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New Macbook - external display works with lid open but not closed

When I have my laptop connected to an external display (Acer B286HK) the display works fine with the laptop lid open, but with the lid closed it will work for ~30 seconds and then blacks out. I cannot wake the computer with keyboard or mouse inputs. This issue is happening with two different laptops, both new: a 2017 Macbook Pro 13" and brand new 2018 Macbook Air. I have tried resetting the SMC to no avail.

MacBook Air (2018 or later)

Posted on Dec 19, 2018 1:45 PM

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Posted on Dec 19, 2018 3:31 PM

There is a specific way to initiate and a specific way to disengage "closed display mode", and if you do not follow the procedures in this article to the letter, your displays will be left in the off state:


Use your Mac notebook computer in closed-display mode with an external display - Apple Support


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Question marked as Best reply

Dec 19, 2018 3:31 PM in response to Th3nder

There is a specific way to initiate and a specific way to disengage "closed display mode", and if you do not follow the procedures in this article to the letter, your displays will be left in the off state:


Use your Mac notebook computer in closed-display mode with an external display - Apple Support


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New Macbook - external display works with lid open but not closed

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