Now, your MacBook will no longer power on automatically when you open the lid.

Reverting the Change

If you want to re-enable the Auto Boot feature, use this command:

sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03

Then restart your MacBook.

Method 2: Use Clamshell Mode to Prevent Auto Boot

If you often use your MacBook in Clamshell Mode (connected to an external monitor and keyboard while closed), you can reduce automatic boot-ups:

1. Turn Off Your MacBook Completely before closing the lid.
2. Disconnect all peripherals (charger, external monitor, etc.).
3. Close the lid gently and avoid pressing any keys accidentally.

While this does not disable Auto Boot, it can reduce instances of unwanted startups.

Method 3: Reset NVRAM and SMC (If Auto Boot Persists)

If your MacBook still turns on when you open the lid after disabling Auto Boot, resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and SMC (System Management Controller) might help.

How to Reset NVRAM

1. Turn off your MacBook completely.
2. Press and hold Option + Command + P + R immediately after turning it on.
3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds until you hear the startup chime (on older Macs) or see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice.
4. Release the keys and allow the Mac to boot up normally.

How to Reset SMC

For MacBooks with Apple Silicon (M1/M2 Chips)

• Shut down the Mac completely.
• Wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn it back on normally.

For Intel-Based MacBooks

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Release all keys and press the power button again to turn it on.

This resets power management settings, which may stop unintended power-ups.

Method 4: Keep Your Mac in Sleep Mode Instead of Shutting Down

If you only close your MacBook’s lid and let it sleep instead of shutting it down, it will not turn on automatically when you open the lid. Instead, it will wake from sleep mode instantly.

To ensure your MacBook enters sleep mode correctly:

• Go to System Settings > Battery > Power Adapter (on macOS Ventura and later) or Energy Saver (on older macOS versions).
• Adjust settings to prevent auto-wake when connected to power.

This method doesn’t disable Auto Boot, but it reduces the need to power up frequently.

Conclusion

Stopping your MacBook from turning on when you open the lid requires disabling Auto Boot using a Terminal command. If that doesn’t work, resetting the NVRAM and SMC can help. You can also adopt habits like using Sleep Mode instead of shutting down or handling the lid carefully in Clamshell Mode.