Mac mini monitor keeps turning off, requiring reboot

Question

Level 1

9 points

Mac mini monitor keeps turning off, requiring reboot

My monitor keeps turning off. I use a Mac Mini. I have to 're-boot' in order to get the monitor toter back on. Sometimes it repeats often. any ideas?

Mac mini, macOS 15.7

Posted on Jan 9, 2026 10:37 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

91,456 points

Jan 10, 2026 9:11 AM in response to glen@plasma

The air intake is a small gap around the bottom cover and the exhaust is out the slot on the back.

After 6 or 7 years of use, it may have collected up a considerable amount of dust that needs to be cleaned out.

The 2018 Mac mini is pretty easy to do a DIY clean out.

Shutdown, disconnect the power, pop the bottom cover, gently blow it out.

If you are not comfortable doing a DIY clean out..?

Take the Mac mini to your local Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,456 points

Jan 9, 2026 11:10 AM in response to glen@plasma

What year model Mac mini..?

What display and how is it connected to the Mac mini..?

Try turning on “Prevent automatic computer sleep” and setting the “Display turn off time” to Never.

Reply

Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

91,456 points

Jan 9, 2026 2:58 PM in response to glen@plasma

You're welcome.

Sorry I was out and about and on my iPhone when I posted earlier.

Are the 2018 Mac mini and the Acer display a new setup or have you been running it for some time now...?

If the Acer also has DVI input, then you might want to try an HDMI to DVI adapter or a USB-C to DVI adapter.

FWIW we use the following settings on our 2018 Mac mini running 15.7.3 with dual 22" Samsung DVI displays.

Reply

Answer 4

glen@plasma Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 10, 2026 8:48 AM in response to den.thed

This is not a new setup. There is a DVI optional input on the monitor. I will try that next. The monitor has been "on" reliably the last day or so. What I did notice was that the Mac Mini was warm, very warm and I could hear a fan running. It had been located flat on my desk. I have since raised it to allow air to circulate under it and it seems better (???). I wonder if it's an overheating issue (Like my old iMac!). It seemed that if I was using the computer for an extended period of time the monitor condition would occur. I'm certainly not fond of spending a couple grand every few years (6-8) for a new computer!

Again, I do appreciate your help. Let me know your thoughts.

Out for now,

-glen

Reply