How to Disable Automatic Startup on Your MacBook

If you’ve ever found it frustrating that your MacBook powers on whenever you open the lid or plug it into power, Apple has made it possible to turn off this feature. The tech giant released a support document with specific instructions on how to tweak this setting.

Understanding the Feature

The automatic startup function is particularly geared towards power users who often prefer more control over their devices. Although Apple has not included a straightforward option in the System Preferences, the steps provided allow for a workaround that caters to those who know their way around the system. This technique can be useful for various reasons, such as protecting sensitive information or simply reducing unwanted interruptions.

Steps to Disable Automatic Startup

To modify the behavior of your MacBook, follow these steps. Make sure that your laptop is powered with Apple silicon and that it is running macOS Sequoia or a more recent version.

Open the Terminal application, which can be found within the Utilities folder located in your Applications folder.
Enter one of the following commands into the Terminal and then hit Return:
- To disable startup when you open the lid or connect to power, input: sudo nvram BootPreference=%00
- To stop startup solely when opening the lid, input: sudo nvram BootPreference=%01
- To prevent startup only when connecting to power, input: sudo nvram BootPreference=%02
If prompted, type your administrator password in the Terminal (note that the password will not be visible as you type) and press Return.

Re-enabling Automatic Startup

If you decide later that you would like to restore the original automatic startup behavior, simply enter the following command in the Terminal:

sudo nvram -d BootPreference

This flexibility allows users to customize their experience based on their personal needs.

Things to Keep in Mind

It is essential to know that by following these instructions, you can still power on your MacBook by pressing any key or tapping the trackpad. If you wish to clean your keyboard without the concern of unintentional input, consider using an app like CleanupBuddy, which helps facilitate this process.

Moreover, if your aim is simply to silence your MacBook’s startup chime, you can do so through the Settings. Navigate to Settings > Sound and uncheck the option that says Play sound on startup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I revert the settings back to default if I change my mind?: Yes, you can easily revert back to the default settings by using the command sudo nvram -d BootPreference in the Terminal.
Does disabling automatic startup affect the MacBook’s security?: No, disabling this feature does not impact the security of your MacBook; it simply gives you more control over when your device powers on.
Is this option available on all MacBook models?: This feature is specifically available for MacBook models using Apple silicon and running macOS Sequoia or later versions.