Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple’s all-new Mac mini is more mighty, more mini, and built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mac Mini: Shut Down or Sleep?

Should I shut down my mac or put it to sleep when not using it?

Posted on Nov 29, 2020 4:57 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 29, 2020 6:10 PM

You will get different opinions from different folks.


I only sleep the displays as I come and go during the day.

The rest of the time, I sleep the Mac Mini's and only restart for updates.

The only time I shut them down, is when I'm going be away for more than a few days.

Plus I shutdown and disconnect then from the Power, and Ethernet, during sever electrical storms.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 29, 2020 6:10 PM in response to colin_mccarthy

You will get different opinions from different folks.


I only sleep the displays as I come and go during the day.

The rest of the time, I sleep the Mac Mini's and only restart for updates.

The only time I shut them down, is when I'm going be away for more than a few days.

Plus I shutdown and disconnect then from the Power, and Ethernet, during sever electrical storms.

Nov 29, 2020 9:20 PM in response to colin_mccarthy

The only time I shut down my Mac is if I will be out of town for more than a day (and when I do, my entire computer desk gets powered down and unplugged, the cable modem too).


The rest of the time I simply let it go to sleep. Less wear and tear (heating / cooling cycles).


Of course it gets the occasional restart, whether for updates or 'just because'.

Mac Mini: Shut Down or Sleep?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.