Unable to wake my computer using the keyboard in clamshell mode after update to Sonoma

I have a 2019 MacBook Pro. I just upgraded to Sonoma (14.0) and am using clamshell mode via USB-C and a CalDigit docking station... Clamshell mode worked fine with Ventura - once engaged it would sleep and wakeup via keyboard... With Sonoma, I can enter into clamshell mode, but after the system goes to sleep, I cannot wake it up via keystrokes. I need to open the MacBook, wake it up by depressing the finger print key, then close to enter clamshell mode again... it's a pain!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

I did not see anything in the release notes about this mode being inactivated...

Any one else experience this?

Thanks for the help.

MacBook Pro 17″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Sep 28, 2023 7:58 AM

Best reply

dpcalleja85

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Oct 4, 2023 12:49 AM

OK, So while on the phone to Apple Support, I recognised that the battery icon was NOT showing that the system was running on mains power, but the battery instead.

Mains power being the operating power source is signified by the power plug looking icon being over the top of the battery icon.... not the lightning icon which signifies charging as it does on all devices...

Clamshell mode will not operate unless there is a mains power source if lid is closed.

This is why the extended display works on battery power, but drops off when you close the lid. Giving the impression that clamshell is the issue.

By unplugging my multi hub (bon.elk ELK-80029-R . An approved hub as it is sold at Apple in Australia) and reconnecting it to power, the mains power icon was present and the clamshell mode therefore enabled....

I'm no expert, but i believe there may be a compatibility issue between Sonoma and some multi hubs. Mains power not flowing through as it did on Ventura for some reason.

I'll monitor this and see if reseting the multi hub (disconnect and reconnect power) fixes the clamshell issue next time it occurs.

If so, i might try a new multi hub and see if that resolves the issue.

If others can please confirm the above and suggest a multi hub which has worked well for them that would be great??

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28 replies

Nov 20, 2023 10:26 PM in response to mdp41

I was having this exact issue after the Sonoma update on my 2020 MacBook Air. After fiddling with settings and cables, I realized all I needed to do was keep the screen on...while the lid was closed. I use Ascrono docks for my MBP and Air. The MBP was not having any issue after the update, only the Air. So, I tested how far the Air would open after it was in the dock, connected to power. There is definitely some wiggle room. I slid something thin in between the screen and the keyboard after it was docked in clamshell. Not exactly sure if it is touching the keyboard but I think it is touching a key. I noticed that this opened the Air just enough that I could tell the screen was on. There does not seem to be too much pressure on the dock or Air since the object is really thin. Once I did that, I heard the familiar crackle of my monitor coming to life. Everything works now. Not a perfect solution but, maybe something for now.

Dec 4, 2023 8:58 AM in response to w1tchell

<<. I am using the display link software to connect a HDMI cable from my ultra wide display to the usb-c port on my MacBook. >>

DisplayLink comes in TWO parts, and BOTH are required to actually implement DisplayLink.

• You need the DisplayLink software.

• You need a non-trivial DisplayLink 'stunt box' with DisplayLink chips inside that provide display output signals with proper timing and a screen buffer.

The connection between the two is 'USB or whatever is available' NOT a display protocol, so the 'stunt box' is required to hold a screen buffer and provide the display output signals.

So if you have connected a USB-C port with an adapter to HDMI cable, you are NOT using DisplayLink to run that display -- that is a "real" display.

jimd317

Level 1

8 points

Dec 13, 2023 12:49 PM in response to mdp41

Thank you very much for your answer!! You solved my problem. I did not have the power connected to my laptop so whenever I closed my laptop, the monitor screen would go blank and I was unable to wake it up. Now that the power is plugged into the laptop, the monitor mirrors perfectly from the laptop.

Apr 3, 2024 11:12 PM in response to AlleOop

this worked! I dont know how you knew how to figure this out, but this is genius! One thing to note. Make sure your mouse is right over that "Detect Displays" button - for me that did the trick. Can't believe this actually worked and for the first time in years my Macbook Pro can be used completely closed in clamshell mode

dom1357

Level 1

8 points

Apr 4, 2024 7:44 AM in response to mdp41

Same issue for me - 14" 2023 MBP M2 connected to 1 ext display via hdmi, running 14.4.1. It was working, but I disconnected everything to work in a different room, upon returning it would no longer support clamshell mode.

My solution was to change to the other hdmi input on my monitor, this seems to have resolved my issues.

Apr 5, 2024 11:58 AM in response to mdp41

I can confirm the same thing. After reading this, I unplugged the multi hub, flipped the plug around for good measure, and plugged back in. After that I heard the connected to power source tone and saw the icon for it too. The clamshell problem was immediately solved.