How to Keep Music Playing When a MacBook Is Closed
Apple MacBooks are designed to save energy when they are not in use. As a result, each time you close the lid, the MacBook will go into sleep mode. If you want to close the lid and still play music in the background while you are working or conducting a business meeting, you will need to keep the MacBook from going into sleep mode. The only way to do this is to connect an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to the MacBook while it is powered by an AC adapter.
External Monitor
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1.
Turn on the MacBook and connect it a power outlet using its power adapter.
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2.
Connect an external monitor to the MacBook. Ensure that you have the proper cables and adapters, which will depend on the model of the MacBook and the monitor. Alternatively you can connect the MacBook to a TV if you have the proper adapter cable.
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3.
Connect a USB mouse and keyboard to the USB ports on the MacBook if you have them and skip to Step 7.
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4.
Ensure Bluetooth is activated on the MacBook if you are using a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard. Select "System Preferences" from the Apple menu at the top of the screen. Click the "Bluetooth" icon and then click both the "On" and "Discoverable" check boxes.
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5.
Connect a Bluetooth keyboard by clicking the "Keyboard" icon in System Preferences and then selecting "Set Up Bluetooth Keyboard." This launches the Bluetooth Setup Assistant, which will guide you through the steps.
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6.
Connect a Bluetooth mouse by clicking the "Mouse" icon in System Preferences and then clicking "Set Up Bluetooth Mouse."
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7.
Connect a pair of external speakers or headphones to the "Audio Out" port if you have them. Although these are not necessary to keep the MacBook out of sleep mode, playback playback may be muffled when you close the screen.
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8.
Launch iTunes or another music player, click the "Play" button and close the MacBook. The MacBook will stay out of sleep mode and the music will continue to play as long as the AC adapter, external monitor, mouse and keyboard are connected.
References
Tips
- If you don't have an external monitor, mouse and keyboard, you can keep the MacBook open and simply make the screen black. Press the "Shift," "Control" and "Eject" keys simultaneously to turn the screen black. Press the "Esc" key to turn the screen on again.
Writer Bio
A published author and professional speaker, David Weedmark has advised businesses and governments on technology, media and marketing for more than 20 years. He has taught computer science at Algonquin College, has started three successful businesses, and has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines throughout Canada and the United States.