LG UltraFine 5K display keeps turning off

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Level 1

40 points

LG UltraFine 5K display keeps turning off

I hadn't used my LG display for several months. Yesterday after I plugged it into my 2016 touchbar MBP (MacOS 10.12.6), the monitor kept going black every few minutes, even while I am typing. I tried plugging and unplugging the USB-C cable, and suddenly the monitor got really confused and the brightness setting went so dark I could barely see the mouse cursor.

So I unplugged the MBP, unplugged the power cord on the LG, and rebooted the MBP. Then I plugged the LG back in. I googled solutions and installed the LG Screen Manager version 2.08, which tells me that my Monitor software version (3.01,1.11,5234,3.00,0.1d) is up to date.

Today the monitor goes black every 15 minutes, even while I am typing.

I tried going to LG support and requesting a chat, but no one came on after 20 minutes. I will try Apple Support tomorrow, but I know they will just refer me to LG, as they did when I first got this cursed monitor.

Is anyone else having this problem or have a suggestion?

Thanks for any help you can provide,

-mj lee

macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Oct 3, 2017 8:09 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

DClark2000

Level 1

14 points

Dec 6, 2017 6:39 AM in response to mjlee

This post on YouTube helped me with this situation - comments suggest cable may also be at fault. I did always find that you do need to make sure your laptop is powered when in clamshell mode to continue to drive this monitor without the monitor turning off. But the 'magnets' issue was new to me. Moving the laptop out from underneath the monitor is solving the problem for me - just like the video.

MacBook Pro with Touchbar turns off LG UltraFine display - YouTube

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Answer 2

mjlee Author

Level 1

40 points

Dec 6, 2017 6:45 AM in response to DClark2000

Wow thx for that YouTube link. I will test out moving the MBP away from the monitor, rather than positioning it like a docking station. LG sent me a replacement cable but it made no difference.

The comments were helpful too, since other problems I’ve experienced were also mentioned. I actually got so frustrated with the LG that I haven’t used it for several months and sit at my kitchen table instead.

I will never buy another LG product!!!

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