---
id: data-transfers.keep-mac-awake-for-long-transfers
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/keep-mac-awake-for-long-transfers
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Speed and advanced options"
question: "Does my Mac need to stay on and awake for a long transfer?"
alt_questions:
  - "can I close my MacBook lid during a transfer"
  - "Mac sleep during upload"
  - "keep Mac awake for sync"
  - "transfer overnight with lid closed"
  - "does a transfer continue when Mac sleeps"
short_answer: "Yes. Transfers run on your Mac, so they progress only while it's awake, online and Storage Studio is running — even cloud-to-cloud. If it sleeps nothing is lost; for long jobs, plug in and keep it awake."
tags: ["sleep", "long transfers", "power"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-happens-if-i-quit-during-a-transfer", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/large-downloads-resume-where-they-left-off", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/cloud-to-cloud-transfer"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Does my Mac need to stay on and awake for a long transfer?

Yes — transfers are run by Storage Studio on your Mac, so they only make progress while the Mac is awake, online and Storage Studio is running. That's true even for cloud-to-cloud transfers.

If the Mac sleeps part-way, nothing is lost: folder transfers carry on sending only what's missing, and a large download keeps the pieces it already has. For very long jobs, plug in to power and adjust your Mac's sleep settings so it stays awake while plugged in.

Related: [What happens if I quit?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-happens-if-i-quit-during-a-transfer) · [Large downloads that resume](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/large-downloads-resume-where-they-left-off)