Apple MacBook Pro Sleep Mode: How to Put Your MacBook Pro to Sleep

When dealing with modern MacBook Pros, especially those with a TouchBar, users face the challenge of efficiently putting their devices to sleep, a process that often requires unique methods. While Apple has not provided a straightforward keyboard shortcut for this action, various workarounds have emerged over time. This guide will explore different methods to put your MacBook Pro to sleep, including the use of hot corners, custom keyboard shortcuts, and utilities.

Method 1: Using Command-Option-Eject or Command-Option-Power Button

For early versions of MacBook Pro models that lack a physical eject button, the combination of Command (?) Option (?) Eject key can be used. However, this method only works on older MacBook Pros. For more recent models, you can opt for the keyboard shortcut: Command (?) Option (?) Power Button.

Here's how to use the latter:

Press and hold the Power Button for approximately 1.5 seconds. A pop-up will appear asking about your decision to put the MacBook Pro to sleep. Click on the sleep option.

Note: If you want your Displays to sleep while the computer remains on, consider using the shortcut: Command (?) Shift (?) Power Button or Command (?) Shift (?) Media Eject.

Method 2: Hot Corner Function

Another efficient way to put your MacBook Pro to sleep is through the Hot Corner feature. This function can be configured in System Preferences under Desktop Screen Saver. By assigning a specific corner as the sleep trigger, you can quickly put your MacBook Pro to sleep by moving your mouse to that corner.

Method 3: Creating a Custom Keyboard Shortcut Using Automator

For users who prefer a more hands-free approach, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut to put your MacBook Pro to sleep. Here's how to do it:

Open Automator, which is located in the Applications folder. Choose to create a Service. Set the service to run in the background and receive no input in any application. Select Run Shell Script from the actions on the right. Write the following bash script into the shell script editor: Click Save and give a name to your service, e.g., "Put MacBook Pro to Sleep." Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Services. Find the service you just created and assign a custom keyboard shortcut, such as Control (?) Shift (?) F13.

Note: Unfortunately, the Power Button cannot be used as one of the buttons in your keyboard shortcut due to system limitations, but this still provides a convenient workaround.

Alternative: Adding the Sleep Button to the TouchBar

For users with a MacBook Pro with a TouchBar, adding the sleep button to the control strip can be a simpler solution:

Go to Finder. Click on the View menu and hold down the Option (?) key. Choose Customize Control Strip. Locate the Sleep button and drag it to your control strip. Repeat the process for the expanded and unexpanded control strips if you want the sleep button to be available on both.

Conclusion: While Apple does not provide a default keyboard shortcut for putting MacBook Pros to sleep, various methods such as using hot corners, creating custom shortcuts with Automator, and adding the sleep button to the TouchBar can help streamline the process. These options allow users to put their devices to sleep more efficiently, ensuring they can focus on their work without disruption.