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.
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Joe Currin commented
For anyone wondering. This is not fixed with DisplayLink Manager 1.3.
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Xorbb commented
@Chris - Chris commented · February 15, 2021 4:53 AM · Flag as inappropriate
I received a message that Displaylink Manager 1.3 has been released today. I haven't been able to test it yet, but Alban Rampon, can you confirm that the clamshell mode has been fixed for older Macbooks?I have just downloaded DisplayLink Manager 1.3 and I am on Big Sur 11.2.1 on the New M1 MacBook Pro 13" -- I can confirm that clamshell is still not functioning as intended.........
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Juan V commented
Hi there, any updates on this? It is really uncomfortable to work while having these issues.
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Anonymous commented
Both me and my collaborators have all moved away from DisplayLink after continued issue with clamshell mode and having to use old and outdated software.
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iMars commented
Got the same issue here with the latest driver (DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity 1.3).
In clamshell mode, it unlocks, but after 10 seconds it locks again... -
beagle89 commented
Tried the new software on a intel based Mac - same (maybe worse because now clamshell mode seems to just shut off the display) behavior at least with one Mac. Given development start in early to mid Jan it’s likely some time before any fix gets incorporated - hope I’m wrong on the timeline.
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Chris commented
I received a message that Displaylink Manager 1.3 has been released today. I haven't been able to test it yet, but Alban Rampon, can you confirm that the clamshell mode has been fixed for older Macbooks?
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Florian commented
Same problem! I had a 4h phone call with apple support because I don't understand why my MacBook Air 2019 works with two HP E243 displays on a Lenovo ThinkPad Dock in closed lid mode. And my MacBook Air 2020 (Intel) don't.
After reinstalling BigSur completely it doesn't work again. My least idea was "there are diverent versions of Display Link Driver at my two MacBook Air".So I try to deinstall the buggy "DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity 1.2" and install the "oldDisplayLink USB Graphics Software for macOS 5.2.5".
Works perfect on my MacBook Air 2020 now as it seems.
The buggy driver doesn't deactivate the MacBook Display when it is closed. Maybe this will help?
Please display link team test your driver next time much better. I waste 8h of my life to find a solution. -
N/A commented
Is this ready yet? Is there anything we can do to fix this so we can utilize clamshell mode? Very frustrating stuff
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beagle89 commented
Looks like https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1963276-clamshell-and-rotation-support-on-macos-big-sur-11 is specific to new M1 Macs. Would be great to get this fixed soon on Intel based Macs - the vast majority of users (as much as we may pine for M1 goodness). It makes the dock largely useless in its current state.
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Cshmny26 commented
For me it works perfectly with closed lid mode:
MacBook Pro M1 8/512
Dell D6000
2 external monitors HP and Samsung (mainly used in single mode).
macOS 11.2 (also worked with 11.1)
DisplayLink 1.2.0 (Build 55.125) -
Jake commented
I cannot use Clamshell mode on new M1 MBP 13", the second I close the laptop I lose connection to both of the displays. At the moment I have to leave something in between my laptop so it doesn't shut all the way creating a "simulated" clamshell mode.....
Clearly hundreds of users are affected by this, when can we expect a fix?
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Alex B commented
Brand new Dell dock station that has 3 monitor outputs, old driver allows to use clamshell mode but it is very buggy, several times the monitors just switch off and you need to open/close the lid again (nothing to do with laptop sleeping) and then with new drivers, as soon you close the lid it doesn't display any image.
Cmon guys, we are using displaylink dock stations for hundreds of macs and we keep facing this issue for god know how many months now. Please fix it!
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Xorbb commented
Please provide some kind of update, one of your representatives posts on the forums that this is already fixed and Clamshell mode should be working as intended -- please view here:
I can confirm I am on the latest OS (Big Sur 11.2 -- Feb 3, 2021) using a StarTech Dual DisplayPort 60Hz USB32DP24K60 on my M1 13" MacBook Pro WITH the Original 61W Power Adapter plugged in.
The monitors only display when the laptop is open and NOT in clamshell mode, the second I attempt to enter clamshell mode, I lose BOTH displays.
Please fix this issue........ Its been over a year and this is still having a detrimental affect on 100+ of your customers..
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Seyi A commented
DETAILED SOLUTION THAT WORKED FOR ME( I am on the latest Big Sur Update)
Display link really just needs to do better. However, I followed these steps.
1. I quit the DisplayLink Manager, went to finder --> Applications, and Uninstalled The DisplayLink App there
2. I downloaded this legacy driver: https://www.displaylink.com/downloads/file?id=1636 I did this three times and it did not work all three times, till I followed the instructions here: https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1188004
3. Essentially you have to make sure the extension is loaded. Once the display link download installs , make sure in Security & Privacy, nothing is blocked, then restart. If there are any issues, refer to the last link.Clam Shell mode works just fine for me now.
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Sandra Derian commented
hello i just purchased the USB-C triple display docking station. i am running bigsur latest update.
i was able to go in and allow / authoreise screen recording and still does not work. can you help please. -
Dylan commented
Currently experiencing this issue with MacOS 10.15.17 and displaylink 1.2. Both displays work fine when laptop is open, but when its' closed the screen constantly blacks out.
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Wojciech Żarski commented
I was forced by my company to update osx, and now my Home Office setup sucks.
Could we have some more official statement regarding the problem? Sometimes the workaround is not working and manager is not recognizing displays.I'm using i-tek docking station.
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Jakub Dobes commented
Hello,
well, I have to say it works for me:
MacBook Pro M1
HP universal docking station G2
2 external monitors Fujitsu.
macOS 11.1
DisplayLink 1.2.0 (Build 55.125)I just need to login with the Lid open to mac OS, so the displaylink loads and then I can close the MacBook and put it under the table with no problem.
The only thing I had to do was to change the settings of MacBook (Settings -> Battery -> Power Adapter -> checked "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically, when the display is off". Without that I had a problem with waking up the MacBook.
And no additional software/app installed. -
RM commented
Same here - the fix is taking way too long. Should have researched more before choosing this.
Using workarounds will only take you so far. Amphetamine is not a graceful fallback either - keeps the laptop screen awake.