I've tried a couple of different time settings under "Screen Lock" in the system settings but it's not making a difference. I shut down any active apps but I didn't have to do that on my old MB Air and it didn't help anyway.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.4
Seems to me there needs to be correct timing for both the time allowed before the screen dims / turns off (the longer time: eg: 15 minutes). and the time allowed for the screen saver to start. (the shorter time eg: 5 mins.)
(Reverse the duration for each = never to see the screen saver at all)
Else: Restarting Mac can often restore order if something is not working as expected (Apple menu > Restart)
(ie: Deletes temporary files, re-establishes connections, may update recent setting changes & more)
Still need help? : You may want to browse through Apple support's tips for MacOS Sequoia
Use a screen saver on your Mac - Apple Support
Seems to me there needs to be correct timing for both the time allowed before the screen dims / turns off (the longer time: eg: 15 minutes). and the time allowed for the screen saver to start. (the shorter time eg: 5 mins.)
(Reverse the duration for each = never to see the screen saver at all)
Else: Restarting Mac can often restore order if something is not working as expected (Apple menu > Restart)
(ie: Deletes temporary files, re-establishes connections, may update recent setting changes & more)
Still need help? : You may want to browse through Apple support's tips for MacOS Sequoia
Use a screen saver on your Mac - Apple Support
"Why isn't the screen saver engaging on my new MacBook Air?: I've tried a couple of different time settings under 'Screen Lock' in the system settings but it's not making a difference. I shut down any active apps but I didn't have to do that on my old MB Air and it didn't help anyway."
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Troubleshooting Screensaver Not Engaging:
If using the Screensaver GUI is of no success, try the following...
A. Froce Quit...
Confirm that your have closed (not shut down) all apps. Save what need be and then perform a Force Quit on all open apps.
B. Boot in Safe Mode:
In Safe Mode, Login Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another update install. Which buttons to hold dow depends on your processor-type. For instructions, go here: Start up your Mac in Safe Mode - Apple Support
C. Single-Out this User:
Create a new administrator user. Log into it, and see if you still get this issue. If not, then it is an error with your current user. If so, then it is an error with your entire MacOS, which would comedown to a macOS reinstallation to fit this. See below.
D. Reinstall the macOS:
Nothing would be lost. It's just that misplaced items would be placed back to where they should be and corrupt system files would be replaced by clean files. Go Here: Reinstall macOS - Apple Support. Use the third bulleted method: [command + r]. Important: Prior to installing an update or performing a reinstallation, to prevent data loss, be sure to Back up your Mac with Time Machine.
Why isn't the screen saver engaging on my new MacBook Air?
