Screensaver comes on randomly and prevents use in Big Sur and M1

We have a new MacBook Pro M1 with Big Sur 11.0.1 and already in a half dozen instances the screensaver has come on in the midst of using the computer, despite having screensavers turned off. When the screensaver appears randomly, the computer becomes unusable and has to be restarted to function again.

Anyone else have this issue?

Interestingly, I am the guest user of this MBP and this started to happen on my GF's side after I once turned the screensaver on in my partition. I have since turned my screensaver setting off but it still happens. I think this should provide a clue to the engineers, because it only happens in the main user partition.

MacBook

Posted on Nov 24, 2020 8:39 AM

Top-ranking reply

zephyr70

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Jan 21, 2021 4:23 PM

I have filed a bug report on screensaver issue and just finished a call with Apple support. They have provided a solution and it did worked for me. Screensaver didn't show up yet. My machine is "MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)".

Issue below command by launching Terminal app (Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal) from your admin login account. Please make sure to type as shown below as these commands are case sensitive.

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.screensaver loginWindowIdleTime 0

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179 replies

ccamart

Level 1

4 points

Jan 30, 2021 8:59 PM in response to cameronfrompaloalto

Eventually, you know it is a software issue and you also know this will be fixed in a software update. Don’t return or exchange your brand new macbook over this...

Jan 31, 2021 5:43 AM in response to cameronfrompaloalto

Adding this /Library/Preferences/com.apple.screensaver loginWindowIdleTime 0 at the command line worked for me and has not stopped my screensaver from working.

Feb 4, 2021 6:40 AM in response to Michael Tchong

I just got a brand new M1 two days ago and ran into this issue. Yesterday the laptop froze while my wife was using it and we had to restart to get it working again. Not a good start.

Mar 2, 2021 5:23 AM in response to ddkjfsd

Surprised you bought an MBA M1, should have stayed with your Apple Lisa. Have faith.. keep your OS up to date. There might be new bugs but a lot of the old ones get fixed.

Mar 10, 2021 7:05 AM in response to GrandSwiss

How does one unfollow this thread? I uncheck the "following" tab but it does not stick. Is there a save button I have not found?

ccamart

Level 1

4 points

Mar 10, 2021 7:12 AM in response to Ralph6410

I just did the same you did and it worked, the button now says "Follow" so I guess I won't receive future notifications.

ddkjfsd

Level 1

4 points

Mar 10, 2021 7:13 AM in response to Ralph6410

Not possible to unfollow. Bug in Big Sur :)

Mar 10, 2021 7:13 AM in response to ccamart

Getting this notifications shows it did NOT for me.

ccamart

Level 1

4 points

Mar 10, 2021 7:16 AM in response to Ralph6410

You're right, I keep on getting notifications as well! Wondering if there is a way to mark this topic as Closed...

Mar 10, 2021 7:17 AM in response to ChristianPaulsen

Yes.. it did me last night. Have not noticed any differences, My track pad still won't stop while my bluetooth mouse is being used.

Apr 20, 2021 9:33 AM in response to Michael Tchong

It happens to be in mist of writing and doesn't allow back control!!

Apr 27, 2021 2:51 AM in response to Michael Tchong

Yeah this is happening to me too although i have a MacBook Air M1 with big Big Sur 11.0.1 it has been happening ever since i put on screen saver.

Apr 27, 2021 10:27 AM in response to Mr T

Be nice if they could fix that “Follow” button.

webDevH

Level 1

8 points

Feb 14, 2021 10:06 PM in response to sak147

Yes, updating to latest version which looks to have corrected the issue. Ran a couple of days with both profiles active, turned fast switching back on and using...no random screen saver activation this far. Recommend updating.

Nov 24, 2020 3:12 PM in response to Michael Tchong

Michael Tchong wrote:

...

I think this should provide a clue to the engineers,

...

Your posting here on the Apple user-to-User support communities has not reached Apple engineers, and we have no pathway to do so. I can assure you no one has reported a similar set of problems here with an M1-MacBook Pro.

To reach Apple Engineers, you need to use the Contact support Link at the top of every forum Web page, and follow that process through the first responder to get them to record a Big report. Bug reports, serviced and failed computers are the main ways Apple Engineers get problems that they will investigate.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Screensaver comes on randomly and prevents use in Big Sur and M1