how to start MacBook Air in "clamshell" mode?

[wfriedwald]

I would think this would be simple, but durned if I can figure it out.

Okay, I know my MacBook Air works with external monitors, keyboard & track pad.

So how do I actually start it without opening the lid?

There's nothing on this particular keyboard that I have ... or do I possibly need a special keyboard?

Anyhow, thank you for any advice!

w

 

[hg.wells]

The only way to turn the system on in clamshell mode is if the Mac is asleep.

Otherwise you need to open the Mac to turn it on and then close the lid to use in clamshell mode.

 

[Mike Boreham]

@hg.wells is correct. I hoped that the magic keyboard with Touch ID would do it but it doesn't, even if connected by USB instead of bluetooth.

 

[wfriedwald]

ha! I was misinformed! I thought that some people kept their MacBooks totally closed whenever they were home and docked. Obviously that is not correct. (Does the MacBook PRO behave any differently from the AIR?)

thanks for the info,

w

 

[hg.wells]

Nope both work in the exact same way. The other way round it is setting your Mac to turn on at a scheduled time each day.

How to Schedule Shut Down, Restart, and Boot/Wake in macOS Ventura

In macOS Ventura, the way you schedule your Mac to shut down or reboot has changed. Keep reading to learn how to schedule power management using...

www.macrumors.com

Or letting your Mac sleep instead of shutting it down. Then you just click your external mouse or keyboard to wake the Mac.