how to use MBP with lid closed

[MBP_187]

Hi All,

I want to be able to have my MBP running when I close the lid.

I have gone into System Preferences and in the Energy Saver option, I have selected 'never' in Computer sleep.

I am asking because, if I have a download/torrent going on and I close the lid, the download/torrent stops.

The MBP springs back to life once I lift the lid again, but I can see that the torrent was stopped in the time the lid was closed.

I have attached a screen shot of my MBP specs.

Thanks in Advance for the replies.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

The computer always shuts down when you close the lid, unless it's connected to an external display and power. There are kexts available to override this behaviour but it's the sort of thing you'll forget about.

Most apps like that should have a "Prevent sleep" option, just use that and turn off the display? Sometimes simplest solution is the best.

 

[MBP_187]

The computer always shuts down when you close the lid, unless it's connected to an external display and power. There are kexts available to override this behaviour but it's the sort of thing you'll forget about.

Most apps like that should have a "Prevent sleep" option, just use that and turn off the display? Sometimes simplest solution is the best.

Thank you for your reply New_Mac_Smell.

I usually have the MBP connected to the power when I close down the lid.

I'm using 'Deluge' for my torrenting, and wanted to know if there was any way to keep torrenting with lid closed. I cannot seem to find a 'prevent sleep' option, I will search more.


Thanks Again.

 

[bruinsrme]

The computer always shuts down when you close the lid, unless it's connected to an external display and power. There are kexts available to override this behaviour but it's the sort of thing you'll forget about.

Most apps like that should have a "Prevent sleep" option, just use that and turn off the display? Sometimes simplest solution is the best.

This is key. My work machine is an HP and will run an external display on battery with the lid shut.
The other day I learned my MBP behaves differently.

 

[Heruhur]

use "amphetamine" to prevent you mac from sleeping
downloadable in the app store.
it will prevent your mac from sleeping when the display is off, not sure if it'll allow the same with the lid closed.

 

[Ethosik]

This is key. My work machine is an HP and will run an external display on battery with the lid shut.
The other day I learned my MBP behaves differently.

Doesn't it also require a keyboard and/or mouse too? I remember connecting my MacBook Pro to power and monitor but it still went to sleep until I plugged in my keyboard and mouse.

 

[bruinsrme]

Doesn't it also require a keyboard and/or mouse too? I remember connecting my MacBook Pro to power and monitor but it still went to sleep until I plugged in my keyboard and mouse.

Good Question.
I had the OWC thunderbolt dock. It was great when it worked but too many times I had connectivity issues, lock ups and so on.
I have been thinking about simply getting a new 2017 mbp and hub for the convenience factor.

 

[_Kiki_]

not recommended because main exhaust is below the screen, you can overheat the machine

 

[MBP_187]

not recommended because main exhaust is below the screen, you can overheat the machine

But then how does it work when using external display? will there be no risk of over heating then?

 

[_Kiki_]

But then how does it work when using external display? will there be no risk of over heating then?

you don't need close the lid to use external screen

 

[Weaselboy]

But then how does it work when using external display? will there be no risk of over heating then?

It will be fine. Your MBP is designed for use while in clamshell mode and it will not overheat or hurt anything. I have been running various MacBooks in clamshell mode for years and never had a problem.

 

[snaky69]

You could also simply setup a hot corner or gesture to turn the screen off.

 

[MBP_187]

It will be fine. Your MBP is designed for use while in clamshell mode and it will not overheat or hurt anything. I have been running various MacBooks in clamshell mode for years and never had a problem.

Thank you Weaselboy for your reply.

I find my MacBook Pro to 'turn on' as soon as I lift the lid, but if I close the lid, I think it goes to sleep; since the torrents seem to be stopped.

I have set 'never goto sleep' in the System preferences.

I am mainly asking so that I can continue my torrents/download with the lid closed; which I cannot do now.
[doublepost=1504021619][/doublepost]

You could also simply setup a hot corner or gesture to turn the screen off.

Thank you snaky69 for the reply.

I want to be able to close the lid and have it functioning, I would like to keep the lid closed when I move away from my MBP.

 

[Weaselboy]

I am mainly asking so that I can continue my torrents/download with the lid closed; which I cannot do now.

http://semaja2.net/ye-ol-projects/insomniaxinfo/

There are third party apps you can use to prevent sleep with the lid closed. I have not used it myself, but it looks like InsomniaX would do what you want.

 

[HippyRabbitFish]

Closed Clamshell-mode requires external keyboard & mouse/trackpad and external display, but should enable functioning in that manner. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201834

I haven't tested with Caffeine/Amphetamine/InsomniaX, but if InsomniaX, alone doesn't do the trick, the combination will probably work. I've seen that there may be issues in Sierra, but nothing about issues on Yosemite.

Let us know how it works/doesn't work. I'm sure you are not the last person to want this particular functionality!

 

[MBP_187]

I am happy to report using InsomniaX has solved the problem. I'm running Yosemite.

Thank you All for your suggestions.