Magic Keyboard with M2 Max MacBook Pro in Clamshell Mode

Question

Level 1

4 points

Magic Keyboard with M2 Max MacBook Pro in Clamshell Mode

There was another thread where someone typed out exactly my issue. Their issue was using an Intel Mac but I'm on Apple Silicon.

"I just bought a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID assuming I would be able to use the keyboard to unlock my laptop when the lid is closed and I'm using external displays ("clamshell mode"). I have checked all of my settings and simply cannot get it to work. I only have the option to enter my password on the lock screen to log in, no option to use Touch ID.

Anyone else have this issue or a solve? I saw a workaround for connecting via lightning cable and toggling on/off, but it didn't work for me when I tried.

This is the entire reason I bought this keyboard so I'm really hoping there's a solution for this!"

Verbatim what my issue is and what I've tried to rectify it.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jun 18, 2023 12:48 AM

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Answer 1

UTBadger

Community Specialist

Jun 19, 2023 9:27 AM in response to JeffNucci

Hey JeffNucci,

We'd be happy to help out. Thanks for all the details you've provided regarding the issues you're facing with using Touch ID on your Magic Keyboard to login to your Mac while it's closed.

To clarify though, does it allow you to use Touch ID at the login screen when the lid isn't closed? Also, did you set up Touch ID using the following steps: Use Touch ID on Mac - Apple Support

We ask in order to isolate things further. Specifically, you'll want to work through this section:

Set up Touch ID

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Touch ID & Password in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

2. Click Add Fingerprint, enter your password, then follow the onscreen instructions.

3. If your Mac or Magic Keyboard has Touch ID, the sensor is located at the top right of your keyboard. You can add up to three fingerprints to your user account (you can save up to five fingerprints on your Mac).

4. Choose how you want to use Touch ID:

* Unlock your Mac: Use Touch ID to unlock this Mac when you wake it from sleep.

* Apple Pay: Use Touch ID to complete purchases you make on this Mac using Apple Pay.

* iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books: Use Touch ID to complete purchases you make on this Mac from the Apple online stores.

* Autofill passwords: Use Touch ID to automatically fill in user names and passwords and to automatically fill in credit card information when requested while using Safari and other apps.

* Fast user switching: Use Touch ID to switch between user accounts on this Mac.

Keep us posted on what you find out.

Take care!

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Answer 2

JeffNucci Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 19, 2023 10:40 PM in response to UTBadger

1) Yup. Been there.

2) Have added both index fingers twice.

3) Duh?

4) All are enabled.

I've tried doing the whole "plug it in with it Lightning Cable" thing.

Can I unlock my MacBook Pro in Clamshell mode or not?

No it does not allow me to use the Touch ID on the Magic Keyboard when the lid is open. The Touch ID that is built-in to the MacBook Pro works 100% of the time.

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Answer 3

Jan 1, 2024 5:19 AM in response to UTBadger

Same issue.....external Touch ID in clamshell mode will not work on my MacBook Air with intel chip. What's worse is I spent all day yesterday with 4 different Apple Support personnel and none of them had a clue. Total waste of time troubleshooting, 1 step forward and 2 back. I'm sending the keyboard back and considering buying a Dell to replace my old MacBook Air. Apple is losing its mojo I'm afraid.

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Answer 4

ryane77

Community Specialist

Jun 20, 2023 7:55 AM in response to JeffNucci

Hi JeffNucci,

Thanks for filling us in. To look further into this, we recommend contacting Apple directly by checking for options in this link: Get Support

Best wishes.

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Magic Keyboard with M2 Max MacBook Pro in Clamshell Mode

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