How to Use a MacBook with a Broken Screen

A broken MacBook screen can feel like a disaster, especially if you rely on your laptop for work, school, or entertainment. 

But fear not! Before you rush out and buy a new one, there are still ways to use your MacBook even with a broken screen.

In this guide, we will show you several ways to use your MacBook with a broken screen so that you can access your data and even use it till you buy a new one.

How to Use a MacBook with a Broken Screen

It’s always advisable to consult with a technician to know how much it will cost to replace the display of your Mac, but if you don’t want to spend now, follow the methods below.

• Turn on the Clamshell Mode: Connect Your MacBook to an External Monitor

Required Equipment:

• External monitor or TV
• MacBook power adapter
• External keyboard and mouse (USB or Bluetooth)
• USB-C to HDMI adapter (if your monitor doesn’t have a USB-C port)
• HDMI cable

Steps to Use Your MacBook with a Broken Screen:

• Connect the external monitor:
  1. Plug the USB-C end of the adapter (or HDMI cable if your monitor has a USB-C port) into your MacBook’s USB-C port.
  2. Connect the other end of the adapter (or HDMI cable) to your monitor’s HDMI port.

• Connect the keyboard and mouse:

• If using wired USB devices, ensure you have a USB-C to USB adapter.
• Connect the keyboard and mouse to your MacBook or the adapter.
• Alternatively, connect Bluetooth keyboard and mouse by:
  1. Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth.
  2. Enable Bluetooth.
  3. Put your devices into pairing mode and connect them to your Mac.
• Connect the power adapter:
• Plug the power adapter into your MacBook.
• Clamshell Mode: 

Once powered, and you connect your keyboard and mouse, you can close the MacBook. With the MacBook closed, the monitor will act as the display. Everything that was on the MacBook will now be displayed on the monitor.

• Safety Measures: 

Be aware of the MacBook’s temperature. If it gets warm, take a break and let it cool down to avoid any damage. Most Macs have auto-cutoff power, which cuts the power when the battery is full and continues to charge when it’s at a certain percentage, normally around 80%.

Furthermore, Clamshell Mode won’t damage your MacBook due to the auto shutoff power feature that protects the battery. So, no worries.

However, this method is applicable for MacBooks that came out in 2015 or newer, the ones that have USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports.

This is the most efficient way to use a MacBook with a broken screen.

But, if you are not able to turn on the Clamshell Mode or the external monitor is not turning on, in this case, try to reset the NVRAM and PRAM settings.

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and PRAM (Parameter RAM) store certain settings on your Mac. 

Resetting can often resolve display issues. 

To do this, restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Option, Command, P, and R keys during startup. Release the keys after about 20 seconds. 

This should reset the NVRAM and PRAM, which might help with your display issue.

However, if you are still facing any issues, you better visit an authorized technician.

They might then disconnect your display and connect your Macbook to an External monitor to retrieve your data.

But, if you are skilled enough to disconnect your display you can do it at your home.

• Make Your MacBook a Headless Desktop

Step 1: Prepare for Conversion:

• Clean the MacBook:
  1. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, especially in used devices. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the internals.
  2. Pay attention to the fans, as they may be clogged with dust.
• Check for internal issues:
  1. Inspect standoff screws: Ensure that all standoff screws are securely attached to the logic board. If any are loose or missing, address them.
  2. Address any other internal issues you encounter.

Step 2: Remove the Display:

• Unscrew the display:
  1. Locate the screws holding the display in place. Typically, there are three screws on each side.
  2. Unscrew two of the three screws on either side to release the display.
• Disconnect the display:
  1. Carefully disconnect the display cable from the logic board.
  2. Remove the antenna connection (if applicable). Note that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas are housed in the display assembly.
  3. Peel back any rubber fan housing to access the connectors.
• Remove the display:
  1. Open the display about 90 degrees.
  2. Stand the MacBook up, leaving the display screws installed (this makes it easier to remove the display).
  3. Remove any tiny brackets holding the display hinge in place.
  4. Lift off the display entirely.

Step 3: Set Up the Headless MacBook:

• With the display removed, put the bottom cover back on.
• Now you have a headless MacBook ready for use.

Step 4: Connect to an External Display:

• Use an HDMI cable to connect the headless MacBook to an external monitor.
• Boot up the MacBook:
  1. It should start normally, and you’ll see the macOS interface on the external display.
  2. You can use it as a desktop computer.

Well, that’s it. This is how you can transform your MacBook into a headless desktop.

But before you perform this method at home, watch this video for safety:

Is there any other method that you can use? Yes, but those need your Mac display to be a bit functional…

Additional Methods for Using a Broken MacBook Screen

While Clamshell Mode with an external monitor is the most efficient solution, here are two alternative methods that might be helpful depending on your circumstances:

1. Screen Mirroring with AirPlay: 

If your MacBook screen is partially functional and you have an Apple TV or an AirPlay-enabled smart TV, you can utilize AirPlay to mirror your MacBook’s display wirelessly onto the larger screen. 

This allows you to see and interact with your MacBook even with a broken display.

Here’s how to use AirPlay:

1. Ensure your MacBook and your AirPlay receiver (Apple TV or smart TV) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the application or document you want to view on the larger screen.
3. Click the AirPlay icon located in the menu bar (usually found on the top right corner of your screen). This icon resembles a rectangle with an upward-pointing triangle.
4. Select your AirPlay receiver from the list of available devices.
5. Your MacBook screen should now be mirrored onto your AirPlay receiver.

Note:  It’s important to remember that AirPlay mirroring requires at least some functionality on your MacBook’s built-in display.  You’ll need to be able to navigate the menus and initiate the AirPlay connection.

b. Remote Desktop Access: 

If your MacBook screen is completely unusable and you have another computer available, you can access your MacBook remotely using a service like Apple’s built-in Screen Sharing or third-party software like TeamViewer. 

This allows you to control your MacBook from another device and access your files and applications.

Here’s a How You Can Use Screen Sharing Method:

1. Make sure both your MacBook and the other computer are connected to the same network.
2. On the other computer, open the Screen Sharing application (located in Applications > Utilities).
3. Enter your MacBook’s name or network address in the search bar.
4. You might be prompted to enter your MacBook’s username and password for authentication.
5. Once connected, you’ll see your MacBook’s screen displayed on the other computer, allowing you to control it remotely.

Note: Using remote desktop access requires an internet connection for both computers and some initial setup on your MacBook before the screen breaks.

Well, that is how you can use your MacBook even with a broken display. But it is always 

Final Words

While a broken screen can be frustrating, there is always a way to deal with this! In this guide, we have provided you with practical options to keep using your MacBook until it gets repaired or replaced. 

Remember, the most efficient method is likely using Clamshell Mode with an external monitor. 

However, if you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek help from an authorized technician. With a little resourcefulness, you can extend the life of your MacBook even with a broken screen.