Frequently asked questions.
Answers to common questions about Wake, covering what it needs, how it works, what it does with your data and what it costs.
Using Wake
Which Macs does Wake work on?
Wake needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later, and it runs on Macs with Apple silicon and on Intel Macs. If your Mac can run a newer version of macOS, you can update for free in System Settings › General › Software Update.
How do I use Wake?
Click Wake’s icon in the menu bar and choose Turn On to keep your Mac awake until you turn it off, or pick a time under Turn On For, anywhere from 15 minutes to 8 hours. Choose Turn Off when you’re done. You can also Option-click the icon to switch Wake on or off without opening the menu.
How can I tell whether Wake is on?
Wake’s icon is a sun while it’s on and a sleeping moon while it’s off. When you’ve chosen a time, the menu also shows how long is left.
Can my screen turn off while my Mac stays awake?
Yes. Turn on the setting that lets the display sleep, and your screen will go dark as usual while your Mac keeps running.
Will Wake run down my battery?
Keeping a Mac awake uses more power than letting it sleep, so Wake has a setting that turns it off automatically when your battery drops below 20%.
Will Wake keep my MacBook awake with the lid closed?
Not on its own. Closing a MacBook’s lid puts it to sleep unless it’s connected to power, an external display and a keyboard, which Apple calls clamshell mode. Wake doesn’t change what the lid does, so keep the lid open, or use clamshell mode, when you need your MacBook to stay awake.
Can Wake start when I log in?
Yes. Wake’s settings can open it at login, and they can also switch it on as soon as it opens, so your Mac stays awake from the moment you log in.
Privacy
Does Wake need any permissions?
No. Wake doesn’t ask for access to anything on your Mac, so there’s nothing to approve in System Settings.
Does Wake collect any data?
No. Wake has no account and no analytics. It goes online only to activate your licence and check for updates, and our privacy policy explains exactly what those send.
Buying Wake
How much does Wake cost?
Wake costs $9 once, tax included. You get every feature and every future update on up to 3 of your Macs. The 7-day free trial needs no card, and refunds are available within 30 days.
How do I buy Wake?
Choose Buy Wake… in the app. It opens Stripe’s checkout, and your licence key arrives by email as soon as you’ve paid. Open the link in that email on your Mac to activate Wake.
How many Macs can I use Wake on?
You can use Wake on up to 3 of your own Macs. To move to another Mac, choose Deactivate This Mac in Wake on the old Mac, which frees a place for the new one.
Do I need an account?
No. There’s nothing to sign up for or log in to. The trial starts automatically, and when you buy, you paste a licence key into Wake.
Are future updates included?
Yes. Every future version of Wake is included with your licence, with no upgrade fees and no subscription.
I’ve lost my licence key. What can I do?
Enter the email you bought Wake with on the lost key page and we’ll send your key again.
What if Wake isn’t right for me?
You can try Wake free for 7 days with no card. If you buy it and change your mind within 30 days, you get a full refund.