Why Does My iMac Wake Up?

[CoMoMacUser]

I usually put my iMac into sleep mode when I'm not using it. Lately it wakes up for no apparent reason. For example, I'm on the other side of the room, so there's no way I could have jostled the mouse or hit a key.

Is there a log somewhere that shows why it woke up? My only concern is that there's some malware waking it up to do something.

 

[rkaufmann87]

I usually put my iMac into sleep mode when I'm not using it. Lately it wakes up for no apparent reason. For example, I'm on the other side of the room, so there's no way I could have jostled the mouse or hit a key.

Is there a log somewhere that shows why it woke up? My only concern is that there's some malware waking it up to do something.

When was the last time you ran Software Update? Also it would be helpful if you at least stated the version of OS X installed and which iMac you have.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Check the Console for hints.

To learn more about malware in Mac OS X and what steps can be taken to protect yourself, read the following F.A.Q.:

Mac Virus/Malware Info by GGJstudios​

 

[CoMoMacUser]

When was the last time you ran Software Update? Also it would be helpful if you at least stated the version of OS X installed and which iMac you have.

Snow Leopard on a 2008 model. Ran SU this morning.

 

[S.B.G]

I usually put my iMac into sleep mode when I'm not using it. Lately it wakes up for no apparent reason. For example, I'm on the other side of the room, so there's no way I could have jostled the mouse or hit a key.

Is there a log somewhere that shows why it woke up? My only concern is that there's some malware waking it up to do something.

Under System Preferences, is Wake for network access checked? If so and it's not needed, uncheck it.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

Under System Preferences, is Wake for network access checked?

I don't see that option in the Network section of Internet & Wireless.

 

[S.B.G]

I don't see that option in the Network section of Internet & Wireless.

Sorry, it's under Energy Saver.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

Sorry, it's under Energy Saver.

No problem. It's unchecked.

 

[Chippy99]

Did you ever get to the bottom of this? I have an iMac that I put to sleep every night and it stays asleep until morning, every time.

On the other hand, my Mac Mini is also put to sleep and every single morning, when I come downstairs, its on already.

The thing is, this has only started happening recently and I haven't done any updates or anything. Very odd.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

Did you ever get to the bottom of this?

No, and unlike your Mini, sometimes my iMac stays asleep. Sometimes it doesn't. Very strange.

Which OS does your Mini run?

 

[Macman45]

This is well known, and can sometimes be fixed temporarily by preventing hibernation...more info in this thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1529750/

 

[Chippy99]

This is well known, and can sometimes be fixed temporarily by preventing hibernation...more info in this thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1529750/

All those posts seem to be about difficulty in waking up your Mac. Not difficulty in keeping it asleep!

 

[Macman45]

All those posts seem to be about difficulty in waking up your Mac. Not difficulty in keeping it asleep!

It's the same fault...It's well worth trying. I had the same issues with y new Imac, and after disabling things as posted, I don't have issues any longer.

Your Mac will still sleep as normal, but will wake properly and no random events either.

Apple know about it, but I guess It will be fixed in Mavericks now.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

All those posts seem to be about difficulty in waking up your Mac. Not difficulty in keeping it asleep!

My iMac won't stay asleep.