From 2016 onwards, Apple started to introduce auto power-on feature for Macbook models where the device would automatically turn on when opening the lid or when plugging it into (USB-C) power when the lid was open. While convenient for some, it can also be experienced as annoying to others. For instance, if you want to clean your screen, it would be annoying to have it automatically turn on.

While it was already possible and documented for Intel-based Macbooks, Apple only recently published the correct commands to turn the feature of for M-series (Apple Silicon) Macbooks. Unfortunately, there is no UI setting anywhere to configure this, and the only way is through CLI by changing parameters in the NVRAM.

It looks dauntier than it really is, so don't worry, it's not that difficult. Note that you will need an account with admin privileges to be able to change this setting as it's a device-global setting. If you own the Macbook and/or you're the only user, you most likely are an admin already.

Disable on M-series (Apple Silicon) Macbook

1. If not already logged in with an admin account (see above), open the Terminal application.
2. Depending on your preference, copy/paste one the commands below to adjust the autoboot setting:

   sudo nvram BootPreference=%00	Disable autoboot entirely (open the lid or plug in a charger while the lid is open)
   sudo nvram BootPreference=%01	Disable autoboot only when you open the lid
   sudo nvram BootPreference=%02	Disable autoboot only when you plug in a charger

   Press Enter after typing or pasting one of the commands.
3. You will be prompted to enter your admin password. Note that you won't see any output when typing, then press Enter again.

The change will be effective immediately but to know whether it worked, you'll need to shut down the Macbook, close the lid and open it again, or unplug and plug in the charger again when the lid is open, depending on which setting you choose.

To revert the setting back to defaults:

1. If not already logged in with an admin account (see above), open the Terminal application.
2. Run the following command, then press Enter:
   sudo nvram -d BootPreference
3. You may be prompted to enter your admin password. Note that you won't see any output when typing, then press Enter again.

Disable on Intel-based Macbook

For Intel-based Macbooks, the process is similar but with slightly different values in the command to enter:

1. If not already logged in with an admin account (see above), open the Terminal application.
2. Run the following command, then press Enter:
   sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00
3. You will be prompted to enter your admin password. Note that you won't see any output when typing, then press Enter again.

The change will be effective immediately but to know whether it worked, you'll need to shut down the Macbook, close the lid and open it again, or unplug and plug in the charger again when the lid is open, depending on which setting you choose.

To revert the setting back to defaults:

1. If not already logged in with an admin account (see above), open the Terminal application.
2. Run the following command, then press Enter:
   sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03
3. You may be prompted to enter your admin password. Note that you won't see any output when typing, then press Enter again.