Game Mode on macOS Sonoma: How to Turn It On or Off

Game Mode is a macOS Sonoma feature that automatically prioritizes your game’s performance by giving it higher access to the CPU and GPU, while also reducing background task activity. It also lowers audio latency for AirPods and game controllers. This guide explains exactly what Game Mode does, how to enable or disable it, and how to fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

A Mac running macOS Sonoma (14.0) or later.
An Apple silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, or newer) or an Intel Mac with a supported GPU. Game Mode works on both, but performance gains are most noticeable on Apple silicon.
A game that is installed and launched in full-screen or windowed mode. Game Mode activates automatically when a game runs, so you don’t need to manually toggle it per game.

Step-by-Step

Update to macOS Sonoma – Go to System Settings → General → Software Update. Install any available updates to ensure you have the latest version of Sonoma, as Game Mode was introduced in this version.
Launch your game – Start any game that is compatible with macOS. Game Mode is designed to turn on automatically when a game is in the foreground. You don’t need to enable it manually in settings; it’s a system-level feature that activates on its own.
Check if Game Mode is active – While the game is running, click the Apple menu (top-left) and select System Settings. Then go to Game Mode (or look under General → Game Mode in some versions). You’ll see a toggle that shows whether Game Mode is currently on. It should be toggled on automatically when a game is running.
Manually turn Game Mode off (if needed) – If you want to disable it temporarily, open System Settings → Game Mode and toggle the switch off. This will stop Game Mode from activating for the current session, but it will turn back on the next time you launch a game unless you keep it off.
Keep Game Mode off permanently – To disable Game Mode entirely, toggle the switch off and then close System Settings. The setting will remain off for future game launches, but you can turn it back on anytime.
Re-enable Game Mode – To turn it back on, simply toggle the switch on in System Settings → Game Mode. You can also do this while a game is running; the change takes effect immediately.

Common Mistakes

Looking for a per-game setting – Game Mode is not a per-game option. It’s a system-wide feature that activates automatically when any game runs. You can’t enable it for one game and disable it for another.
Expecting a visible indicator – There’s no on-screen notification or icon that shows Game Mode is active. You have to check System Settings to see its status.
Thinking it works for all apps – Game Mode only activates for games, not for productivity apps or video players. If you’re running a non-game app, the toggle will be greyed out.
Forgetting to update macOS – If you’re on an older version of macOS, Game Mode won’t appear. Make sure you’re on Sonoma or later.

Tips

Use it with AirPods – Game Mode reduces audio latency when using AirPods, making games feel more responsive. It works automatically when you connect AirPods and start a game.
Pair with a controller – Game Mode also lowers latency for PlayStation and Xbox controllers, so your button presses register faster.
Monitor performance – If you’re unsure whether Game Mode helps, use the game’s built-in FPS counter or a tool like Activity Monitor to compare performance with Game Mode on and off.
Turn it off for background tasks – If you’re streaming or recording gameplay, you might want to disable Game Mode to give those apps more CPU/GPU priority. Test both ways to see what works best for your setup.

Troubleshooting

Game Mode doesn’t appear in System Settings – Make sure you’re running macOS Sonoma 14.0 or later. Go to Software Update and install any pending updates. If it’s still missing, restart your Mac.

Game Mode toggle is greyed out – This happens when no game is currently running. Launch a game and then check System Settings again. The toggle should become active.

Game Mode doesn’t seem to improve performance – Game Mode gives your game higher priority, but it won’t magically boost FPS if your hardware is already maxed out. Try lowering in-game graphics settings or closing other apps. Also, ensure your Mac is plugged in and not in Low Power Mode.

Game Mode turns off by itself – This can happen if the game crashes or if you switch to another app. Game Mode only stays on while a game is in the foreground. If you switch to Safari, Game Mode will turn off until you return to the game.

Audio latency still high with AirPods – Make sure your AirPods are connected and that you’re using a supported model (AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, etc.). Also, check that your Mac’s Bluetooth is on and that no other Bluetooth devices are interfering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Game Mode work on Intel Macs?
A: Yes, Game Mode works on Intel Macs running macOS Sonoma, but the performance gains are generally more noticeable on Apple silicon Macs.

Q: Can I enable Game Mode for non-game apps?
A: No, Game Mode is designed specifically for games. It activates only when a game is running in the foreground.

Q: Will Game Mode drain my battery faster?
A: It can, because it prioritizes performance over efficiency. If you’re on battery, you might notice shorter battery life during gaming. Consider plugging in or disabling Game Mode to save power.

Q: Does Game Mode work with all games on the App Store?
A: It works with any game that runs natively on macOS, including those from the App Store, Steam, and other platforms. Some older or unsupported games may not trigger it.

Q: How do I know if Game Mode is on?
A: Open System Settings → Game Mode while a game is running. If the toggle is green, it’s on. There’s no other indicator.

Q: Can I set Game Mode to always be off?
A: Yes, just toggle it off in System Settings. It will stay off until you turn it back on, even after restarting your Mac.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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