mac-mini-as-headless-server

Automate macOS 15 devices as unattended headless servers with SSH and Wake-on-LAN.

3|1|Updated Mar 31, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/soulmachine/skills --skill mac-mini-as-headless-server
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mac-mini-as-headless-server
Source: https://github.com/soulmachine/skills/tree/main/mac-mini-as-headless-server
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/soulmachine/skills --skill mac-mini-as-headless-server

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires pmset, defaults, systemsetup, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill addresses the issue of turning a Mac Mini or Mac Studio into an unattended 24/7 headless server with essential server functionalities.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Server Setup: Disables sleep, screen saver, and App Nap to maintain constant operation.
  • Security Features: Enables Wake-on-LAN, auto-restart after power failure, and SSH access.
  • Display Management: Manages display settings on Apple Silicon to prevent display sleep and blackouts on headless servers.
  • Use Case: Ideal for home servers, continuous integration (CI) systems, or remote access points.

Quick Start

To setup your Mac as a headless server, run the 'setup.sh' script as root:

sudo bash scripts/setup.sh

Frequently Asked Questions about mac-mini-as-headless-server

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I configure a Mac Mini as a 24/7 headless server?

To configure a Mac Mini as a 24/7 headless server, run the setup script with sudo privileges to disable sleep modes, enable SSH remote login, and prevent display blackouts on Apple Silicon devices running macOS 15 or later.

Why does my Mac Mini headless server go to sleep or drop SSH connections?

A Mac Mini headless server goes to sleep because default power management settings are still active. You need to disable sleep, App Nap, and screen savers using system configuration commands like pmset to maintain continuous unattended operation.

Does this headless server setup script work with macOS 15 Sequoia and Apple Silicon?

Yes, this headless server setup script is specifically designed for macOS 15 Sequoia and later devices. It manages display settings on Apple Silicon to prevent display sleep and blackouts, ensuring stable remote access points on Mac Studio and Mac Mini.

How do I enable Wake-on-LAN and auto-restart after a power failure on macOS?

To enable Wake-on-LAN and auto-restart after a power failure on macOS, run the server setup script with sudo privileges. It configures system power management to automatically restore operation for unattended 24/7 home servers and CI systems.

Do I need sudo privileges to prevent my Mac Studio from sleeping for server use?

Yes, you need sudo privileges to prevent your Mac Studio from sleeping for server use. Modifying system-wide power management settings, disabling the screen saver, and enabling remote login via SSH requires root access to execute the setup script.

What is the best way to manage display settings on a headless Mac Mini without a monitor?

The best way to manage display settings on a headless Mac Mini without a monitor is to use a setup script that configures system defaults. This prevents display sleep and blackouts on Apple Silicon devices, ensuring stable remote server operation.