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 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 the host software. The host software 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.

    Result: 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.

    Result: The Terminal window is displayed.

  3. Type pmset -g live.

    Result: A table with settings and values is displayed.

  4. Look for the value womp and verify that it is set to 1.

    Result: 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.