What To Know
- You can now close the lid of your Macbook Air and it will continue to run, with the external display showing your desktop and applications.
- For a more minimal setup, you can use a keyboard to keep your Macbook Air running with the lid closed.
- This app provides a wide range of options for customizing sleep settings and wake-on-LAN, and it can even be used to prevent your Macbook Air from going to sleep while it’s connected to a specific network.
You’ve got a Macbook Air, and you love its portability. But what if you could take that portability to the next level? What if you could use your Macbook Air as a desktop computer, with the lid closed, while still enjoying the power of its internal components? This guide will tell you exactly how to keep your Macbook Air running with the lid closed, unlocking a world of possibilities.
Understanding the Lid-Closed Challenge
Macbooks are designed to go to sleep when you close the lid. This is a power-saving feature, but it can be inconvenient if you want to use your Macbook Air as a desktop computer. Thankfully, there are ways to override this default behavior and keep your Macbook Air running even with the lid closed.
The Power of External Displays
The most common and reliable way to keep your Macbook Air running with the lid closed is by connecting it to an external display. This tells the operating system that you’re still actively using the device, even though the lid is closed. Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect an external monitor: Connect your Macbook Air to an external display using an HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt cable.
2. Set the display preferences: Once connected, go to **System Preferences > Displays** and ensure that your external monitor is selected as the main display.
3. Close the lid: You can now close the lid of your Macbook Air and it will continue to run, with the external display showing your desktop and applications.
Beyond Displays: Using the Terminal
If you’re a bit more technically inclined, you can use the Terminal to override the lid-closed sleep behavior. This method requires a bit more knowledge but offers greater flexibility.
1. Open Terminal: Launch Terminal by navigating to **Applications > Utilities > Terminal**.
2. Enter the command: Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sudo pmset -a lidwake 1
“`
3. Enter your password: You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password.
4. Close the lid: Once the command is executed successfully, you can close the lid and your Macbook Air will continue to run.
Important Note: This method will prevent your Macbook Air from going to sleep when the lid is closed, but it won’t prevent it from sleeping when you manually put it to sleep.
The Keyboard-Focused Solution
For a more minimal setup, you can use a keyboard to keep your Macbook Air running with the lid closed. This method relies on the fact that the Macbook Air will stay awake as long as a keyboard is connected and being used.
1. Connect a keyboard: Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to your Macbook Air.
2. Close the lid: You can now close the lid and your Macbook Air will stay awake as long as you’re using the keyboard.
3. Use the keyboard: You can use the keyboard to control your Macbook Air, even with the lid closed.
Keep in mind: This method might not work for all Macbook Air models, and it might require some experimentation to find the right keyboard and configuration.
The Power of Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for more control and flexibility, several third-party apps can help you manage your Macbook Air‘s lid-closed behavior. These apps offer features like:
- Customizing sleep settings: You can set specific timeouts for when your Macbook Air should go to sleep, even with the lid closed.
- Wake-on-LAN: You can wake up your Macbook Air remotely by sending a network packet.
- Automatic shutdown: You can set your Macbook Air to automatically shut down after a certain period of inactivity.
Some popular third-party apps include:
- Caffeine: This app keeps your Macbook Air awake indefinitely, even with the lid closed.
- InsomniaX: This app offers more control over sleep settings and wake-on-LAN capabilities.
- Amphetamine: This app provides a wide range of options for customizing sleep settings and wake-on-LAN, and it can even be used to prevent your Macbook Air from going to sleep while it’s connected to a specific network.
Optimizing for Lid-Closed Usage
While using your Macbook Air with the lid closed offers great flexibility, it’s important to be mindful of how this affects your device’s performance and battery life. Here are some tips to optimize for lid-closed usage:
- Use an external monitor with a high refresh rate: This will provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
- Close unnecessary applications: This will free up resources and reduce battery drain.
- Adjust your power settings: Go to **System Preferences > Energy Saver** and adjust the power settings to suit your needs.
- Use a cooling pad: This will help keep your Macbook Air cool and prevent overheating, especially if you’re using it for extended periods.
The Future of Lid-Closed Macbook Usage
As technology evolves, we can expect to see even more options and features for using Macbook Airs with the lid closed. The integration of new technologies like Thunderbolt 4 and improved power management will likely make this a more seamless and efficient experience.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Options
For those seeking more advanced options, there are some additional considerations:
- Using a USB-C hub: A USB-C hub can offer multiple ports for connecting external peripherals, including monitors, keyboards, and mice.
- Setting up a virtual machine: You can use a virtual machine to run a different operating system on your Macbook Air, even with the lid closed.
- Using a remote desktop application: You can access your Macbook Air remotely from another device using a remote desktop application.
The Final Word: A World of Possibilities
Using your Macbook Air with the lid closed opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re creating a desktop-like experience, running a server, or simply enjoying the convenience of a portable powerhouse, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to make it happen.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Will using my Macbook Air with the lid closed damage it?
A: Using your Macbook Air with the lid closed is generally safe, but it’s important to be mindful of overheating. Make sure to use a cooling pad or an adequately ventilated environment to prevent your device from overheating.
Q: Can I use my Macbook Air‘s built-in speakers with the lid closed?
A: While you can technically use the built-in speakers, the sound quality might be muffled or distorted due to the lid being closed. It’s generally recommended to use external speakers for a better audio experience.
Q: What happens to my Macbook Air‘s battery life when the lid is closed?
A: Your Macbook Air’s battery life will be affected by how you’re using it with the lid closed. If you’re running resource-intensive applications, the battery will drain faster. It’s a good practice to connect your Macbook Air to a power source when using it with the lid closed for extended periods.
Q: Can I use my Macbook Air‘s trackpad with the lid closed?
A: No, the trackpad will not work with the lid closed. You’ll need to use an external mouse or keyboard to control your Macbook Air.
Q: Is it possible to use my Macbook Air‘s camera with the lid closed?
A: It’s not possible to use the built-in camera with the lid closed. You’ll need to open the lid or use an external webcam.
