Sleep Blocker Support

Get help with Sleep Blocker and find answers to your questions

Getting Started

Sleep Blocker is compatible with macOS 12.4 and later
How do I install Sleep Blocker?

Sleep Blocker can be installed from the Mac App Store:

  • Open the Mac App Store on your Mac
  • Search for "Sleep Blocker"
  • Click "Get" or "Install" to download the app
  • Once installed, Sleep Blocker will appear in your Applications folder
  • Launch the app and it will appear in your menu bar

The app is completely free and doesn't require any subscription.

How do I use Sleep Blocker?

Using Sleep Blocker is simple:

  • Find the icon: Look for the ☕ (coffee cup) icon in your menu bar
  • Click to open: Click the icon to open the Sleep Blocker interface
  • Choose mode: Select which type of sleep you want to prevent
  • Set duration: Choose how long to keep your Mac awake
  • Start: Click "Start Keeping Awake" to begin

The icon will change to indicate when Sleep Blocker is active, and you'll see a countdown timer showing remaining time.

What are the different sleep prevention modes?

Sleep Blocker offers five different modes to match your needs:

  • 🖥️ Prevent Display Sleep: Keeps your screen on while allowing the system to sleep when idle
  • 💤 Prevent Idle System Sleep: Keeps your system awake but allows the display to sleep
  • 💾 Prevent Disk Sleep: Keeps hard drives spinning to prevent disk sleep
  • 🔌 Prevent Sleep on AC Power: Only prevents sleep when connected to power adapter
  • 🚫 Prevent All Sleep: Keeps everything awake (display, system, and disk)

Choose the mode that best fits your current task or workflow.

System Requirements

macOS 12.4 or later
Apple Silicon or Intel processor

Storage

50 MB available storage space

Permissions

Administrator privileges for caffeinate command

Troubleshooting

Sleep Blocker isn't preventing my Mac from sleeping

If Sleep Blocker isn't working as expected, try these solutions:

  • Check the status: Make sure the app shows "Active" with a green indicator
  • Verify permissions: Sleep Blocker needs administrator privileges to work properly
  • Check system settings: Ensure Energy Saver settings aren't overriding the app
  • Restart the app: Quit Sleep Blocker completely and restart it
  • Choose the right mode: Make sure you've selected the appropriate sleep prevention mode

💡 Pro Tip

If you're experiencing issues, try using "Prevent All Sleep" mode first to test if the basic functionality works.

I can't find Sleep Blocker in my menu bar

If the Sleep Blocker icon isn't visible in your menu bar:

  • Launch the app: Make sure Sleep Blocker is running by opening it from Applications
  • Check menu bar settings: Go to System Preferences → Dock & Menu Bar and ensure menu bar items are visible
  • Look for the icon: The icon appears as ☕ when inactive and 😴 when active
  • Restart the app: Quit Sleep Blocker completely and relaunch it
  • Check screen resolution: On some displays, menu bar items might be hidden if the screen is too crowded
The app crashes or won't start

If Sleep Blocker is crashing or won't start:

  • Update macOS: Ensure you're running macOS 12.4 or later
  • Restart your Mac: A simple restart can resolve many issues
  • Check for updates: Make sure you have the latest version from the App Store
  • Reset preferences: Delete Sleep Blocker preferences and restart the app
  • Reinstall the app: Delete the app and reinstall from the App Store

If problems persist, please contact our support team with details about when the crash occurs.

Performance or battery impact concerns

Sleep Blocker is designed to be lightweight and efficient:

  • Minimal CPU usage: The app uses native macOS commands with very low overhead
  • Battery impact: The app itself doesn't drain battery, but preventing sleep will use more power
  • Memory footprint: Sleep Blocker uses less than 50MB of RAM
  • Use wisely: Only keep your Mac awake when necessary to conserve battery

⚡ Battery Tip

Use "Prevent Sleep on AC Power" mode when working on battery to automatically allow sleep when unplugged.

Features & Tips

Can I set custom durations?

Yes! Sleep Blocker offers flexible duration options:

  • Preset options: 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, or indefinite
  • Custom duration: Enter any custom time in minutes or hours
  • Indefinite mode: Keep your Mac awake until you manually stop
  • Countdown timer: See exactly how much time is remaining

The app remembers your last used settings for convenience.

Does Sleep Blocker work with external monitors?

Yes, Sleep Blocker works perfectly with external monitors:

  • Multiple displays: Prevents sleep on all connected displays
  • Clamshell mode: Works when using MacBook with external monitor and lid closed
  • Different modes: Choose display-only mode to keep monitors awake without preventing system sleep
Can I use keyboard shortcuts?

Currently, Sleep Blocker focuses on menu bar interaction for simplicity. However, you can:

  • Quick access: Click the menu bar icon for instant access
  • One-click start: Your last settings are remembered for quick restart
  • Visual feedback: The menu bar icon changes to show active status

Keyboard shortcuts may be added in future updates based on user feedback.

Is my data private and secure?

Sleep Blocker is designed with privacy in mind:

  • No data collection: The app doesn't collect or transmit any personal data
  • Local operation: Everything works locally on your Mac
  • No internet required: The app works completely offline
  • Open source approach: Uses standard macOS caffeinate command

Your privacy and security are our top priorities.