I can't tell if my 2024 iMac is in sleep mode.

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I can't tell if my 2024 iMac is in sleep mode.

I only have this new iMac for 5 days. It really runs quiet and I can't tell if when I put it to sleep if only the display is turning off. When I touch a key or the mouse it turns on very fast. No lag. I looked at Console and it seems to me it isn't really in sleep mode. I have removed all peripherals and Console still reports activity. I can't seem to find relevant info on where to look on Console, so I might be missing something. Running 15.2 with the M4 chip. On a chat with an agent, she said since everything is working fine, Console won't show sleep or wake events. I seem to remember there is a way to check this. I'll include a screenshot from Console showing times when the mac was supposedly in sleep. Any help appreciated. Must be a way to check!

iMac 24″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Jan 15, 2025 9:14 AM

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Answer 1

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Joe Canfora Author

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875 points

Jan 29, 2025 6:49 AM in response to Joe Canfora

So the final solution was that the mac was indeed not going to sleep because Spotlight was stuck indexing. This caused many problems when connecting external hard drives also as I couldn't eject them properly then. Tried leaving Spotlight index on for 24 hours and it never progressed. After getting next level support from Apple we had to resort to a total wipe of the system and start from scratch. This Mac came with 15.0 and I did the update. But starting over went right to 15.2. Everything is fine now. Indexing took minutes. Can see on console that the computer does indeed go to sleep now.

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Answer 2

hcsitas

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Jan 15, 2025 10:34 AM in response to Joe Canfora

Sleep is unnecessary on later Macs and should be disabled. Shut for long absences/idle overnights, and for regular operation, use the settings exactly as shown below: (reboot after setting):

Also, do not manual-sleep for brief absences, use instead the Lock Screen settings to switch the display off on timer:

Once set, you can also use Control-Command-Q to immediately lock your screen (instead of waiting for the display to switch off on timer).

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Answer 3

Jan 15, 2025 9:22 AM in response to Joe Canfora

There may be a indicator light on the power button that is located on the back. When the iMac is in sleep mode it should be pulsing. (However I am not sure)

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

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Jan 15, 2025 1:07 PM in response to Joe Canfora

Are you manually sleeping the computer? Don’t - it’s unnecessary (i.e. faulty operation). If not, please post a snapshot of your Energy Saver settings, just to confirm.

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

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Jan 15, 2025 8:52 PM in response to Joe Canfora

Don’t - faulty operation on later Macs. Leave on or shut, those are your options.

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Answer 6

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jan 29, 2025 7:23 AM in response to Joe Canfora

Disable Sleep and don’t manual-sleep (unless you’re itching for you next adventure 😅)…otherwise happy to know you’re back in business.

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Answer 7

Joe Canfora Author

Level 3

875 points

Jan 15, 2025 12:54 PM in response to hcsitas

I do have settings at that except for after a power failure. Not necessary for me.

I can appreciate it being unnecessary, but I'd like to know a brand new computer is in proper working order.

The 2019 27 inch iMac was able to turn off wake by bluetooth and I just use the power button to wake.

Apparently, that is not an option now.

No thoughts on how to tell if it is actually going in sleep mode?

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Answer 8

Joe Canfora Author

Level 3

875 points

Jan 15, 2025 10:04 AM in response to hay_den9002

Nope, no indicator light on mine at least. Or it isn't in sleep mode. Maybe someone with same model can comment.

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Answer 9

Joe Canfora Author

Level 3

875 points

Jan 15, 2025 6:15 PM in response to hcsitas

Yes, I manually try to put to sleep. Display turns off. Use in the morning and maybe 6 hours later. Would like to just put to sleep like i always did on old Mac. Never had a problem.

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I can't tell if my 2024 iMac is in sleep mode.

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