How can i start up automatically after connecting to a power source, Mac mini M4 (2025) with Sequoia 15.4.1. ?

MrHoffman wrote:

• https://macreports.com/how-to-set-up-automatic-restart-of-your-mac-after-an-unexpected-shutdown/

Emphasis added.

The system logs a specific shutdown code corresponding to an unexpected loss of power. If you shut down a Mac in the usual manner followed by disconnecting its power source, it cannot be programmed to start on its own merely upon restoration of power. Using pmset repeat wake — which isn't the same — might suffice for OP's needs. If the Mac is already awake it would have no effect, and it will certainly minimize button wear.

Personally I just let them sleep. Like iPhones.

This is the question I alluded to earlier: Terminal command for automatic power on (Mac Mini) - Apple Community

I do like the automated button-presser idea though...

"Physically push a button, seriously? Is there no other way?"

Yup.

John Galt wrote:

…

I do like the automated button-presser idea though...

"Physically push a button, seriously? Is there no other way?"

Yup.

Apple Xserve had integrated lights-out management (page 22), but not much else Apple has / had anything similar.

But sleep with recent Mac models sips power as compared with the Xeon-based electric room heaters.

For some few hard-to-access and flaky boxes, I use a mix of remote-switched-access “uninterruptible” power supplies, and cheap Matter-based remote power switches.

You can configure a Mac to start up on its own following an unexpected power interruption, but I suggest that you consider the reason you find it necessary to shut it down to begin with.

Change Energy settings on a Mac desktop computer - Apple Support

If you just let it sleep according to those settings you never have to press its power button. I do not believe the feature you seek is available.

There was a similar question posted a while ago in which the proposed workaround was to shut off the circuit breaker supplying the receptacle rather than the usual way. Not ideal but it works.

An unexpected power loss results in a specific shutdown code, different from a normal shutdown, which results in it starting up when power returns (assuming that option was selected).

Wake on LAN won't start a Mac that has been shut down. It can only wake it from sleep.

It’s very unlikely, but it’s not the first time a Mac has shut down on me for no apparent reason.

If the Mac is shutting down on its own for no apparent reason, that's a different story. When it does that, does it report a problem upon starting it up again?

Another possibility is to program that Mac to start up on its own at a particular time of day: Schedule your Mac to turn on or off in Terminal - Apple Support. That might be a workaround to cope with a Mac spontaneously shutting down for reasons that cannot be determined.

Commands:

• https://macreports.com/how-to-set-up-automatic-restart-of-your-mac-after-an-unexpected-shutdown/

And those commands won’t always work for all cases, so:

• https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/233291/rack-mounted-mac-mini-power-problem-solved-by-remote-servos
• https://www.macstadium.com/blog/innovation-access
• https://uplab.pro/2023/11/kvm-rack-stand-for-mac-minis-kvmac16/

Which leads to what may be the easiest way:

• https://www.amazon.com/thingsNrack-Remote-Button-ethernet-Keystones/dp/B0DZD7P5N4

Do you find it difficult to get to the power button on the Mini?

If so then try this inexpensive modification:

I had the same problem and this solved it completely. It's inexpensive and aids cooling.

Xserve was another product abandoned before its time.

I wonder what Apple uses for their server farms. Rather doubt it's a bunch of Minis...

I believe they have been reducing their reliance on AWS and Azure, or want to, should their investment plans come to fruition.