macOS App: Clamshell / Lid Closed Mode
The macOS App driver does not allow me to operate on external monitors with the laptop closed. I had to uninstall the driver and reinstall the one from November to be able to work in clamshell mode. This is glitchy in the old driver, often freezing my computer. I was hoping to see this stabilize so I wouldn't have to restart so often (almost every time I disconnect my laptop from the docking station).

macOS 12 Monterey is now released and addresses the clamshell / lid closed use case on Intel macbook computers.
-
Mauricio Oliveira commented
Installing legacy did not fix clamshell mode for me either
-
Mauricio Oliveira commented
I am having the same issue. Can't close the lid at all. I am running Catalina 10.15.7.
I have tried to install the old package but the problem persists... -
VF commented
I have the same issue with clamshell dual displays turn off every ~15 seconds or so. OS X 11.1 DisplayLink 1.2 build 55.125. There should be a newer update than Aug 20th https://support.displaylink.com/users/105572232-alban-rampon should respond with an update
-
Anonymous commented
Installing legacy did not fix clamshell mode for me
-
KM commented
I tried solution posted by "Anonymous" on Dec 9th, 2020 8:20 PM and it WORKED!!!
* removing DisplayLink Manager and installing the Legacy driver: https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1932214-displaylink-manager-app-for-macos-introduction-in#revert
-
[Deleted User] commented
I'm experiencing this issue as well.
When I close my Macbook Air, my two monitors work as expected for about 10 seconds, but then turn off. When I press a key on my Bluetooth keyboard or my Bluetooth mouse, my two monitors again work as expected for about 10 seconds, but then turn off.
The solutions proposed below do not work, don't waste your time. My temporary solution has been to just leave my laptop open.
I ALWAYS experience issues whenever there is a Mac OS update. The ongoing software support for these docks has been horrible, hopefully something will change.
-
Paul Strasma commented
Experiencing this issue with 2015 MacBook Pro; temporary workaround is to use HDMI headless adapter (https://smile.amazon.com/CompuLab-fit-Headless-Display-Emulator/dp/B00FLZXGJ6)
-
Tech GUy commented
I am tired of paying $200 for a dock that the clamshell mode doesn't work and DisplayLink doesn't care to fix.
-
Peter K commented
Temporary Solution
1. Connect External Mouse and Keyboard
2. Open display link manager
3. Close the lid
4. Plug in-display link adapter
5. Plug-in power adapter
6. Press the space bar on the keyboard and then monitors should work
This temporary solution works for me for now. It's not the best solution but it sorta works sometimes. But we definitely do need a full fix for this issue.
-
Julie commented
Any solution to this issue? I need to be able to work with the laptop closed (Macbook Air) -- it was working under Catalina and now under Big Sur, when closed, everything goes off and then comes up for a few seconds and off again as many on there have stated. We need a fix!
-
SK commented
I see this issue with Catalina (10.15.7) as well with the latest DisplayLink Manger (1.2 Build 55.125) . Need a fix urgently
-
Ayhan commented
603 / 5000
Übersetzungsergebnisse
I have just installed big sur 11.1 (DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity - Release: 1.2) on my Macbook Pro and can absolutely confirm that I am experiencing the problem. Open the laptop lid and external monitors. Everything works as intended. Close the laptop lid, the monitors go black ... come on and when I press the mouse or keyboard the signal comes back for about 15 seconds. The whole thing repeats and is not pleasant because it loses connection with the docking station. I use a docking station from Targus Dock190. -
VK commented
@Alex, I cannot follow what you said for the work around fix, can you please write it in steps, so everyone can try until a final fix is provided. Many thanks.
-
Alex commented
I having the same issue with Big Sur, and I find a trick to avoid this. I plugged on one of my external monitors the DisplayPort cable and the HDMI cable and on the other just the display port cable. I can now let the lid closed. Hope this helps.
-
Anonymous commented
SOLUTION! (for now I hope):
1: Uninstall the DisplayLink Manager
2: Instal the Legacy driver (Older Version), it supports clamshell-mode-> https://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?id=1636
-
David Stone commented
Same issue here - 2 external monitors connected with display link hub. New MBP 13" with the M1 Chip. No problem with lid open. As soon as I clamshell it, monitors go dark and look for signal. Nothing... Please advise on timing of the fix.
-
Steve commented
Just installed big sur (released version) on my Macbook Pro and can absolutely confirm the issue is happening to me. Open laptop lid and external monitors, everything works as you'd intend. Close the laptop lid, monitors black out.... come back and force a login, which does work for about 10 seconds, then repeats on an endless loop!
-
Zach commented
Anyone still having this issue? Running the newest version of MacOS and driver and my screen keeps shutting off when the clamshell is closed.
-
Rana commented
Very much in need for this. Please provide update
-
Andrew commented
Really would like an update on this. I'll probably be switching to a non-DisplayLink dock if I don't hear anything since it has been awhile since any update. Is it just not feasible?