Are you tired of your Mac’s monitor turning off every time you close the lid? Do you want to keep your monitor on even when your Mac is closed? You’re not alone. Many Mac users face this issue, and it can be frustrating, especially if you’re using your Mac as a desktop computer or if you need to keep an eye on your screen while working on a project.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why your Mac’s monitor turns off when you close the lid and provide you with step-by-step solutions to keep your monitor on.
Why Does My Mac’s Monitor Turn Off When I Close the Lid?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why your Mac’s monitor turns off when you close the lid. There are a few reasons for this:
- Energy Efficiency: Macs are designed to conserve energy, and turning off the monitor when the lid is closed is one way to achieve this. When the lid is closed, the Mac assumes that you’re not using the computer, and it goes into sleep mode to save energy.
- Default Settings: The default settings on your Mac are set to turn off the monitor when the lid is closed. This is a common setting on most laptops, including Macs.
How to Keep Your Mac’s Monitor On When You Close the Lid
Now that we’ve understood the reasons why your Mac’s monitor turns off when you close the lid, let’s explore the solutions. Here are a few methods to keep your monitor on:
Method 1: Use the “Prevent Computer from Sleeping Automatically When the Display is Off” Option
This method involves using the Energy Saver preferences to prevent your Mac from sleeping automatically when the display is off. Here’s how to do it:
- Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Click Energy Saver.
- Click the Options tab.
- Select the checkbox next to “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off.”
By selecting this option, your Mac will not go to sleep automatically when the display is off, and your monitor will stay on.
Method 2: Use the “Keep Display On” Option in the Displays Preferences
This method involves using the Displays preferences to keep your monitor on. Here’s how to do it:
- Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Click Displays.
- Click the Arrangement tab.
- Select the checkbox next to “Keep display on.”
By selecting this option, your monitor will stay on even when you close the lid.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available that can help you keep your monitor on when you close the lid. Some popular options include:
- Caffeine: This app allows you to keep your Mac awake and your monitor on with just a click.
- Amphetamine: This app allows you to keep your Mac awake and your monitor on for a set period of time.
These apps are easy to use and can be downloaded from the Mac App Store.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Mac’s Monitor On
In addition to the methods mentioned above, here are a few additional tips to keep your Mac’s monitor on:
- Use an External Monitor: If you’re using your Mac as a desktop computer, you can connect an external monitor to keep your screen on.
- Adjust Your Energy Saver Settings: You can adjust your Energy Saver settings to keep your Mac awake and your monitor on for a longer period of time.
- Use a Wake-on-LAN App: If you need to access your Mac remotely, you can use a wake-on-LAN app to wake up your Mac and keep your monitor on.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are a few common issues you may encounter when trying to keep your Mac’s monitor on:
- My Mac’s Monitor Turns Off After a Few Minutes: If your Mac’s monitor turns off after a few minutes, it may be due to the default Energy Saver settings. Try adjusting your Energy Saver settings to keep your Mac awake and your monitor on for a longer period of time.
- My Mac’s Monitor Doesn’t Turn On When I Open the Lid: If your Mac’s monitor doesn’t turn on when you open the lid, it may be due to a hardware issue. Try restarting your Mac or adjusting your display settings.
Conclusion
Keeping your Mac’s monitor on when you close the lid can be a challenge, but there are several solutions available. By using the methods mentioned above, you can keep your monitor on and stay productive. Remember to adjust your Energy Saver settings and use third-party apps to keep your Mac awake and your monitor on.
By following these tips and solutions, you can keep your Mac’s monitor on and stay focused on your work.
What are the benefits of keeping my Mac’s monitor on?
Keeping your Mac’s monitor on can have several benefits. For one, it allows you to quickly glance at your screen and check for any important notifications or updates without having to wait for the monitor to wake up. This can be especially useful if you’re someone who receives a lot of emails or messages throughout the day.
Additionally, keeping your Mac’s monitor on can also help to prolong its lifespan. When a monitor is turned off and on repeatedly, it can cause wear and tear on the display, which can lead to a shorter lifespan. By keeping the monitor on, you can reduce the number of times it needs to be turned on and off, which can help to extend its lifespan.
How do I keep my Mac’s monitor on?
To keep your Mac’s monitor on, you can adjust the display settings in the System Preferences. To do this, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences, then click on Displays. From here, you can adjust the display settings to keep the monitor on for a longer period of time or even indefinitely.
You can also use third-party apps to keep your Mac’s monitor on. There are several apps available that can override the default display settings and keep the monitor on for as long as you need. Some popular options include Caffeine, Amphetamine, and KeepingYouAwake. These apps can be downloaded from the Mac App Store or from the developer’s website.
Will keeping my Mac’s monitor on consume more power?
Yes, keeping your Mac’s monitor on will consume more power than turning it off. The amount of power consumed will depend on the type of monitor you have and its brightness settings. However, if you’re using a modern Mac with an LED or LCD display, the power consumption should be relatively low.
It’s worth noting that the power consumption of a monitor is typically measured in watts, and most modern monitors consume between 20-50 watts of power. This is a relatively small amount of power compared to other components in your Mac, such as the processor and memory.
Can I keep my Mac’s monitor on when I’m not using it?
Yes, you can keep your Mac’s monitor on even when you’re not using it. This can be useful if you want to keep an eye on your Mac’s screen while you’re away from your desk or if you want to use your Mac as a display for a presentation or slideshow.
However, it’s worth noting that keeping your Mac’s monitor on for extended periods of time can cause it to overheat, which can reduce its lifespan. To avoid this, you can adjust the display settings to turn off the monitor after a certain period of inactivity or use a third-party app to keep the monitor on while also monitoring its temperature.
How do I adjust the display settings to keep my Mac’s monitor on?
To adjust the display settings to keep your Mac’s monitor on, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences, then click on Displays. From here, you can adjust the display settings to keep the monitor on for a longer period of time or even indefinitely. You can also adjust the brightness and contrast settings to your liking.
You can also use the Energy Saver preferences to adjust the display settings. To do this, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences, then click on Energy Saver. From here, you can adjust the display settings to turn off the monitor after a certain period of inactivity or to keep it on indefinitely.
Are there any third-party apps that can help me keep my Mac’s monitor on?
Yes, there are several third-party apps that can help you keep your Mac’s monitor on. Some popular options include Caffeine, Amphetamine, and KeepingYouAwake. These apps can override the default display settings and keep the monitor on for as long as you need.
These apps are available for download from the Mac App Store or from the developer’s website. They are easy to use and can be configured to keep your Mac’s monitor on for a specific period of time or indefinitely. Some apps also offer additional features, such as the ability to keep your Mac awake or to adjust the display settings.
Can keeping my Mac’s monitor on cause any problems?
Yes, keeping your Mac’s monitor on for extended periods of time can cause some problems. For one, it can cause the monitor to overheat, which can reduce its lifespan. Additionally, keeping the monitor on can also consume more power, which can increase your energy bills.
It’s also worth noting that keeping your Mac’s monitor on can also cause eye strain and fatigue. Staring at a screen for extended periods of time can cause eye strain and fatigue, so it’s a good idea to take breaks and look away from the screen every now and then.