MacBook Pro (M3 Pro), Clamshell - Does not work on Battery Mode

Question

MacBook Pro (M3 Pro), Clamshell - Does not work on Battery Mode

Hay Guys,

Just purchased a MacBook Pro (M3 Pro). Primarily using it in Clamshell mode with external monitor, Apple (BT) Keyboard and Magic Mouse. MBP Connected to Monitor via HDMI.

Interesting Problem. I don't like to keep my MBP Plugged in (trying to cycle the battery from time to time). But in the above setup, the MBP goes to sleep mode, if I unplug the Power Supply from the MBP. The second I plug it back in, it wakes up and works file.

Checked with Apple Support and they said not to do the above. M Series manages battery well and so there is no need to do that.

Still, does that mean that if I forget my Charger and want to use an external monitor, I can't unless it's charging the MBP as well.

Anyone having this kind of problem or does it work without any issues in the above scenario?

Thanks in advance for helping/sharing your knowledge, experience and support.

Regards

BV

MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jun 25, 2024 7:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BobTheFisherman

Level 10

86,249 points

Jun 25, 2024 7:27 AM in response to Binu Varghese

Clamshell mode with an external monitor has never worked unless the computer is plugged in.

You can leave your computer plugged in whenever needed to do so or when convenient. Leaving the computer plugged in will not damage the computer or the battery.

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Answer 2

Jun 25, 2024 10:18 AM in response to Binu Varghese

<< I can say with confidence that Clamshell mode has without the computer being plugged in. I say this in the case of may previous MacBook (Intel) and a MacBook Pro (Intel), in my family. >>

External Power is Required. Unless your Mac was powered by a USB power-delivery Dock or Display, I do not know where your confidence comes from, because it simply does not and has never worked that way.

If the power adapter is not connected, the definition of closing the display has always been for your Mac to sleep.

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Answer 3

Jun 25, 2024 8:14 AM in response to Binu Varghese

Binu Varghese wrote:

Thank you for responding. I can say with confidence that Clamshell mode has without the computer being plugged in. I say this in the case of may previous MacBook (Intel) and a MacBook Pro (Intel), in my family.

This seems to be unique to the M Series of Macs Only.

You can check here for reference. You have always needed power to the computer to use "clamshell" mode.

https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/64640-how-to-use-your-mac-laptop-in-closed-display-clamshell-mode/

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Answer 4

Jun 25, 2024 8:06 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thank you for responding. I can say with confidence that Clamshell mode has without the computer being plugged in. I say this in the case of may previous MacBook (Intel) and a MacBook Pro (Intel), in my family.

This seems to be unique to the M Series of Macs Only.

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Answer 5

Jun 25, 2024 10:24 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Hay Grant, no worries. I understand and respect your experience.

I had my MacBook (Intel based) Plugged to an external display. I would unplug the power from time to time to let the Battery drain. The system would continue to operate in Clamshell mode.

In any case, I'm convinced (from the response so far on this thread) that Clamshell mode goes into sleep mode, on M series MacBook (Pro) when you unplug the MBP's Power Cable.

Thank you again for responding to my question and helping to understand this a bit better.

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Answer 6

Jun 25, 2024 10:37 AM in response to Binu Varghese

Apple has removed the articles that used to describe how Closed Display Mode works. GONE.

This generally tells us Apple has no love for this feature, and is no longer willing to stand behind it working, AT ALL.

So if you can fiddle with it and get it to work in some fashion for you, Merry Christmas! You get a present!

If not, Apple will not 'fix it' because it is not broken.

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Answer 7

Allan Jones

Level 10

81,538 points

Jun 25, 2024 7:51 AM in response to Binu Varghese

As an aside, Apple have removed all references to clamshell mode from their support and knowledge base articles.

I wonder is this is because it conflicted with this Apple article:

Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support

Specifically, this:

Closing the display would constitute putting something over the keyboard.

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Answer 8

Jun 25, 2024 8:07 AM in response to Allan Jones

Very Interesting they should mention that. Ive thought about that as well. In which case, they should be putting more of a cautionary warning NOT to use Clamshell mode or have the laptop positioned such (while in Clamshell mode) to allow for optimal heat exit.

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MacBook Pro (M3 Pro), Clamshell - Does not work on Battery Mode

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