Clamshell mode not working with Macbook Air

Hi! I'm trying to set up my husbands Macbook Air, M2, running 15.4.1 connected to an LG Smart WQHD external monitor via usb-c to usb-c cable. With the laptop open all is good, using a bluetooth Magic Mouse & Magic Keyboard and all is fine. But when I close the macbook the screen goes black. I've tried tapping the space bar as others have suggested and nothing. Eventually the monitor screen comes up saying No Signal.


I'm mirroring under displays, have the monitor as the main screen.


What am I doing wrong?

thanks in advance for any help

Kim

MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on May 9, 2025 6:21 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 9, 2025 7:39 PM

Hi,

If clamshell mode isn't working with your MacBook Air, ensure your MacBook Air is plugged into a power source and connected to the external monitor.Also, verify the power adapter is connected directly to the MacBook Air and not through a hub. Finally, make sure the MacBook Air is configured to prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off, which can be set in System Settings > Battery > Options. 


Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Power and Connectivity:
    • Plug the MacBook Air directly into the power adapter. 
    • Ensure the external monitor is properly connected. 
  1. Check Display Settings:
    • In System Settings > Displays, verify the external monitor is recognized. 
    • If using a DisplayLink adapter, ensure it is correctly installed and configured. 
  1. Prevent Automatic Sleeping:
    • Go to System Settings > Battery > Options. 
    • Toggle on "Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off". 
  1. Test with Different Monitors/Adapters:
    • If the issue persists, try a different external monitor and/or adapter. 
  1. Update macOS:
    • Ensure your macOS is up to date.  
  1. Check for Software Issues:
    • Try starting the Mac in Safe Mode to rule out software conflicts. 
    • If you are using a monitor driver, try uninstalling it and reinstalling the latest version. 
  1. Consider a Dock:
    • If you are using a USB-C hub or dock, try a different one to see if that resolves the issue. 

Note: Clamshell mode requires the MacBook Air to be connected to a power source and the lid closed. Some models may also require a specific refresh rate setting (e.g., 60Hz) for clamshell mode to work properly, as mentioned in some forum posts. 

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 9, 2025 7:39 PM in response to Kim Carvajal

Hi,

If clamshell mode isn't working with your MacBook Air, ensure your MacBook Air is plugged into a power source and connected to the external monitor.Also, verify the power adapter is connected directly to the MacBook Air and not through a hub. Finally, make sure the MacBook Air is configured to prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off, which can be set in System Settings > Battery > Options. 


Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Power and Connectivity:
    • Plug the MacBook Air directly into the power adapter. 
    • Ensure the external monitor is properly connected. 
  1. Check Display Settings:
    • In System Settings > Displays, verify the external monitor is recognized. 
    • If using a DisplayLink adapter, ensure it is correctly installed and configured. 
  1. Prevent Automatic Sleeping:
    • Go to System Settings > Battery > Options. 
    • Toggle on "Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off". 
  1. Test with Different Monitors/Adapters:
    • If the issue persists, try a different external monitor and/or adapter. 
  1. Update macOS:
    • Ensure your macOS is up to date.  
  1. Check for Software Issues:
    • Try starting the Mac in Safe Mode to rule out software conflicts. 
    • If you are using a monitor driver, try uninstalling it and reinstalling the latest version. 
  1. Consider a Dock:
    • If you are using a USB-C hub or dock, try a different one to see if that resolves the issue. 

Note: Clamshell mode requires the MacBook Air to be connected to a power source and the lid closed. Some models may also require a specific refresh rate setting (e.g., 60Hz) for clamshell mode to work properly, as mentioned in some forum posts. 

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Clamshell mode not working with Macbook Air

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