Ashwin Lewis
If you're using a MacBook with an external display, you might encounter issues with your Mac going to sleep when you close the lid. This can be a problem if you want to continue using your extended display while keeping your MacBook out of the way. While previous versions of macOS allowed you to prevent your Mac from sleeping in System Preferences, this is no longer an option in macOS Ventura and later versions. However, there are some workarounds you can try, such as using third-party apps like Amphetamine or Caffeinated, which keep your Mac awake by overriding the Energy Saver settings. Additionally, you can try restarting your Mac in external display mode or using keyboard shortcuts to put your Mac to sleep instead of relying on the lid.
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What You'll Learn
Using an external monitor with a closed MacBook
To set up clamshell mode, you will need the following:
- An AC power adapter to power your MacBook.
- A mouse (preferably Bluetooth).
- A keyboard (again, preferably Bluetooth).
- At least one supported external monitor or projector.
- An HDMI/VGA to USB-C adapter if your MacBook only has USB-C ports.
Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps:
- Connect your external display to a power source.
- Use the AC adapter to plug your MacBook in.
- Connect the external display to your MacBook using the appropriate ports. You may need a VGA/HDMI adapter if your MacBook only has USB-C ports.
- Turn on your external display.
- Open System Settings, click on Displays, and adjust the settings for your external display.
- Ensure Bluetooth is turned on and that any Bluetooth accessories, such as your keyboard and mouse, are powered on and visible.
- Pair your MacBook with your accessories from the Bluetooth tab in System Settings.
It's important to note that unplugging your MacBook will automatically exit clamshell mode. Additionally, some MacBook Pros draw cooling air through the keyboard, so closing the display can block critical exhaust venting and cause high temperatures. Therefore, it's recommended to place the computer with the hinge up when using clamshell mode.
Furthermore, if you're using any software that affects your MacBook's sleep state, such as AlDente, you may need to turn off those settings to use clamshell mode effectively.
By following these steps, you can successfully use an external monitor with your closed MacBook in clamshell mode.
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Preventing Mac from sleeping when the lid is shut
If you want to prevent your MacBook from sleeping when the lid is shut, there are several methods you can try.
Firstly, if you are running macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings, then Battery, and click on Options. Make sure that "Wake for network access" is set to Always. This will allow your Mac to run updates in the background even if it's sleeping.
Another option is to use a third-party app such as Amphetamine or Caffeinated. Amphetamine is a free app that keeps your Mac awake by overriding the Energy Saver settings. Caffeinated is available on the Mac App Store for $3.99/£3.99 and also overrides the Energy Saver settings to prevent your Mac from sleeping.
If you want to keep an app like Music running with the lid closed, first, make sure the app is open, then follow these steps: Click on the Amphetamine icon in the menu bar, click on Quick Settings, and in the Session Defaults section, deselect "Allow system sleep when display is closed." Go back to the main menu and select "While App is Running," then pick the app you are using.
Alternatively, if you are running macOS Monterey or older, you can go to System Preferences, then Battery (or Energy Saver), and select "Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off."
Finally, if you are using an external monitor, you can try restarting your Mac in external display mode (lid closed with a pull-down menu restart). Once your computer's desktop appears on the external display, close the lid and wake the computer by clicking your mouse button or pressing a key on your external keyboard.
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Using a second display without an external monitor
Using an external monitor is a great way to extend your display and free up space on your desk. However, if you don't have an external monitor, there are still ways to use a second display with your Mac. Here are some options:
Using an iPad as a Second Display
Apple introduced the ability to use an iPad as a second display in macOS Catalina, and this feature was further enhanced in macOS Monterey. This option is ideal if you don't own an external monitor but have a supported iPad.
Using AirPlay with Apple TV or a Compatible TV
If you have an Apple TV or a TV that supports AirPlay, you can use AirPlay to mirror your Mac's screen to the TV, essentially using it as a second display.
Using a Third-Party App
Third-party apps like Amphetamine or Caffeinated can keep your Mac awake even when the display is closed. This allows you to continue downloading or running updates in the background without your Mac going to sleep.
Using Hot Corners
Instead of closing the lid to put the display to sleep, you can use the "hot corners" feature. This lets you set up a specific corner of your screen to initiate "Sleep" when you move your mouse cursor there.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts or the Menu
You can also use keyboard shortcuts or the menu to put your Mac to sleep without closing the lid. This option reduces wear and tear on the hinge and is preferable to closing the lid each time.
While these options provide alternatives to using an external monitor, it's important to note that some of these methods may have limitations or require specific software or hardware configurations.
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Using a third-party app to keep Mac awake
If you want to keep your Mac awake while using an extended display, you can use a third-party app like Amphetamine or Caffeinated. These apps override the Energy Saver settings to prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off or closed.
Amphetamine is a free app available on the Mac App Store that can keep your Mac awake through a simple on/off switch or automatically through configurable triggers. It offers advanced features, such as locking your Mac's screen after inactivity, moving the mouse cursor periodically, and allowing your display to sleep while keeping your Mac awake.
Caffeinated is another app available on the Mac App Store for $3.99/£3.99. It also overrides the Energy Saver settings and has been praised by users for its simplicity and effectiveness in keeping their Macs awake.
To use these apps, you would typically install them on your Mac and then adjust the settings to your preferences. For example, you can choose to keep your Mac awake indefinitely, for a specified amount of time, or until a certain condition is met, such as when a specific app is running or a file finishes downloading.
By using a third-party app like Amphetamine or Caffeinated, you can ensure that your Mac remains active and doesn't enter sleep mode while you're using an extended display or performing other tasks that require the computer to stay awake.
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Troubleshooting identical monitors
Check Your Connections and Cables
First, ensure that all your cables are securely connected and plugged into the correct ports. Check that the HDMI or Thunderbolt cables are seated properly and try plugging them in the other way around if that doesn't work. If you're using an adapter, make sure it's compatible with your Mac and monitor, and try using a different adapter cable if possible. Additionally, check if your cables are loose, damaged, or faulty by testing them with another Mac and monitor combination. If the cables work with a different setup, the issue might lie elsewhere.
Update Your Software and Restart
Make sure your Mac is updated to the most recent software, as outdated software may cause compatibility issues with newer hardware. After updating, restart your system and try connecting the monitors again.
Adjust Display Settings
Go to System Settings > Displays and check the resolution and brightness settings. You can also press and hold the Option key to reveal the "Detect Displays" option and manually scan for connected displays. Arrange your display icons to match the physical setup of your monitors, and uncheck the "Mirror Displays" option if you want different content on each screen.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
If the issue persists, try resetting your Mac's NVRAM/PRAM, which stores settings like display resolution. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds. This will reset your computer's stored information about external displays without deleting your saved data.
Check Hardware Limitations
Some Mac models have limitations on the number and type of monitors they can support simultaneously. Check if your Mac supports more than one additional monitor and ensure that your setup doesn't exceed its capabilities.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot most issues with identical monitors on your Mac. If the problem persists, you may need to consult a technician for further guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can download a third-party app, such as Amphetamine or Caffeinated, which overrides the Energy Saver settings to keep your Mac awake. Alternatively, you can adjust your System Settings by going to Battery, clicking on Options, and setting "Wake for network access" to "Always".
Try connecting one monitor via HDMI and one via DisplayPort, as the DisplayPort monitor usually connects first. You can also try setting up "hot corners" to trigger your screensaver, and engage the screensaver when walking away from your Mac.
If your external monitor is not working after waking your Mac from sleep, try closing your laptop lid for a few seconds and then reopening it. If that doesn't work, unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable or turn the power off and on for the monitor.
