I just purchased the baseline M1 MacBook Air and I’m having trouble with the screensaver taking over the computer. It will come on even while using the device and then there’s no way to dismiss the screensaver. I have to switch users, log out, and/or restart the machine to get the screensaver to go away. At this point I’ve disabled the screensaver (which for me is fine) but I’m hoping there’s a fix out there somewhere.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.0
Third paragraph of this post fixed it for me:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252083925?answerId=254205721022#254205721022
"Configure the screen saver to not be displayed on the login window, which will also prevent the screen saver from starting 20 minutes after clicking on Login Window… or Switch User. This can be done by logging in as an admin user and entering the following command into Terminal: sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.screensaver loginWindowIdleTime 0 When the Password: prompt appears, type the password of the user that is currently logged in and press Return (the password being typed at this prompt will not be displayed)."
A reminder to everyone reporting and discussing this bug... Apple does not read these forums. EVERYONE needs to report the bug at Product Feedback - Apple
Hi there, thanks for your reply. I believe the issue was a bug on the Big Sur OS, which was fixed on the recent update, Regards R
I am experiencing the same issue. M1 MacBook Air. Big Sur 11.0.1. Happens on two separate user accounts, both with the screensaver disabled. No way to exit the screensaver but to close then open the lid. Happens a few times a day while actively using the computer. Browsing various forums it appears others are having this issue as well.
In that case, it could be the the screensaver was triggered from the inactive session (your wife), but it's showing up on the current session (you). Since it belongs to the inactive user, the screensaver won't stop since the key input is from the current user, not the inactive one. That explains the bug. Hope it gets resolved soon.
Just to add that I have this issue too, have done since new on m1 air. It happens while in use - literally while I’m typing for example. I have to close the lid and reopen to get past it. This is even with screensaver disabled.
Like may others, I am also having this issue. Running Big Sur 11.1 on MacBook Air (M1, 2020). Have 2 user accounts, both with the screensaver disabled. The screensaver will appear randomly, often in the middle of a task. Closing the lid, waiting and reopening works in most cases, often requiring multiple attempts.
Needless to say this is extremely frustrating and a less than ideal experience given that I have had the computer for less than a month. Certainly not what I expect from Apple. A shame this issue exists because the rest of the experience with the M1 MacBook Air has been fantastic. And I certainly hope that this does not require a hardware replacement as I waited long enough for my custom build.
Same issue here. A work arround ; click on power button, click "cancel" and login ... It work for me but it's very anoying.
SOLUTION : Close the laptop display and then open immediately, it will prompt for password/touch-id...to come out of the screensaver deadlock.
I face the same issue as well, I fix it by Pressing Command+Control+Q to log off user. The screen server will go away.
I also have this issue with workaround (close/open lid and login again).
Big Sur 11.1
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
16GB RAM
Hey Apple - we have a problem on your new M1 Airbook! Please acknowledge and fix it - I reinstalled the MacOS per Apple Support on Sunday. Today the issue reappeared despite the screensaver being turned to 'Never"
Same issue here with a new MBP 13" M1 running 11.1 (20C69). When attached to an external display in clamshell mode, pressing any button on the external keyboard wakes it up again but it's extremely annoying to get interrupted multiple times a day.
And same here on a new Mac mini m1. 1st install yesterday, updated to 11.1. have created 3 users. today suddenly screensaver started while I was reading and typing. couldn't stop it anymore. only putting the mini into sleep mode with the power button and waking it up again helped.
really hope this does not occur to often as described in some posts till there will be a fix for this.
Adding that opening and closing the lid on my MacBook Pro M1 turns off the screen saver and allows me back into my desktop. I have two accounts on this MacBook (a work and personal account) has this happened to anyone with just a single login on their mac?
There was another suggestion that may work for you.
You can set a delay period (or may have a default of 5 seconds) from when the screensaver comes on until you are required to enter your password to unlock.
Screensaver Lockout MacBook Air (M1)
