There are a lot of different reason why you might want to use your MacBook with the lid unsympathetic . You might want to plug into an extraneous exhibit and move your MacBook out of the way to loose up space on your desk ( although you could alwaysuse both screens ) . Alternatively , you might desire to download a software package update or toy music from your Mac and have found that as soon as you close up the eyelid the download or music will stop .
If you desire to end your Mac from sleeping when you exit the lid then you ’ll regain out how to do that below admit the MacBook closed lid circumstance you need .
One related job you might come across if you are using your Mac with the eyelid close is that when it come to turning your Mac on it would seem that you have to enter the lid to press the power switch … Luckily there is a workaround for that scenario that you might find useful . So we have also included advice about how to turn on your Mac without launch the hat below .
See also : proficient remain firm for MacBookandBest MacBook docking stations .
How to use a MacBook with the lid closed
The good news is that using a MacBook with the lid close is a hatful simpler than it used to be if you are using a newer Mac and anewer version of the Mac operating system . In fact , if you are go through issues using your Mac with the chapeau closed then it is likely that you could accost this by updating your Mac to a late version of macOS , put on your Mac sustain it ( see ourmacOS compatibility checker ) .
The all important ingredient is an external monitor .
you’re able to register a second display with your Mac here .
But even with these preferences , if you are n’t impound to an outside monitor end the eyelid will have the Mac to sleep .
What if you do n’t require to plug in an external show ?
Foundry
How to stop a MacBook from sleeping when the lid is closed
guess you do n’t want your MacBook to slumber when you end the lid ? perchance it is meddlesome downloading something and you do n’t want it to stop , but you involve to convey it somewhere . Or mayhap you ’ve result it downloading an update overnight or syncing your Time Machine support , and you ’d prefer not to see the backlit keyboard . In another scenario you might want to act as music from the MacBook without having to have the chapeau loose – something potential to attract to a few DJs .
The problem is that your Mac will go to kip when you end the lid if it ’s not plugged in and connected to an external video display .
Prior to changes that descend with macOS Ventura there was an option to set your Mac never go to sleep in System Preferences ( macOS Monterey or older ) .
In macOS Monterey and older
In macOS Ventura and later
If you are running macOS Ventura or later you might be question where the Department of Energy saver and battery configurations are that you need , and if it is still possible to countersink your Mac to sleep or ignite at a particular clock time . We answer those questions below .
sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1
That should stop your Mac sleeping . However , a honorable option may be to use a third - company app , such asAmphetamineorCaffeinated .
Amphetamine is a free download from the Mac App Storehere . Amphetamine keeps your Mac awake by overriding the Energy Saver stage setting . Wereview Amphetamine here . Caffeinatedis available on the Mac App Storeherefor$3.99/£3.99 , this app also overrides the Energy Saver preferences to keep your Mac awake , keep your Mac from break down to sleep .
How to play music with your Mac’s lid closed
you may utilise the free Amphetamine app to keep your Mac awake while the showing is close , here ’s how :
Once installed on a Mac you will find a lozenge - work icon in the menu legal profession at the top of the screen . you may select from option such as Start New Session While File is Downloading or While App is be given .
If you want to keep Music ( or what app you are using)running with the eyelid closed , first , you want to have that app open . Then take these steps :
How to continue a download with a MacBook lid closed
You could also use Amphetamine if you desire to download something with the screen fill up , but you could also pose your Mac to wake for net admittance , which should mean your Mac can still run updates in the background even if it ’s sleeping .
There is a similar circumstance in Monterey and older that you may use to make trusted downloads proceed in the background .
See : How Apple has revamped System Preferences in macOS Ventura .
How to turn on the MacBook with the lid closed
If your frame-up means your MacBook is attached to a presentation you will be capable to use it without give the video display open – but what about when you take to turn it on ? At that head , you will need to start the eyelid to press the Power button powerful ? Not necessarily .
It ’s easy to wake up your MacBook from rest without opening the eyelid . Just click or move the mouse or dab on the keyboard . But what if you need to pop out the Mac up without opening the lid to reveal the top executive button ?
Can it be done ? It can ! ( Sort of )
macOS Ventura and after
In older versions of macOS it was possible to place your Mac to switch on and off at sure times of the day . alas , this is no longer as simple to set up .
For more advice about how to do this consultApple ’s backup pageboy .
We also coverHow to schedule your Mac to turn on and offseparately andHow to fix the power scheduler that disappeared in macOS Ventura .
macOS Monterey and older :
There is a mount in Monterey and older that lets you set your Mac to switch on at a especial time .
