Questions tagged [closed-clamshell]

Clamshell mode is when the laptop lid is closed but the machine is hooked up to an external monitor, with power adapter, keyboard, and mouse, effectively turning your portable Mac into a desktop.

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Microphone doesnt work for dictation but works fine (tested in voice memos) in other apps

I've been trying to add dictation into my workflows and it works fine using my macbook pro's (m2 max) internal mic. However when in clamshell mode, the dictation feature wont use an alternative audio ...
john's user avatar
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MBP in Clamshell mode: display doesn't come on when waking up

I have an M1 Macbook Pro (2020) running Ventura. Most of the time I use it in clamshell mode. I can easily wake it from sleep the using the external wireless keyboard (I hear the fans come on, the ...
Annabel's user avatar
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Clamshell mode does not work on my MacBook Pro (M1) running macOS 12.5 (Monterey)

I've had this problem since I first bought the Macbook, and I'm still having this problem after messing around with certain settings. I'm running macOS 12.5 (Monterey), a 14-inch 2021 model, with the ...
Viraj Shah's user avatar
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640 views

Waking up a MacBook Pro M2 from sleep in clamshell mode without AC power

I got my MacBook M2 to work in closed-clamshell mode without AC power using the pmset commands. However, if I intentionally put the MacBook to sleep (using hot corners), I cannot seem to wake it up ...
electrophile's user avatar
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Anything with graphics extensive usage (Blender, any simplest game/app with 3D) lags on external display (clamshell)

Recently I bought Philips 272E1GAEZ display. Important Edit: if I first power up macbook without external display, then close the lid and connect power and display - no lags whatsoever on the external ...
idchlife's user avatar
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2 answers
882 views

How exactly could these commands to use MacBook in Clamshell Mode without a Power Adapter be dangerous? And how to revert them eventually?

I am trying use my macbook with an external device in Clamshell Mode without the power adapter. Hence, I am following this tutorial. The author gives, first, a GUI approach. Then, he suggests the ...
Pedro Delfino's user avatar
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140 views

Is my MacBook Pro's sleeping cycle normal?

I'm currently using the aldente app and Belkin dock pro3, but I don't know what's wrong. I need help 🙏 I'm currently using smb and sftp. So, I checked if there was an incoming signal with the tcpdump ...
greedist's user avatar
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Clamshell Mode fails after macOS Ventura update (Oct'25, 2022)

MacBook Air M1 won't connect to the external display (MSI MAG2732) in clamshell mode (power adapter connected to the device with lid off) after updating to macOS Ventura on October 24th (Day of ...
Arfaz's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
98 views

Can I make my MacBook remain sleeping when normal wake events happen for as long as the lid is closed?

I recently got a dock / hub for my MacBook. A single USB-C connection provides power and connects it to my external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. When I'm actually using the computer, I always have ...
Nathan Long's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
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MacBook display stays on in clamshell mode

I'm running two external displays from a MacBook Pro 16 inch in closed clamshell mode. I notice however that the internal display is still on as well: it is pictured as a third screen in System ...
Timothy Roes's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

Wifi Drops when in Clamshell Mode

I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) in clamshell mode, connected to a 4k monitor and power through a USB-C hub. If I use only the external screen, with the lid closed, wifi becomes unusable. As ...
Moe Kayali's user avatar
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33 views

My MacBook Pro 13" 2020 doesn't boot when I plug in the power adapter and the lid is closed

I want to use my MB with external hardware (Display, Keyboard, Mouse) in clamshell mode. Everything is set up to work in clamshell mode, display, keyboard and mouse are connected. I basically shut ...
Tobi696's user avatar
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3 votes
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Why does using M1 Macbook air in closed-clamshell mode slow down the WIFI significantly?

I am using M1 Macbook Air and when I connect it to an external display connected over HDMI cable, the wifi speed slows down tremendously. I don't know how these two are related to each other, but I've ...
Aidenhsy's user avatar
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1 answer
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Is there any way to simulate clamshell mode, hardware or software?

The way I am setup, my MBP (2020) does not face me. I use it in clamshell mode, but it gets really hot, much hotter than when the lid is open. If the lid is open though, I lose performance because it ...
Ben Holness's user avatar
1 vote
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How to turn on macbook internal screen without rebooting system when booted as external monitor?

I faced one issue in macbook. I booted macbook pro as closed lid with external monitor connection and with AC power supply. But once there is power cut in residence place. My external monitor is ...
SamSol's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
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Use only external Monitor on MacBook Pro

When in my office, I want to disable the internal display of my 16" MBP 2019 since it's disturbing and uses extra resources. The Windows solution would be pretty simple: WIN + P > external display ...
themenace's user avatar
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MacBook shutting down when I put it to sleep with external monitor

I have a MacBook Pro 13" (2020 running mac os Catalina)and it's connected to an LG 4k display (in clamshell mode). When I stop using it, I put it to sleep by either using the launch bar or ⌘ Command⌥ ...
dms's user avatar
  • 11
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External display not working with MacBook in clamshell mode (laptop lid closed)

I have seen the previous posts about this and have followed them but it didn't work. Particularly this seemed really promising until it didn't work :) I have a 2015 MacBook Pro that I use with an ...
SFlow's user avatar
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15 votes
5 answers
11k views

External display color changes when MacBook lid is closed

I have no idea how, as the color profile remains the same, but whenever I close the lid on my MacBook, the external monitor changes to a blue tint. I've tried changing the monitor's settings, as ...
PaulVO's user avatar
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1 answer
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2015 Macbook Pro won't wake up in clamshell mode in morning only

My situation: Mid 2015 15" MacBook Pro (2.5 GHz i7) running 10.15.3 Catalina (clamshell mode) Two external displays connected via each of the two mini DV ports (one uses a mini DV to HDMI adapter, ...
Bunji's user avatar
  • 113
2 votes
0 answers
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Automatic power on in clamshell mode when AC is switched on in macbook pro 16

I started using a 16" MacBook Pro in closed clamshell mode with an external keyboard and monitor. My previous MacBook Pro (late 2016) would automatically power on when I power on filter with attached ...
user2753607's user avatar
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186 views

MacBook no longer mirrors audio to external screen when it is closed

This problem is driving me absolutely insane. When I connect my Mac to a tv via HDMI, it displays and correctly routes the audio through the TV as expected, with me being able to toggle between the ...
Libra's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
536 views

Keep MacBook on when closed without keyboard and mouse [duplicate]

I use my Mac a lot to show movies or play video games on a larger display without a keyboard or mouse attached. How can I set up my Mac so that it continues to display to an external screen when ...
Libra's user avatar
  • 121
6 votes
0 answers
934 views

Why won't my Macbook Pro exit closed-clamshell mode?

I often connect my MacBook Pro to external monitors. When it's plugged into power, I can close the lid and it turns off the MacBook monitor and goes into closed clamshell mode, no problem. But it ...
tparker's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
3k views

How can I use FaceTime Audio with MacBook in clamshell / lid closed?

At my desk I use my intel CPU 11" MacBook Air with the lid closed, an external monitor with no camera, and a headset with microphone. After updating to Mojave from Sierra, I can no longer use ...
Elhem Enohpi's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
98 views

MacBook does not sleep when lid is closed while connected to an external monitor

I am trying to disable the "clam shell" mode of my MacBook (13" early 2011 Unibody) running macOS High Sierra. I want the computer to sleep when the lid is closed even when it is connected to power ...
user1561769's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Disabling MBP display with external monitor connected in Clamshell Mode - Works with DP->DVI, but not DP->DP

I have an issue discussed previously on Ask Different but have not found a solution in my use case. I have macOS High Sierra installed on a MBP 6,2 (i.e. a vintage 15" i5, mid-2010, NVIDIA GeForce GT ...
Mark-in-Seattle's user avatar
57 votes
4 answers
75k views

Prevent Mac from sleeping when lid closed on Mojave / Catalina

So I saw a lots of old discussion on this topic, but I'm trying to find out an actual solution that still works on Mojave / Catalina, without the use of external monitor/keyboard/mouse/with power ...
Edd Growl's user avatar
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2 votes
2 answers
3k views

How to use Macbook pro in clamshell mode with lid open on macos mojave?

Due to heating issues, I would like to use macbook in clamshell mode with lid open, but all the commands mentioned on the web are for older versions of OS X
Abhishek Kashyap's user avatar
5 votes
5 answers
18k views

External monitor not working when in closed clamshell mode

I have a mid-2015, 15 inch MacBook Pro, connected to a Dell P2715Q with a Display Port to mini-DP cable. With the lid open, I get both displays working. I used to be able to close the lid and it ...
Xetius's user avatar
  • 199
8 votes
0 answers
4k views

Can't wake up Mac-connected display when in clamshell mode

My setup is this: MacBook Pro TouchBar Late 2016 (15'') a Dell P2415Q display, connected via USB-C → DisplayPort cable External keyboard, mouse, connected wirelessly (through dongles/hub/then usb-c ...
radex's user avatar
  • 405
10 votes
1 answer
24k views

External Monitor Screen too large

I have a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. I plugged in my external 1080p display (HP 25bw) in clamshell mode and it almost works great - except the screen is too large for the monitor. My dock is too far ...
jssblck's user avatar
  • 395
20 votes
2 answers
33k views

Why is it required to have your MacBook Pro plugged-in in closed-clamshell mode with an external display attached?

open MacBook Pro + connected external display -> no power cable required closed MacBook Pro + connected external display -> power cable required Why? Why not allow or require it in both cases? Why ...
Alexander Popov's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
544 views

13" 2017 MacBook Pro closed-clamshell mode with Dell U2715H

Dell U2715H has a USB-B 3.0 upstream connector for its internal USB hub. If I connect the upstream port with a USB-B to USB-C cable to a 13" 2017 MBP will it charge the laptop? Another way to put this ...
ebv's user avatar
  • 3
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does clamshell mode affect wireless connectivity?

I've been using my early 2014 MBA in clamshell mode connected to an LG Flatron monitor via VGA with no issue. I recently started using HDMI (using this Amazon Basics dongle). I used this with no issue ...
Tomulent's user avatar
  • 338
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Macbook Pro, two external monitors, clamshell mode and heat

I use my Macbook Pro 15 (mid 2015) with two Asus PA248Q monitors. It has Intel Pro gpu. I was just wondering that does it matter heat wise if I keep the lid down? The hinge seems to have some kid of ...
Zzz's user avatar
  • 123
1 vote
2 answers
2k views

How do I prevent a MacBook laptop from sleeping when closed with no external keyboard, mouse, or screen?

Context/goal: I have a 2008 MacBook pro (running El Capitan with the latest updates) that I want to use as a media center/server. It will be controlled exclusively via Screen Sharing and remote ...
Zac B's user avatar
  • 172
4 votes
0 answers
953 views

Login Screen Not Appearing on External Monitor in Clamshell Mode

When in clamshell mode, locked, and with display asleep, I expect to be able to wake the display and see the login screen on my external monitor by moving the mouse or typing. Instead, the screen ...
Aaron Surrain's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
745 views

Any way to use MacBook Pro in "dock/clamshell" mode while NOT plugged in?

I use my MBP in clamshell mode most of the time, via a Thunderbolt dock. But from time to time, it's good to let it run from battery power. However if I unplug the power adapter, I cannot enter ...
Dan's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
3k views

How to go from clamshell to sleep

I'm working with a 2013 Macbook Pro in clamshell mode using a 2012 Cinema display (on the display port) and magic keyboard and trackpad. When I leave the office, I would like to put the computer to ...
Thomas's user avatar
  • 1,282
1 vote
1 answer
367 views

Magic Mouse Sticks in Full Clamshell

I have been using my MBP (13" mid-2009 running OSX 10.9.5) in clamshell mode with an external monitor connected via minidisplay port, Apple wireless keyboard, and magic mouse for a couple of months. ...
fmerhout's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
48 views

irritating window locations after a closed clam

I switch back and forth, frequently, between 'closed clam' with a large monitor and 'just the laptop monitor' with a Retina MBP. Whenever I switch, all my windows appear in unhelpful locations ...
bmargulies's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does clamshell mode reduce lifespan due to heat?

I been playing some games on my rMBP in clamshell mode as having 2 screens causes framerate to drop and I don't want the CPU/GPU to render a screen on laptop side that I don't use. My main concern ...
tom's user avatar
  • 133
28 votes
3 answers
34k views

Use clamshell mode without power adapter

One of the requirements to use clamshell mode is to have the power adapter plugged in. Is their any file modification or app that will work around this? Like to switch throughout the day from a sit ...
tron_jones's user avatar
  • 3,810
27 votes
8 answers
45k views

How to disable Clamshell mode in Yosemite?

I have my Late 2013 Retina MacBook Pro attached to an external display. I use both displays. At night, when I leave my computer, I want to close the lid to put the Mac to sleep. Since Lion, there is ...
gklka's user avatar
  • 1,860
3 votes
4 answers
6k views

Keep MacBook Pro awake in a clamshell mode + HDMI switcher setup

I'm running a setup with the latest Retina MacBook Pro, a Windows desktop and a single external monitor. Both machines are outputting display to a HDMI switcher, which connects to the monitor. I can ...
fauxpride's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How can I stop windows from being resized on fast-user-switch?

I am on Mac OS X 10.9.5 (Mavericks). I have a late 2013 MacBook Pro running in clamshell mode with an external 27 inch Apple monitor attached to it. I am logged in with two users, A and B. When I do ...
herzbube's user avatar
  • 419
1 vote
1 answer
160 views

Will Keynote Remote work with a MacBook in closed clamshell mode?

For my next presentation, I plan to use Keynote Remote so I can control a Keynote presentation with my iPhone. Will this work while the MacBook Air is in 'closed clamshell' mode? If yes, are there any ...
PopKernel's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
841 views

Does laptop in clamshell mode go to sleep when unplugged?

If I am using a laptop in clamshell mode, and then I unplug the screen and disconnect the power without opening up the laptop, will it automatically go to sleep or will it stay turned on?
Szabolcs's user avatar
  • 2,589
1 vote
1 answer
208 views

Will running a double monitor in clamshell mode put more stress on my computer?

I'm wondering if my mid-2010 Macbook Pro will be more stressed than it should if I run a 22-inch monitor in clamshell mode. It seems to be whirring more than usual when I do this, so am I better off ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 111