A tiny macOS menu bar app that keeps your Mac awake by simulating subtle mouse movements only when you're idle.
Website: wakeywakey.app
brew install --cask brndnsvr/tap/wakeywakeyThis installs both the menu bar app and the wakey CLI.
Download WakeyWakey v1.3.1 (macOS 15.0+, Apple Silicon)
Or visit Releases for all versions.
- Download the DMG above
- Open it and drag WakeyWakey to Applications
- Launch WakeyWakey from Applications
- Grant Accessibility permission when prompted (required for mouse movement)
- Click the coffee cup icon in your menu bar to enable
- Menu bar only — no Dock icon, stays out of your way
- Smart activation — only jiggles after idle threshold (default 42 seconds)
- Natural movement — animated multi-waypoint paths that look like real mouse movement
- Timer options — use configurable 1h10m/4h20m/9h presets or enter a clock time such as
5pmor5:00 - CLI control —
wakey enable,wakey disable,wakey statusfrom the terminal - Configurable — adjust timers, idle threshold, and jiggle intervals in Settings
- Launch at Login — start automatically with your Mac
- Multi-monitor support — cursor stays on the current display
Click the menu bar icon (coffee cup) to access:
| Menu Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Enable/Disable | Toggle mouse jiggle on/off |
| Enable for 1h10m/4h20m/9h | Auto-disable after set time (configurable) |
| Enable until | Enter a clock time such as 5pm, 5:00, or 5:30pm, then press Return |
| Launch at Login | Start with macOS |
| Settings... | Configure timers, idle threshold, jiggle intervals |
| Quit | Exit the app |
Icon states:
| Disabled | Enabled |
|---|---|
 |
 |
The wakey command controls WakeyWakey from the terminal (requires the app to be running).
wakey enable # Enable indefinitely
wakey enable 2h # Enable for 2 hours
wakey enable 90m # Enable for 90 minutes
wakey enable 3.5h # Enable for 3.5 hours
wakey disable # Disable
wakey status # Show current status
wakey --help # Show helpInstalled automatically via Homebrew, or manually:
# The CLI binary is embedded in the app bundle
cp /Applications/WakeyWakey.app/Contents/MacOS/wakey /usr/local/bin/wakeyWakeyWakey needs Accessibility permission to simulate mouse movement. On first launch, it will open System Settings for you. Grant permission and relaunch.
If it doesn't work:
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
- Find WakeyWakey and toggle it on
- Relaunch the app
- App doesn't jiggle — Wait 42+ seconds without touching mouse/keyboard
- No menu bar icon — Make sure you're running from /Applications
- CLI says "not running" — Launch the WakeyWakey app first
Want to build from source? See DEVELOPMENT.md.