Macbook in clamshell mode, 2 hdmi monitors

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Macbook in clamshell mode, 2 hdmi monitors

Hey all,

running a Macbook Pro, 2020 w/Big Sur and a third party docking station that I was led to believe I could connect my macbook to in clamshell mode, and run two hdmi monitors in extended mode. when I connect my Macbook to the docking station in clamshell, both monitors pop up, but there is no arrangment button, and the monitors are duplicated (mirrored). if I open up my macbook, the arrangement tab shows back up and my hdmi monitor(s) work in extended mode (as expected, the second hdmi monitor is still mirrored, but the primary hdmi monitor actually works as an extended monitor.

what am I doing wrong here? I did notice if I plug two docking stations (each into a seperate usb-c port) I can achieve my wanted result, but I really thought/wanted it to be done with just a single docking station. anyone have success doing this?

Posted on Dec 23, 2020 2:54 PM

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Answer 1

sfurstar Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 26, 2020 5:25 PM in response to Eric--F

Eric,

Thank you for your reply. I think your statement only applies to Macbooks with Apple's M1 chip (with exception of the sidecar option). My understanding is that Mac's with intel chipsets still support multiple external monitors in closed clamshell mode. Furthermore, I think the setup I'm using currently using supports that, as I have two monitors plugged into two separate thunderbolt 3 ports, and am able to achieve my desired setup. I just hate. having more than one hub (dock was a poor choice of words on my part). My question was more regarding two monitors off a single port, using a hub? It looks like may be a monitor per port (up to a max of some number I'm not aware of).

can anyone else confirm they have successfully connected more than one monitor up to their mac in closed clamshell mode, and if so, were you successful going through a single thunderbolt port, or did you have to use multiple?

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Answer 2

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Dec 25, 2020 5:37 PM in response to sfurstar

Hi there sfurstar,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you are trying to use your Mac in closed-clamshell mode with an external monitor dock. Closed-clamshell mode works with one external monitor. Using docks don’t increase the number of displays you can connect.

These articles may help:

Use external monitors with your Mac

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

We hope this helps!

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Macbook in clamshell mode, 2 hdmi monitors

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