HELP FILE

Troubleshooting Wake On LAN on a Mac

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot issues when trying to wake a Mac.

Minimum Requirements

  • The computer you are trying to wake up must be on a wired connection (not on WiFi)
  • A second LogMeIn host computer must be switched on and in the same network in order to send the wake request
Important: Make sure you are using up to date, officially supported third-party technology together with LogMeIn Rescue. LogMeIn Rescue is designed for use with third-party products and services (browser, OS, etc.) that are officially supported by their respective vendors and well-maintained by the end user (latest patches and updates installed). Learn more

Hardware Requirements

First, confirm that you meet the hardware requirements for using Wake on LAN:

  • Confirm that the computer is on a wired network (not WiFi). Wake On LAN is not supported for Mac hosts on a wireless network.
  • Make sure the host is in Stand-by, sleep, or hibernation (ACPI specification S3 or S4) mode.
  • You cannot wake a Mac that is powered off.

Adjust the Power Management settings in a System Configuration file

Check the Power Management settings on the Mac you want to wake up.

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Navigate to SystemConfiguration by going to Go > Go to folder and typing /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/.
  3. Open the following file: com.apple.PowerManagement.plist.
  4. Set the <integer> Wake On LAN </integer> value to 1 for the following <keys>:
    1. <key> AC Power </key>
    2. <key> Battery Power </key>
    3. <key> UPS Power </key>
  5. Restart the Mac.
    Wake On LAN should be available.

Adjust the Power Management settings in Terminal

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Navigate to Terminal by going to Go > Utilities and double-clicking on Terminal.
    The Terminal window is displayed.
  3. Type pmset -g live.
    A table with settings and values is displayed.
  4. Look for the value womp and verify that it is set to 1.
    If it is not set to 1, you can set it with the command sudo pmset -a womp 1.

Further Resources and Information

Make sure the host is in Stand-by, sleep, or hibernation (ACPI specification S3 or S4). You cannot wake a Mac that is powered off.

ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) standards:
  • S0 – System is fully powered on
  • S1 – Power on Suspend(POS): Power to the CPU and RAM is maintained.
  • S2 – CPU powered off.
  • S3 – Standby, Sleep or Suspend: RAM still has power
  • S4 – Hibernation: Memory is saved to the hard drive and the system is powered down.
  • S5 – Shut Down: The power supply still supplies power to the power button.

For additional information, visit the Apple support site.