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.

    Article last updated: 27 September, 2022