Trying to erase 2016 Intel MacBook Pro, with broken screen

You need to use Clamshell Mode which involves using a wired USB keyboard & mouse while the power adapter is connected, then you should be able to get video to the external display when you close the lid. You may need to experiment a bit since it is not always easy to get video to the external display even with Clamshell Mode. You may need to power on the laptop while holding the startup keys on the external keyboard & closing the lid within a few seconds.

IIRC, you can just hold down the Option key to get access to the Apple boot picker menu. While on the Apple boot picker menu you should be able to use Command + R, or Command + Option + R to access local recovery mode or Internet Recovery Mode respectively.

Just make sure the laptop is completely powered off by holding the power button for about 10 seconds. While the laptop is powered on, you can press the Caps Lock key so the Caps Lock LED lights up. Then power off the laptop.....the laptop is powered off once the Caps Lock LED goes out.

Also, here is an Apple article for what you should do when selling a Mac:

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or ... - Apple Support

kt-co11 wrote:

The screen on my MacBook Pro went black several months ago. I’ve been able to continue using it while hooked up to external monitor.

Finally got new MacBook Air and did the migration assistant to transfer files to new MacBook.

Wanting to factory reset old MacBook, but trying the Command + R to startup Recovery mode doesn’t seem to be working with the external monitor. How long am I supposed to hold down Command + R? I’ve tried a few times for 20-30 seconds. Is it possible the external monitor won’t pick up the signal since it’s not a full startup?

I’ve signed out of iCloud already and just need to erase all my data before recycling it. Help!

ref: Internet recovery "this might take a whil… - Apple Community

for your Intel Mac—

scroll down to Intel

How to start up from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

2016 if the SSD failed I would be inclined to simply recycle it.

Apple’s proprietary SSD in non-touchbar models of MBP 2016 or 2017—known to have a high failure rate.

Touchbar model the SSD is integrated into the Logicboard.

2016 non-touchbar you can simply remove the SSD if you are recycling— beat the SSD with a hammer is a tried and true method

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw9g_dBxSUk