Clamshell Mode on MacBook

What is clamshell mode on Mac

Clamshell mode on a MacBook is a powerful tool that turns your MacBook into a desktop version by connecting it to an external display, keyboard, and mouse, while keeping the lid closed.

The lid on your Mac means the screen panel that opens and closes like a laptop’s cover. The lid closed means that the MacBook’s display is shut down, but its content is still active on an external display.

Overall, Clamshell mode is a perfect option for saving desk space by removing the visual clutter from your eyes and leaving more comfort during your daily Mac usage.

Benefits of using clamshell mode

Clamshell mode is an Apple feature that keeps your Mac running while the built-in display is closed. It helps to declutter your laptop’s workspace, improves ergonomics, enables extended keyboard and mouse options, and provides better multitasking with bigger displays.

Requirements for using clamshell mode

To use clamshell mode on MacBook efficiently, definite requirements must be met:

• As macOS doesn’t support clamshell mode on battery power alone, you need to connect your MacBook to an external power source.
• As the built-in display is closed, you also need an external monitor, an external keyboard as well as an external mouse or trackpad.

A note from our experts:

 

When you put a Mac in clamshell mode, be ready to run into performance slowdowns because of redundant processes that consume much memory. Meanwhile, you can prevent this irritating issue by using MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner. With its help, you can free up the actually used RAM and increase system speed, making your Mac run smoother.

 

Below, I’ve left a helpful guide for you to delete redundant processes on your Mac via MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner:

1. Download the MacKeeper app from the official site ➙ launch it.
2. Select the Memory Cleaner feature from the left sidebar ➙ click Open.
3. Wait for the results ➙ confirm Clean Memory.

How to use clamshell mode on MacBook

Though you can choose a sleep mode for your Mac, clamshell mode is a unique Mac’s feature that allows you to use it while keeping the laptop closed with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Activate clamshell mode on your Mac to use it like a desktop computer without the internal screen.

The required equipment to enable clamshell mode on your Mac:

• A MacBook (Pro or Air) with macOS;
• An external monitor;
• An external keyboard (wired or wireless) and a mouse/trackpad (wired or wireless);
• A power adapter and a charging cable.
• A display cable.

Now, follow these steps to activate clamshell mode on your Mac:

• Connect the external display. For this, plug the display into your Mac using the correct cable or adapter. After connection, your laptop will automatically detect the external display and mirror your desktop.
• Connect the external keyboard and mouse. If you use a wired keyboard and a mouse, just plug them into your Mac. If you choose a wireless keyboard and mouse, go to System Settings ➙ Bluetooth ➙ make sure both devices are connected.
• Connect the external power supply. To proceed with this, plug the power adapter into your Mac, as clamshell mode needs your MacBook to be connected to power.

Nothing complicated, right? Hope you’ve managed it easily. But before I continue, let me share a few handy tips on how to deal if Mac not detecting a second monitor and fix the issue, so not to miss the opportunity to use clamshell mode.

What you can now do when your Mac is running in clamshell mode?

• Enjoy using your external display as the main screen.
• Work with external devices, like on your Apple desktop.
• Keep your Mac somewhere further.

Limitations or risks of clamshell mode

Though clamshell mode is used to save space and make your multi-monitor work more comfortable and efficient, it also has some limitations and potential risks you should know about. For example, sometimes, you may experience that a Mac randomly shuts down, which is one popular consequence of the incompatible device malfunctioning.

From my personal experience and research, the main downsides of clamshell mode include:

• Overheating
• Battery strain
• Display sleep bugs
• Weakened built-in capabilities

Now, let me get you acquainted with each potential drawback one by one.

1. Overheating issues

One of the most essential risks of using clamshell mode is overheating. When your iMac works in clamshell mode, the lid is closed, that's why the MacBook’s cooling system has less airflow, especially in older models or when placed on soft surfaces, like beds. As a result, the laptop may endure:

• Accumulation of heat, especially under high workloads.
• Thermal throttling, and, in this case, your Mac’s productivity is automatically reduced to prevent damage.
• Premature hardware wear, which means that Mac’s components come down earlier than they used to.

A few tips here from me:

• Use a vertical stand to improve your Mac’s ventilation.
• Don’t place your Mac on soft surfaces.

2. Battery strain

You know from the above sections that clamshell mode requires your Mac to be plugged into power. However, leaving your laptop connected to a charger for extended periods can significantly affect battery health. Also, batteries weaken faster when they stay at 100% charge for a long time.

A few tips here from me:

• Launch Mac Battery Health management.
• Periodically disconnect your Mac to let the battery cycle.

3. Display sleep bugs

One more common issue is discursive display behavior that restricts your workflow and needs restarting or replugging your device. Among display sleep bugs, the most widespread are:

• External displays not waking from sleep
• No response when plugging in monitors
• Flickering or black screens

A few tips here from me:

• Don’t use non certified adapters or cables.
• Don’t skip updating your macOS.

Besides, when the lid is closed, any pressure or heat can affect the internal display. If your Mac becomes too hot inside, it may result in discoloration, long-term degradation, and other failures.

4. Weakened built-in capabilities

Another problematic issue is that long usage of clamshell mode leads to weakened built-in capabilities. As a result, you may wonder how to connect headphones to MacBook or experience accidental disconnections.  

A few tips here from me:

• Don’t leave your Mac in clamshell mode for hours in a row.
• Minimize the negative impact by using a stand for a better airflow.

Conclusion

Clamshell mode is an excellent solution to transform your MacBook into a desktop setup. This feature allows you to use your laptop with the lid closed while it’s connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse. To be more precise, clamshell mode makes your Mac active while it’s shut, being plugged into power. Though it’s quite a beneficial option, it comes with a few risks, especially with heat and performance.

Thus, to maintain peak productivity and prevent crashes, don’t hesitate to use MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner. This professional tool optimizes your Mac’s performance, freeing up valuable storage and reducing background clutter in no time.