Best Way to Use MacBook in Clamshell Mode Without Killing the Battery

[Thurbis]

Hi everyone, how’s it going?

I have a MacBook Air M2 and I want to use it closed (clamshell mode) connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. My goal is to work on battery power only — the place where I’ll be using it has very few outlets, so keeping the Mac plugged in all the time isn’t ideal.

While researching, I came across several comments saying that to use clamshell mode the Mac must be connected to the power adapter. I’m wondering if that’s still true with the newer models, especially the Air M2.

Does anyone here use their MacBook closed without being plugged in? Does it work normally?
Or is there any setting that allows clamshell mode on battery?

Honestly, I’m a bit confused about all of this…
I’ve seen multiple reports saying that when the Mac stays plugged in all day, the battery tends to wear out faster.
People even recommend using AlDente to limit the charge to 80% to prevent that.

Here’s the dilemma:

If I keep it plugged in, I can use the external monitor with the lid closed, but supposedly I might degrade the battery health faster, and I’d need an app to limit the charge.
If I use it on battery, I’d also need an app like Amphetamine to prevent it from going to sleep, and that will naturally consume cycles and reduce the battery’s lifespan.

So I’m kind of stuck in the middle… I haven’t found a solution that really makes me feel confident.

What is the best way to use a MacBook connected to an external display without damaging the battery health or unnecessarily increasing the cycle count?
Keep in mind that my goal is to use the MacBook with the lid closed and not plugged into power, but if that isn’t the best option for battery health and overall longevity, I’m willing to adjust.

Thank you!

 

[MarineBand5524]

Yes it's absolutely still true, you have to use a power cord in order for it to work.

Your Air M2 once it's at 100% isn't charging the battery, Apple has very good battery management to protect your battery when plugged in all day. You don't need Amphetamine you can use what's in settings to stop your laptop from going to sleep.

How many hours a day are you using it connected to a screen?

 

[BigMcGuire]

What's powering the external display? If you only have one outlet, just get a surge protector to add more plugs to the outlet.

Another option - what I've done when limited power is available, I lug around an Anker 737 24,000 mAh battery (there are newer models now) and that keeps my MBP running for a good while as long as I'm not doing something too demanding. Alternatively, use a bigger battery - a C200/C300?

I use AlDente to keep my MacBook charged to 50-60-70% and it's done pretty well for my 2021 16' MBP : - I use it 100% in clamshell mode with an external display (used to travel more for work so a laptop was necessary).

 

[960design]

Hi everyone, how’s it going?

Fantastic! Thanks for asking.

I have a MacBook Air M2 and I want to use it closed (clamshell mode) connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. My goal is to work on battery power only — the place where I’ll be using it has very few outlets, so keeping the Mac plugged in all the time isn’t ideal.

My M4Pro16 has been in clamshell mode since November of 2024. The only time I remove it from the stand is for travel. I keep it plugged into a monitor via USB-C cable and have not turned it off ( or even remember restarting it ) since I purchased it. Apple's power management handles everything. Keyboard and trackpad are plugged into the monitor as well. The monitor is plugged into the wall outlet.

 

[Thurbis]

Yes it's absolutely still true, you have to use a power cord in order for it to work.

Your Air M2 once it's at 100% isn't charging the battery, Apple has very good battery management to protect your battery when plugged in all day. You don't need Amphetamine you can use what's in settings to stop your laptop from going to sleep.

How many hours a day are you using it connected to a screen?

Thank you very much for the answer.
Knowing that Apple’s battery management software is sufficient makes me feel much more at ease, especially because I’d rather not rely on third-party apps.


My usage routine would look something like this:
4:30 AM – 7:00 AM – Using on battery, no external monitor or peripherals.
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Using plugged in, with an external monitor.
4:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Using plugged in, with an external monitor.

 

[Thurbis]

What's powering the external display? If you only have one outlet, just get a surge protector to add more plugs to the outlet.

Another option - what I've done when limited power is available, I lug around an Anker 737 24,000 mAh battery (there are newer models now) and that keeps my MBP running for a good while as long as I'm not doing something too demanding. Alternatively, use a bigger battery - a C200/C300?

I use AlDente to keep my MacBook charged to 50-60-70% and it's done pretty well for my 2021 16' MBP : - I use it 100% in clamshell mode with an external display (used to travel more for work so a laptop was necessary).

View attachment 2584640

Thank you so much for your answer!
It reassures me to know that I can use it plugged in without any issues.

 

[Thurbis]

Fantastic! Thanks for asking.


My M4Pro16 has been in clamshell mode since November of 2024. The only time I remove it from the stand is for travel. I keep it plugged into a monitor via USB-C cable and have not turned it off ( or even remember restarting it ) since I purchased it. Apple's power management handles everything. Keyboard and trackpad are plugged into the monitor as well. The monitor is plugged into the wall outlet.

View attachment 2584767

Wow, what an amazing explanation…
Knowing that Apple’s battery management software is enough really puts my mind at ease.

My usage routine will be something like this:
4:30 AM – 7:00 AM – Using on battery, no external monitor or peripherals.
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Using plugged in, with an external monitor.
4:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Using plugged in, with an external monitor.

I believe the software will be able to handle all of that, right?

Regarding the monitor, your idea really opened my mind and gave me a new perspective.
I’m actually already looking into a new monitor (Dell P2425HE).

I assume I won’t have issues with pixelation or poor image quality just because it’s Full HD, right?
I heard Macs generally perform better with 4K resolution monitors.

 

[MBAir2010]

I assume I won’t have issues with pixelation or poor image quality just because it’s Full HD, right?
I heard Macs generally perform better with 4K resolution monitors.

2k works great as well!

last year, (or 2023) I purchased a Benq 2k monitor that charges my mabcook air M1 while pugged in
and displays a very crips screen.

any display model will work fine just this one was speficlay designed to MacBook m1s, so they claim.

 

[960design]

Wow, what an amazing explanation…

Anytime!

Regarding the monitor, your idea really opened my mind and gave me a new perspective.
I’m actually already looking into a new monitor (Dell P2425HE).

I assume I won’t have issues with pixelation or poor image quality just because it’s Full HD, right?
I heard Macs generally perform better with 4K resolution monitors.

I use an Apple Studio Display (5k), my wife uses two Asus ProArt 27" 4k monitors with no pixelation. They look amazing. We are both running MBP16 M4Pros.