Set Mac mini to be constantly on and logged in
I've got a Mac mini that I would like to run headless; leaving plugged in to network and power only.
I want to leave the Mac mini on to:
Run Dropbox constantly, so that I have the local copy backed up to the Mac mini.
Run a cloud backup service so that my Dropbox data is backed up again.
The hurdles I see with doing so are:
If there is a power cut, I want to make sure that the machine reboots and logs back in so that tasks 1. & 2. above can run. This can be partially achieved by powering the Mac mini via a UPS, although if the power cut was long enough the UPS would also fail.
Knowing if the systems fail, so that I can fix them. I wouldn't want the systems to fail and me not know for 6 months.
Are there some specific settings I should be looking at in macOS to enable me to leave it running constantly carrying out tasks 1. & 2. above?
macos mac-mini
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
add a comment |
I've got a Mac mini that I would like to run headless; leaving plugged in to network and power only.
I want to leave the Mac mini on to:
Run Dropbox constantly, so that I have the local copy backed up to the Mac mini.
Run a cloud backup service so that my Dropbox data is backed up again.
The hurdles I see with doing so are:
If there is a power cut, I want to make sure that the machine reboots and logs back in so that tasks 1. & 2. above can run. This can be partially achieved by powering the Mac mini via a UPS, although if the power cut was long enough the UPS would also fail.
Knowing if the systems fail, so that I can fix them. I wouldn't want the systems to fail and me not know for 6 months.
Are there some specific settings I should be looking at in macOS to enable me to leave it running constantly carrying out tasks 1. & 2. above?
macos mac-mini
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
add a comment |
I've got a Mac mini that I would like to run headless; leaving plugged in to network and power only.
I want to leave the Mac mini on to:
Run Dropbox constantly, so that I have the local copy backed up to the Mac mini.
Run a cloud backup service so that my Dropbox data is backed up again.
The hurdles I see with doing so are:
If there is a power cut, I want to make sure that the machine reboots and logs back in so that tasks 1. & 2. above can run. This can be partially achieved by powering the Mac mini via a UPS, although if the power cut was long enough the UPS would also fail.
Knowing if the systems fail, so that I can fix them. I wouldn't want the systems to fail and me not know for 6 months.
Are there some specific settings I should be looking at in macOS to enable me to leave it running constantly carrying out tasks 1. & 2. above?
macos mac-mini
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
I've got a Mac mini that I would like to run headless; leaving plugged in to network and power only.
I want to leave the Mac mini on to:
Run Dropbox constantly, so that I have the local copy backed up to the Mac mini.
Run a cloud backup service so that my Dropbox data is backed up again.
The hurdles I see with doing so are:
If there is a power cut, I want to make sure that the machine reboots and logs back in so that tasks 1. & 2. above can run. This can be partially achieved by powering the Mac mini via a UPS, although if the power cut was long enough the UPS would also fail.
Knowing if the systems fail, so that I can fix them. I wouldn't want the systems to fail and me not know for 6 months.
Are there some specific settings I should be looking at in macOS to enable me to leave it running constantly carrying out tasks 1. & 2. above?
macos mac-mini
macos mac-mini
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
edited 4 hours ago
Nimesh Neema
14.8k54074
14.8k54074
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
asked 4 hours ago
samsam
1,107103159
1,107103159
add a comment |
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
There are a few built-in settings in macOS and a 3rd party app that you should be looking at:
Under System Preferences → Energy Saver → Power Adapter, enable Restart after power failure.
Turn on automatic login by going to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Options → Automatic Login and select your preferred user account.
You may also wish to install and run a helper app that can prevent your Mac mini from sleeping automatically. I'd recommend installing KeepingYouAwake.
Enabling number 1. above will ensure that your computer boots automatically after a power failure. This will ensure that the computer boots automatically after the power is restored.
Number 2. will automatically log into your preferred user account after a restart, thus requiring no user intervention to start things up.
Number 3. will ensure your computer never goes to sleep mode. You can configure the app to startup automatically upon system start.
Doing above three should ideally take care of your requirement. You have to make sure that no unauthorized personnel is able to access your computer physically.
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
2
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
add a comment |
Go to your Energy Saver and set Turn off Display to Never:
Then make sure you screensaver, if enabled goes on after a set amount to time otherwise it will go to sleep.
Turn it off by opening the Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane in System Preferences then selecting Never in the drop down box in the bottom left corner of the window.
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
add a comment |
I would recommend a little program called InsomniaX 2. It works flawlessly for me. That program should solve your problem.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
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h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
There are a few built-in settings in macOS and a 3rd party app that you should be looking at:
Under System Preferences → Energy Saver → Power Adapter, enable Restart after power failure.
Turn on automatic login by going to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Options → Automatic Login and select your preferred user account.
You may also wish to install and run a helper app that can prevent your Mac mini from sleeping automatically. I'd recommend installing KeepingYouAwake.
Enabling number 1. above will ensure that your computer boots automatically after a power failure. This will ensure that the computer boots automatically after the power is restored.
Number 2. will automatically log into your preferred user account after a restart, thus requiring no user intervention to start things up.
Number 3. will ensure your computer never goes to sleep mode. You can configure the app to startup automatically upon system start.
Doing above three should ideally take care of your requirement. You have to make sure that no unauthorized personnel is able to access your computer physically.
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
2
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
add a comment |
There are a few built-in settings in macOS and a 3rd party app that you should be looking at:
Under System Preferences → Energy Saver → Power Adapter, enable Restart after power failure.
Turn on automatic login by going to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Options → Automatic Login and select your preferred user account.
You may also wish to install and run a helper app that can prevent your Mac mini from sleeping automatically. I'd recommend installing KeepingYouAwake.
Enabling number 1. above will ensure that your computer boots automatically after a power failure. This will ensure that the computer boots automatically after the power is restored.
Number 2. will automatically log into your preferred user account after a restart, thus requiring no user intervention to start things up.
Number 3. will ensure your computer never goes to sleep mode. You can configure the app to startup automatically upon system start.
Doing above three should ideally take care of your requirement. You have to make sure that no unauthorized personnel is able to access your computer physically.
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
2
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
add a comment |
There are a few built-in settings in macOS and a 3rd party app that you should be looking at:
Under System Preferences → Energy Saver → Power Adapter, enable Restart after power failure.
Turn on automatic login by going to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Options → Automatic Login and select your preferred user account.
You may also wish to install and run a helper app that can prevent your Mac mini from sleeping automatically. I'd recommend installing KeepingYouAwake.
Enabling number 1. above will ensure that your computer boots automatically after a power failure. This will ensure that the computer boots automatically after the power is restored.
Number 2. will automatically log into your preferred user account after a restart, thus requiring no user intervention to start things up.
Number 3. will ensure your computer never goes to sleep mode. You can configure the app to startup automatically upon system start.
Doing above three should ideally take care of your requirement. You have to make sure that no unauthorized personnel is able to access your computer physically.
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
There are a few built-in settings in macOS and a 3rd party app that you should be looking at:
Under System Preferences → Energy Saver → Power Adapter, enable Restart after power failure.
Turn on automatic login by going to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Options → Automatic Login and select your preferred user account.
You may also wish to install and run a helper app that can prevent your Mac mini from sleeping automatically. I'd recommend installing KeepingYouAwake.
Enabling number 1. above will ensure that your computer boots automatically after a power failure. This will ensure that the computer boots automatically after the power is restored.
Number 2. will automatically log into your preferred user account after a restart, thus requiring no user intervention to start things up.
Number 3. will ensure your computer never goes to sleep mode. You can configure the app to startup automatically upon system start.
Doing above three should ideally take care of your requirement. You have to make sure that no unauthorized personnel is able to access your computer physically.
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
answered 4 hours ago
Nimesh NeemaNimesh Neema
14.8k54074
14.8k54074
2
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
add a comment |
2
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
2
2
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I've never needed anything to keep the Mac awake. My last Mac Pro 3,1 stayed awake [except for the occasional power-cut or reboot for OS updates] for 10 years using nothing more than built-in Energy Saver settings.
– Tetsujin
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with @Tetsujin - MacPro and MacMini run headless and I set them to wake up or start so that they run for an hour before the time I need them. Time Machine and other things get caught up should there have been a power outage the UPS couldn't ride out.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I'm with the answer & Tetsujin - my mac mini runs headless fine with an external 2TB drive full of videos...
– Solar Mike
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
I skip the third party app and add a HDMI ($10 for one, three for $15 - pick any one that makes you happy - this is just one of many on Amazon so that the GPU gets engaged with a larger resolution than if it detects no display. Great answer Nimesh - I know a lot of people like software to prevent sleep.
– bmike♦
4 hours ago
add a comment |
Go to your Energy Saver and set Turn off Display to Never:
Then make sure you screensaver, if enabled goes on after a set amount to time otherwise it will go to sleep.
Turn it off by opening the Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane in System Preferences then selecting Never in the drop down box in the bottom left corner of the window.
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
add a comment |
Go to your Energy Saver and set Turn off Display to Never:
Then make sure you screensaver, if enabled goes on after a set amount to time otherwise it will go to sleep.
Turn it off by opening the Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane in System Preferences then selecting Never in the drop down box in the bottom left corner of the window.
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
add a comment |
Go to your Energy Saver and set Turn off Display to Never:
Then make sure you screensaver, if enabled goes on after a set amount to time otherwise it will go to sleep.
Turn it off by opening the Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane in System Preferences then selecting Never in the drop down box in the bottom left corner of the window.
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
Go to your Energy Saver and set Turn off Display to Never:
Then make sure you screensaver, if enabled goes on after a set amount to time otherwise it will go to sleep.
Turn it off by opening the Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane in System Preferences then selecting Never in the drop down box in the bottom left corner of the window.
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
answered 4 hours ago
Daniil ManokhinDaniil Manokhin
2,4571726
2,4571726
add a comment |
add a comment |
I would recommend a little program called InsomniaX 2. It works flawlessly for me. That program should solve your problem.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I would recommend a little program called InsomniaX 2. It works flawlessly for me. That program should solve your problem.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I would recommend a little program called InsomniaX 2. It works flawlessly for me. That program should solve your problem.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I would recommend a little program called InsomniaX 2. It works flawlessly for me. That program should solve your problem.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
answered 3 hours ago
h20neth20net
1
1
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
h20net is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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