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How to Use Two External Displays with the Lid Closed on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3

Last Update: September 5th, 2024
Article ID: 2790245

Overview

With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.

Requirements

Before getting started, ensure you have the following:

  • MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
  • macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
  • Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
    • A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
  • External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
  • Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
    • A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.

Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed

1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse

  • If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
  • For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
  • An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.

2. Connect Your Displays

  • Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
  • Close your laptop’s lid.
  • Connect the second external display using a similar method.
  • Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.

3. Configure Display Settings

  • Open System Settings on your MacBook.
  • Go to Displays.
  • You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
  • Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.

4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)

  • With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
  • Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
  • Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.

5. Check the Display Arrangement

  • With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
  • If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
  • MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
  • Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.

Thunderbolt Dock Users

With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).

Additional Resources

If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.