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

sorry, we have no fixes here yet.

Use the Contact support link at the top of every forum page and follow on the get the ear of an Apple employee, and don't Let them go until they agree to file a Bug Report.

Problems are only looked at by Engineering when there are Bug reports or failed computers.

It's not having multiple user accounts that is related to the issue -- it is Fast User Switching -- logging in on top of another user account.

The background account's screensaver seems to be inappropriately activating and taking over the screen.

I happened upon a quick workaround - I have "Put Display to Sleep" as one of my hot corners, so if the screensaver pops on unexpectedly, I can put the mouse in that corner, and then wake the screen up again and I'm back in. No logging out, no closing lid, no hard restarts.

Not great though, and, I agree, something that really does need fixing.

I have the same issue and have reported it to Apple through support and feedback. Was hoping latest update would fix but it just happened again. The only way out of it I have found is to to close screen and then reopen and it goes away. Hopefully they will fix soon. Keep posting your issues. Glad I'm not the only one. Oh by the way apple told me that hot corners may be the issue. I use hot corners but don't have anything setup to go to screensaver mode. they did have me disable and it still happened. They did have me go to safe mode and it didn't happen there. They did recommend a reinstall of OS but I don't think that will fix this issue.

Hello,

I'm facing the exact same issue on our MacBook Air M1 (Big Sur 11.1).

Multi-account set up, screen saver disabled on all accounts but it still pops up randomly.

I've read some of the 'fixes', more ways around than a true fix which probably may come only from Apple.

My way around is to press the touch button and log back in using the password and not the Touch ID.

For sure, the solution cannot be: avoid multi-accounts, nor disable fast-switching!

This would be the opposite of Apple's philosophy/technology.

Looking forward to the final and permanent solution.

Welcome to the Apple User-to-User Support Communities. Readers are other Users like you. Apple employees rarely post here.

Apple never promises what is in unreleased software. If the work-around of disabling Fast User Switching does not solve the problem for you, start your return immediately.

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Next time just close display and reopen rather than rebooting or having to sign in again

I have this issue as well. MacBook Air M1. Big Sur 11.1

I don't want to disable the quick login option.

I just close the lid and open it again.

Hopefully Apple is aware of this bug.

Submit Your bug report.

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html

Fixed in the current version of MacOS.

Same issue on two different M1 MacBook pros. One on Big Sur 11.0 and one on 11.1. I trouble shooted for hours with Apple support and finally exchanged it it for a new one. 4 days in with the new one and I am having the same problem. Super bummed because it’s a phenomenal laptop but this problem looks extremely widespread judging by the amount of people with the same issue. Wonder if it is an Big Sur problem or an M1 problem?

This issue is the same for me. Brand new MacBookAir - (Jan2021) - without warning / request a screen saver appears at random intervals. Looks like a sea anemone / in luminescent type colours - under the water. We have x 4 user profiles (as a family) on new device, no one is using screensavers/hotcorners etc. Needs fixing as it is annoying - only way out we have / used is the close and open lid technique.

Hi,

Same here with a brand new Mac mini M1...

Since there is no lid on Mac mini obviously, I go with the Ctrl+cmd +Q shortcut... it usually brings the login screen back and I click "Cancel" at the bottom of the screen...

My fast user option is not checked... but I get the problem too...

I moved to MacOS from Windows and I start to realize that the grass is actually no greener on this side...

Have also a HomePod Dolby Atmos problem... it is starting to be a little too much for my taste ...