MBA M1 sometimes goes to sleep when using external monitor

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Level 1

7 points

MBA M1 sometimes goes to sleep when using external monitor

Hello! Lately, I have been having an issue where whenever I would plug in an external display to my MBA and start using it (lid closed), the laptop would go to sleep sometimes while using it and I would have to click with my mouse to wake it back up. This usually happens soon after I plug in my external monitor (towards the beginning of each usage). I am using the latest software.

Why is this happening, and how do I fix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Oct 12, 2021 4:12 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

samtenor

Level 4

2,074 points

Oct 13, 2021 10:18 AM in response to Maxim_124

Did you have the power adapter connected to the laptop?

Clamshell mode requires

external power connected
external keyboard and mouse
external monitor

You have to power on the laptop (lid opened), then close the lid for the laptop acts as it is a desktop.

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Answer 2

Maxim_124 Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 13, 2021 1:08 PM in response to samtenor

Yes, I have the power adapter connected to the laptop whenever I am using it. Otherwise, the external monitor would never work, not just go to sleep occasionally. I am doing everything correctly (I would think), but the issue still occurs.

Do you mean that I have to open the lid of the laptop to wake it up before using it through an external monitor as well as keyboard and mouse? (I can't just click with an external mouse to wake it up?)

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MBA M1 sometimes goes to sleep when using external monitor

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