2018 MacBook Pro - Clamshell Mode Startup Problem

[Jorg1312]

I own a 2012 pre Retina MacBook Pro and just bought a 2018 MacBook Pro.

When I use the 2012 model in clamshell mode I connect my keyboard, mouse, monitor, hub, sound card, open the MacBook and press the power button.
Once the MacBook reaches the password / login screen, the external monitor is coming on. I can now close the MacBook, enter the password on my external keyboard and everything works.


I follow the exact same procedure on the 2018 MacBook Pro, however the external screen is not coming on when the MacBook reaches the login screen. This means I have to now enter the password on the MacBook and complete the boot up before I can close the MacBook. If I close the MacBook at the login screen it just goes back to sleep.


This is really annoying for me because my MacBook is placed away in clamshell mode and once plugged in I can’t really reach the keyboard.

Is there a way to get the clamshell mode to work before logging in like my 2012 MacBook does?

 

[Jorg1312]

Alternatively, is there a way to log on with your fingerprint after a restart?

 

[blackreplica]

I dont experience the same thing as you. For me, the external display comes on after a few seconds and I can see the boot sequence running on the external display. This might be a result of the dongle you are using or something. I havent found a way to use my fingerprint after a restart either though. I wish there was a way to do so but it seems some sort of of security feature since the OS says that keying in the password manually is a requirement when restarting the computer

 

[AppleHaterLover]

How are you connecting to your display?

 

[blackreplica]

Via HDMI to my Acer X34 with this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Elivebuy-Ada...906327&sr=8-3&keywords=elivebuy+thunderbolt+3

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Via HDMI to my Acer X34 with this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Elivebuy-Ada...906327&sr=8-3&keywords=elivebuy+thunderbolt+3

That’s weird, I had a similar setup but with the Apple Multiport, and it was really plug and play.

I would suggest buying that adapter (it’s refundable, 14 days) and see if it works.

 

[Jorg1312]

How are you connecting to your display?

I use that 8 in 2 Hyperdrive USB C hub with the mini display port.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0779GXWXV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WfqFBb79VCP4G

The screen I’m connecting is the Apple 27 Cinema Display. The old one, not the thunderbolt one. It’s weird that it works fine with the 2012 MBP but not with the 2018 MBP.