New Mac mini can turn itself on when power returns
macOS Tahoe 26.5 adds a setting that lets some desktop Macs start when power is connected. This matters for people using a Mac mini as a home server because it can come back after a power cut without someone pressing the button. It only works on newer supported models.
Key points
- The setting is called "Start up when power is connected".
- A Mac mini can boot by itself after power comes back.
- You need a Mac mini from 2024 or later, a Mac Studio from 2025 or later, or an iMac from 2024 or later.
- If testing by unplugging and replugging power, wait about 30 seconds first.
Quick term guide
- macOS Tahoe 26.5
- A version of the operating system that runs on Mac computers.
- macOS
- The operating system that runs on Apple Mac computers.
- Mac mini
- A small desktop computer made by Apple.
- home server
- A personal computer setup at home used to run services or store files instead of regular daily use.
- server
- A computer that stores files and shares them with other devices in your home.
- models
- Different AI engines that can power answers or code suggestions inside a tool.
- Mac Studio
- A powerful desktop Mac made by Apple.
- testing
- The process of checking that software does what it's supposed to do, usually by running it and looking for errors.