Reaction
Mouse jiggler for Mac: keeping macOS awake and active
Keeping a Mac awake and making it look active are two different problems; settings solve only the first.
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Awake is not the same as active
The caffeinate command, energy settings and apps like Amphetamine keep the display on and block sleep. None of them produce pointer movement or keystrokes, and a tracker scores input rather than screen state, so an awake Mac still hands in an empty block.
What macOS asks for in return
Any app that moves the cursor or presses keys needs Accessibility permission under Privacy and Security. macOS asks on first launch and keeps the app listed there. Approve it once and restart the app.
What simulated input adds
A presence app then supplies the input built-in tools never generate. Reaction moves the pointer along smooth curves, types navigation keys in a varied rhythm, scrolls and switches windows, pausing instead of looping.
Reaction
Mouse jiggler
- Runs only when the Mac is idle.
- Hands control back when you touch the mouse.
- Arrows and navigation keys only, never your documents.
Using both together
The two layers stack: sleep settings keep the screen alive for screenshots and calls, while simulated input holds the activity percentage and leaves no gap in the timeline.
- Energy settings: screen on, input at zero.
- Hardware jiggler: motion, but one monotonous path.
- Presence app: mouse, keys and windows together.
In short
Sleep tools keep a Mac awake; only varied input keeps it active, and Reaction supplies that while you are away.
Let Reaction hold the number for you
Set your activity band, turn on hidden mode, and Reaction keeps a natural, human-like level while you are away — and hands control back the moment you return.
FAQ
Does caffeinate keep my activity percentage up?
No, it only prevents sleep; trackers measure input, not screen state.
Why does a mouse jiggler app need Accessibility permission?
macOS requires it before any app can move the cursor or send keystrokes.
Will it interfere when I come back?
Reaction runs only during real idle time and stops at your first input.