Using your MacBook with its lid closed can be beneficial for various reasons. You might prefer to connect it to an external display, allowing you to declutter your workspace, or perhaps you want to continue downloading updates or playing music without interruptions once the lid is secured.
If stopping your Mac from entering sleep mode when closing the lid is your goal, we’ve outlined a comprehensive guide below that discusses necessary settings and effective strategies.
Another common challenge arises when you need to power on your MacBook while it’s closed. Typically, this requires lifting the lid to access the power button. Fortunately, there are alternative methods available that we’ll cover in this article as well.
Utilizing Your MacBook with Closed Lid
The essential requirement for operating a MacBook with its lid shut is an external monitor.
- Connect an external keyboard (consider wireless options).
- Add an external mouse (also suitable in wireless form).
- Link up an external display.
If you’re using Bluetooth peripherals like a keyboard and mouse, ensure that Bluetooth is active and both devices are paired with your Mac. After establishing connections and launching the Desktop on your external monitor, simply close the laptop’s lid. Though there may be a brief flicker of the screen upon closing, it should resume displaying content afterward—just tap any key or move the mouse if needed.
Please note that some models may require plugging into a power source for optimal performance; however, many do not encounter this issue at all.
Avoiding Sleep Mode Without External Display
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If you’re not utilizing an external display but still prefer keeping your laptop awake while it’s closed—such as during long downloads or overnight backups—you’ll face challenges since closing the lid typically triggers sleep mode unless plugged into a secondary screen.
Preventing Sleep Mode When Closing Lid
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The macOS versions before Ventura offered users straightforward options under System Preferences within Energy Saver settings:
- Select System Preferences from Apple menu.
- Navigate to Battery (or Energy Saver in earlier versions).
- Select “Prevent computer from automatically sleeping when display turns off.”
For macOS Ventura and Later Users:
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“sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1”
- A better approach involves using third-party applications like Amphetamine or Caffeinated; these can effectively keep your system active despite normal energy-saving settings.
Amphetamine is freely available via Mac App Store. Alternatively:
Caffeinated offers similar functionality at $3.99 / £3.99 on Mac App Store.
Based on user reviews—from musicians needing reliability during gigs leaping towards consistent energy supply until showtime!Keeping Music Playing With The Lid Closed
If maintaining audio playback while shutting down content-hosting apps appeals to you—in general terms beneficial features await exploration through Amphetamine’s capabilities:
Setup Process:
After installing Amphetamine successfully:
- Select Amphetamine icon found at top menu bar;
Enabling Your Music To Play Smoothly:
Before continuing forward—open relevant music software first! Follow up-by tapping:Tap on Amphetamines Icon, followed by
Quick Settings, deselect “Allow system sleep when display shuts”. Then revert back choosing “While App Plays”; accessible only upon visibility once opened!
Now feel free closing those lids without losing rhythm occupation alongside continuity delivering musical selections uninterrupted.
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Sustaining Downloads When The Laptop Lid Is Shut
Moreover opting out non-interactive protocols leads naturally also towards download facilitation throughout conditions set whenever clients transition into dual startup formats! With both considerations present:
In adopting strategies supplied via either methods maximizing comfort assuring seamless connections made whenever provisions allow extension toward Network Accessibility;
For macOS Ventura & Recent Versions:
Open System Settings > navigate toward Battery Options. Focus particularly ensuring “Wake Upon Network Access” remains permanently indicated enabled functionality achievements actively pursued.
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