External Monitor Will Not Wake MacBook Pro M1

Question

Level 1

5 points

External Monitor Will Not Wake MacBook Pro M1

I have a MacBook Pro 13 inch M1 2020 with OS 11.2 connected to a BENQ EX3501R monitor via Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C cable. I operate in 'clamshell' mode on this monitor, using Saitechi Bluetooth keyboard and Apple Bluetooth Trackpad. The only way to get monitor to work in clamshell mode is to connect the cable and RE-START the MacBook and LEAVE THE CABLE CONNECTED. Any time I disconnect the cable, the ONLY way to get the monitor to work in clamshell mode again is to re-start the Mac with the cable connected.

I have spent literally decades using Macbook Pros in clamshell and always been able to come into office, connect to monitor, and close the lid. Not with this M1.

It is charging properly via the Thunderbolt 4 and all the power settings are fine. I have dug through these help files and found somewhat related but different problems. If I missed the answer, please point me in the right direction.

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Feb 11, 2021 2:02 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

gfalcon Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 14, 2021 10:39 AM in response to mingoslkd

Problem solved. Issue stopped after I updated to OS 11.2.1 the other day. The MacBook Pro 13 2020 M1 still doesn't quite 'like' having its Thunderbolt 4 cable disconnected and re-connected in clamshell mode, but I am managing to get the monitor to work without a complete re-start each time now.

Thank you.

Reply

Answer 2

mingoslkd

Community Specialist

Feb 14, 2021 10:34 AM in response to gfalcon

Hi there gfalcon,

We understand that you are unable to use your Mac with the lid closed and an external monitor unless you restart your Mac. We’d like to help however we can.

To start, does this happen with every external display you connect with your Mac or only with this specific external display? Let’s follow the steps outlined here as well:

Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac

Let’s also check for any updates that are available for your Mac:

How to update the software on your Mac

Cheers!

Reply

Answer 3

RevSue02

Level 1

4 points

Mar 25, 2021 5:43 PM in response to mingoslkd

I'm having this same issue with my MacBook Pro 2020 13-inch (4 Thunderbolt ports), but with an Apple A1316 display. It works when computer is open, but when I try to dock it with the case closed, it won't wake. My software is up-to-date. Any ideas?

Thank you.

Reply

External Monitor Will Not Wake MacBook Pro M1

Similar questions