MacBook Pro thinks it is restarting every night...

[spencecb]

Hi all.

I have a 2019 15" MacBook Pro that I have running on the latest version of macOS Big Sur 11.4. Approximately two weeks ago, I started noticing when I woke my Mac up from sleep it takes a lot longer, and I now see the black startup screen with the white Apple logo (like the computer is starting up) but then it goes to my login screen prompting me for my password and saying that it is needed for TouchID or my Apple Watch because the computer restarted.

However, it hasn't actually restarted because as soon as I type my password in it goes to me desktop with whatever apps I had open, but does this far too quickly to actually be starting back up (no progress bar is displayed, it just goes directly to the last app/desktop I was on when it went to sleep last.

Has anyone else seen this or know what to do to fix it? I have a 2017 iMac 27" that is up to date as well, and it never behaves like this. When I wake it up in the morning it unlocks with my Apple Watch, and my MacBook Pro thinks it has restarted for some reason.

Thanks in advance!

 

[spencecb]

And before anyone asks, here is a screen shot showing I do not have any sort of schedule setup...

 

[jk73]

Someone else mentioned a similar problem within the past few weeks, which I believe was triggered by a kernel panic.

 

[jk73]

Found it:

MBP Kernel Panics Overnight Every Night

Since upgrading to 11.3, every morning when I open my Macbook Pro, I have to restart it as it shuts down over night due to a kernel panic. Info submitted to Apple below. This is happening on a 2017 15" MBP for reference. Has anyone else been experiencing this problem or know of a fix? I've...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[spencecb]

Found it:

MBP Kernel Panics Overnight Every Night

Since upgrading to 11.3, every morning when I open my Macbook Pro, I have to restart it as it shuts down over night due to a kernel panic. Info submitted to Apple below. This is happening on a 2017 15" MBP for reference. Has anyone else been experiencing this problem or know of a fix? I've...

forums.macrumors.com

No, it isn't a kernel panic. Kernel panics are distinct, and you always know it has happened because you are greeted with the screen explaining that the computer needs to be shut down. That is unmistakable.

What is happening to my MBP is that it thinks it has already been restarted, and that I have to input my password to enable to other login functions. It does this every morning, or when it has been asleep for an extended period of time. I know that if you leave your device locked for a number of days it will require you two type in your password, same way iOS will stop unlocking using FaceID if you have not unlocked your phone in a long time.

This is the message you get with a kernel panic, and I haven't seen this on either of my computers for a very long time.

 

[jk73]

Sounds like a similar problem as the others are having, though.

 

[spencecb]

Sounds like a similar problem as the others are having, though.

Yes, definitely similar. I posted on that thread you linked to see if anyone has any input. Sounds like people think it has something to do with a change they made for M1 Macs, and that we will have to wait for the next software update. I saw someone say that macOS 11.5 fixed it for their machine, but they must have developer access or public betas.

 

[mrt.plt]

This is the message you get with a kernel panic, and I haven't seen this on either of my computers for a very long time.

View attachment 1790752

A kernel panic can trigger a restart without showing this screen, especially if the lid is closed. I've definitely had this problem with my 2018 15" MBP, but never actually looked into it.