The mac shutdown shortcut is Control + Option + Command + Power. It quits your apps, asking you to save any unsaved documents, and then turns the Mac off. The Power key is the top right key on MacBooks, often with Touch ID built in.
For short breaks, sleep is better: Option + Command + Power puts the Mac to sleep at once, and simply closing a MacBook lid does the same. Restart and log out have their own combinations, listed below.
Quick facts
Shut down
Control + Option + Command + PowerSleep
Option + Command + PowerRestart
Control + Command + PowerDisplay off only
Control + Shift + PowerLog out
Shift + Command + QMenu way
Apple menu, Shut Down
Mac shutdown shortcut and power keys
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Shut down, quitting apps | Control + Option + Command + Power |
| Restart, quitting apps | Control + Command + Power |
| Sleep | Option + Command + Power |
| Turn off the display only | Control + Shift + Power |
| Log out | Shift + Command + Q |
| Log out without confirming | Option + Shift + Command + Q |
On MacBooks with Touch ID, the Touch ID button is the Power key in these combinations. Press the keys together briefly; holding the Power key alone for several seconds forces the Mac off instead.
Shortcut to shut down a Mac safely
- Save your work in each open app.
- Press Control + Option + Command + Power.
- Answer any save prompts that appear.
- Wait until the screen goes black and the Mac is silent before closing the lid or unplugging.
The Apple menu, then Shut Down, does the same and lets you tick Reopen windows when logging back in.
Mac sleep shortcut and when to use it
Sleep keeps everything open in low power and wakes in a second. Use Option + Command + Power, close the lid, or choose Sleep from the Apple menu. For long breaks, travel, or when the Mac has felt slow, shut down or restart instead. If the Mac wakes up by itself, check Battery or Energy settings for wake for network access options.
When the Mac will not shut down
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| An app stops shut down | Save and quit it, or use Option + Command + Esc to force quit |
| Mac is completely frozen | Keep the Power button down until the screen goes dark |
| Keys do nothing | Press them together quickly; on some keyboards try the Apple menu |
| Restarts instead of shutting down | A software update may be installing; let it finish |
Battery care and closing the lid
MacBooks are designed to sleep with the lid closed, so most people rarely shut them down. A weekly restart still helps clear memory and finish updates. If you will not use the laptop for several days, shut it down and leave the battery around half charged. Closing the lid while connected to an external monitor, keyboard and power keeps the Mac awake in clamshell mode, which is useful at a desk. Optimised battery charging, on by default, learns your routine and holds the charge at 80 percent when it can.
Windows and more Mac keys
For PCs, read our Windows shut down and Windows sleep guides. Frozen apps are covered in force quit on Mac, and locking in lock a Mac.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shutdown shortcut on a Mac?
What is the Mac sleep shortcut?
How do I restart a Mac with the keyboard?
Where is the Power key on a MacBook?
At the top right of the keyboard, often the Touch ID button.
How do I force a frozen Mac off?
Press and hold the Power button until the Mac turns off, then wait a few seconds before starting it.