Yes, it is possible to close your MacBook’s lid and still be able to use it. And this is especially useful if you have an issue with your MacBook’s screen or you want to convert your MacBook into a desktop.
Of course, you’ll need an external display for this to see what’s happening on your MacBook. This detailed guide teaches you all about connecting your MacBook to external displays while keeping its lid closed.
What Is Clamshell or Closed-Display Mode?
Everyone knows about simply connecting an external display to your MacBook and using it in tandem with your laptop. But what’s trickier is using your MacBook with its lid closed, also known as the clamshell or closed-display mode.
Clamshell mode allows you to use larger displays without your laptop’s smaller display getting in the way. You can just fold your MacBook and keep it away while you work. However, laptops tend to overheat when you close the lid.
MacBooks use the keyboard to dissipate heat, and closing the lid would interfere with its cooling technique. For this reason, we recommend you choose a MacBook stand that will give its vents more space, and it can cool better now that it’s further away from your desk’s surface.
What Are the Advantages of Clamshell Mode?
Clamshell mode also helps reduce the graphic strain of having one more unwanted display. Using it can help optimize your MacBook’s resources and provide a better external display session.
Another valuable advantage of clamshell mode is that it allows you to use solely external displays, which can easily stay at eye level, offering way better ergonomics than the MacBook’s built-in display.
Lastly, you get to choose your own input device. Don’t like your MacBook’s keyboard? No problem, you can buy whatever keyboard you like and use it to work instead. Plus, it won’t feel out of place like it would if you used your laptop’s built-in display.
What Do You Need to Use Closed-Display Mode?
If this wasn’t obvious, you can’t just close your MacBook and expect to use it. You will need the following items to use clamshell mode effectively:
When you’re ready with all the above, you can begin setting up clamshell mode on your Mac.
How to Activate Clamshell or Closed-Display Mode on MacBook
Follow these steps to set up closed-clamshell mode on your MacBook:
Next, make sure you’ve set up all your accessories:
Change your power settings for your session:
If you don’t have any Bluetooth accessories for sound, you might also want to choose your sound settings. Open the Control Center in the menu bar, and select the output device you want to use for audio.
Before you close your lid, you should test things to see if your display settings are satisfactory. Use screen mirroring to see how your display will behave. All you have to do is click the Control Center in the menu bar, select Screen Mirroring, and click Mirror Built-In Display.
Additional Tips on Using the Clamshell Mode
We’ve covered the essentials of using your MacBook with the lid closed, but there are some other tips to keep in mind for the best performance:
How to Turn On Your MacBook Without Raising the Lid
Since the whole point of this endeavor is to use your MacBook without raising the lid, you must be wondering how you can turn your MacBook on without raising the lid. The simple answer is scheduling a startup. But unfortunately, this isn’t yet in macOS Ventura’s settings.
However, if you’re using Monterey or older macOS versions, you can schedule a startup with the following steps:
For those using macOS Ventura, you can turn your MacBook on without opening the lid by plugging in the AC adapter. But this only works for the older Intel-powered MacBook Pros with the Touch Bar.
Use Your MacBook Like a Desktop
Now, you know how simple it is to use your MacBook as a CPU for your big-display sessions. You don’t need third-party apps or do anything tinkering in the Terminal app.
All you need to do is make sure you have your power cord and the cables to connect your display to whatever MacBook you’re using, and you’re all set.