When it comes to enhancing your computing experience, finding out How to Keep MacBook Pro Awake with Lid Shut and Monitor connected can be a game-changer.
Sit tight as this article unravels the simple steps you can take to sustain such functionality without having to hit the wake button every other moment. Not only will this prevent work interruptions, but it will allow you more freedom and flexibility in using your MacBook Pro.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to keep the MacBook Pro awake even when its lid is closed, yes, absolutely! With some tweaks in your energy saver settings or the use of third-party applications, you can comfortably close your laptop’s lid without disrupting any active tasks or applications on your external display
Steps to Keep MacBook Pro Awake with Lid Shut ?
Typically, a MacBook will enter sleep mode once its lid is closed. This feature is designed to save power and protect the screen. However, there are instances where you might want to keep your MacBook running even when it’s closed, such as when using it hooked up to an external monitor for a desktop-like experience or while downloading large files.
Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Connect an External Keyboard and Mouse or Trackpad: Before proceeding with any settings changes, ensure that you have an external keyboard and either a mouse or trackpad connected to your MacBook. This ensures you can interact with your MacBook once the lid is closed.
- Plug in the Power Adapter: Your MacBook needs to be connected to power for this process. This ensures that closing the lid doesn’t trigger sleep mode due to battery preservation protocols.
- Navigate to System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon located at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
- Adjust Energy Saver Settings: Within System Preferences, locate and click on “Energy Saver” (or “Battery” in newer versions of macOS). Here you’ll find different settings related to power management.
- For models running macOS Catalina or earlier, click on “Energy Saver.”
- On macOS Big Sur or later, select “Battery” and then navigate to “Power Adapter” within these settings.
- Prevent Sleep Mode: Ensure you’re adjusting settings under the ‘Power Adapter’ (for macOS Big Sur or later) tab if your system divides battery and power adapter settings.
- Check the option labeled “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off” (or similar wording depending on your macOS version).
- Close Your MacBook Lid: After making these adjustments, you can close your laptop’s lid without worrying about it going into sleep mode automatically. Your Mac will continue running as configured allowing continued use via connected peripherals like external displays.
Remember:
- To reverse this functionality and save energy when not using an external display extensively revert back to these setting changes.
- These steps assume that other specific requirements like active user sessions remain unchanged.
These simple steps ensure your workflow remains uninterrupted even when stepping away from a traditional laptop setup by taking full advantage of external hardware components linked directly through various connectivity ports available on most MacBooks produced today.
Also Read: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: What Should You Choose?
Why Does My MacBook Sleep When I Close the Lid?
Closing the lid of your MacBook triggers it to enter sleep mode automatically. This behavior is designed with both energy conservation and hardware protection in mind, ensuring that your MacBook remains safe, battery efficient, and ready to use when you reopen it. Here are the key reasons why this feature is implemented:
- Conservation of Energy: When not in use, putting the MacBook to sleep reduces its energy consumption significantly. This is especially crucial when running on battery power to extend its usability between charges.
- Quicker Charging: For MacBooks plugged into a power source, entering sleep mode helps expedite charging by minimizing power usage during the charging process.
- Protection for Internal Components: Sleep mode helps maintain the longevity of your MacBook’s internal components by reducing heat generation and wear on parts when not actively used.
- Security: Closing the lid and putting it to sleep also adds a layer of security, as it locks out unauthorized access in your absence.
Understanding these factors can help users appreciate this default setting’s importance, contributing to device preservation and energy savings.
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FAQs
Can I use my MacBook when its lid is closed?
Yes, you can. Known as “Closed Clamshell Mode”, this can be accomplished by connecting your MacBook to an external monitor, a power adapter, and an external keyboard and mouse.
Why does my Mac go to sleep even with an external monitor connected?
Your Mac might go to sleep despite having an external monitor connected due to energy-saver settings or because the detect displays function isn’t enabled.
Do I always need a power adapter to prevent my Mac from sleeping?
No, not always though it’s advised while in Closed Clamshell mode due to power requirements for prolonged usage.
Should I worry about temperature when using a MacBook Pro with the lid closed?
Generally no, as long as your MacBook Pro is not overly heated; Apple’s design ensures it stays cool even running in clamshell mode but maintains ventilation space for safety.
Will activities such as video calls work with a closed lid in Sleep mode?
No, closing the lid puts the system into sleep mode which means all running applications including video calls to halt until you lift the cover again.
Also Read: How to Connect MacBook Pro to Ethernet? – Simple DIY Tips
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve taken you through a detailed guide on how to not let the MacBook Pro sleep when the lid is closed with an external monitor. We explored its default operation, the significance of using an external display, and a comprehensive step-by-step procedure for achieving this. It’s important to note that while some potential problems could arise, solutions are readily available.
Furthermore, we dived into best practices for using an external display along with recommended settings for maximum performance. Crucially, always remember to keep your power adapter close since it plays a critical role in preventing your MacBook from nodding off unexpectedly.