pmset MacOS command

The pmset command on MacOS allows users to view and modify power management settings. With pmset, users can optimize system performance, improve battery life, and customize sleep settings. This powerful command-line tool provides detailed control over how the Mac manages power, including setting sleep and wake schedules, adjusting display sleep times, and optimizing battery usage. By understanding and utilizing the pmset command effectively, users can tailor their Mac’s power settings to best suit their needs.

pmset Syntax:

pmset [option] [parameter]

Caution

Use caution when modifying power management settings with pmset command as incorrect settings may lead to unexpected behavior or performance issues.

pmset Options:

Option	Description
-g	Display the current Power Management settings
-b	Set preferences for battery power
-c	Set preferences for charging power
-u	Save settings to be the default for all users
-a	Set preferences for both battery and charging power
-s	Save settings to be the default for the active power source
-batt	Switch to settings for battery power
-ac	Switch to settings for AC power
-a	Apply settings to all power sources
-u	Apply settings to the currently active settings
-bact	Switch to battery settings and apply them
-reactive	Return the system to a default state
-gcustom	Show custom power management settings
-gups	Show UPS settings
-gassertions	Show power assertions

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
sleep	Set the system sleep timer value
displaysleep	Set the display sleep timer value
disksleep	Set the hard disk sleep timer value
womp	Set the Wake On LAN value
ring	Set the Wake On Modem value
autopoweroff	Set the autopoweroff delay time
autopoweroffdelay	Set the autopoweroff delay time in seconds

pmset Command Usage Examples:

Set the Display Sleep Timer to 15 Minutes

pmset displaysleep 15

Sets the display sleep timer to 15 minutes.

Put the System into Sleep Mode

pmset sleepnow

Puts the system into sleep mode.

Schedule a Sleep Timer for 10 Minutes

pmset sleep 10

Schedules a sleep timer for 10 minutes.

Disable Sleep Mode

pmset -a disablesleep 1

Disables sleep mode for the system.

Check Current Power Management Settings

pmset -g

Displays the current power management settings on the system.

Tip

When using the pmset command in MacOS, make sure to carefully read the command options and values to ensure you are configuring the power management settings correctly for your system.

How do I use pmset in MacOS?

To use the pmset command in bash, execute the following command:

pmset --option <value>

What are some common options for the pmset command in MacOS?

Common options for the pmset command include setting sleep preferences, modifying hibernation settings, and configuring power source behaviors.

How can I view the current power management settings using pmset?

To view the current power management settings with pmset, you can execute the following command:

pmset -g

How do I set the computer to never sleep using pmset in MacOS?

To set the computer to never sleep using the pmset command, use the following command:

pmset sleep 0

Can I schedule a specific time for the computer to go to sleep using pmset?

Yes, you can schedule a specific time for the computer to go to sleep by using the following command format:

sudo pmset repeat shutdown HH:MM:SS

How can I adjust the hibernation mode settings with pmset in MacOS?

To adjust the hibernation mode settings with pmset, you can use the following command:

sudo pmset hibernatemode <value>

Is it possible to create custom sleep settings for different power sources using pmset?

Yes, you can create custom sleep settings for different power sources by using the “c” option followed by the power source identifier. For example:

pmset -c sleep 30

How do I restore the default power management settings with pmset in MacOS?

To restore the default power management settings using pmset, you can execute the following command:

sudo pmset -a hibernate 1

Applications of the pmset command

• Adjusting power management settings
• Displaying current power source and settings
• Managing battery health and charging behavior
• Setting preferences for sleep and power saving modes
• Configuring system behavior when on battery power vs. connected to AC power
• Monitoring power usage and optimizing battery life