Can't keep my MacBook screen brightness down to zero

[snipper]

When I use a monitor with my MacBook, I don't want to use the build-in screen. So I set the brightness to zero and turned the System preferences / displays / Auto brightness adjustment off.

When I wake it up after sleep mode however, it is always slightly on again.

Is there a way to keep it to zero? I installed BetterDisplay and tried some settings, but it doesn't seem to help. Any tips?

 

[Bigwaff]

Just close the laptop display. Ext display should work with laptop display closed.

 

[adrianlondon]

I think it's expected behaviour, as otherwise people may think the laptop's off and try to reboot it.

It can also be confusing if you open an app and the window opens on the display with the brightness set to zero.

The solution, as I can find no way to actually turn off the built-in display, is to shut the lid as Bigwaff says above. However, you'll then need an external keyboard/mouse.

 

[snipper]

Thanks for the useful reactions.

I already use an Apple full size external keyboard with it, that I have from years ago, but it has no Touch ID. I use Passwords and therefore Touch ID often. It feels bit silly and wasteful to buy a new, € 229 full size keyboard, just because this quirky, stubborn screen option.

(Honestly, I would consider it if the 'black' Magic Keyboard would actually be black, matching my black MacBook, but it's aluminium with black keys.)

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Your options are: Get the Touch ID keyboard, or deal with the brightness issue. Either will work.

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

I have a similar issue, including the desire for True Tone to be activated because it makes my external monitor nicer to look at, and do not have a solution for it either.

Despite a lot of trying.

 

[Teletypewriter]

Try this option ...
How do I turn off display when inactive on an M1 Imac?