Newshot MacBook screen off. Focus on external monitor.
Blackout turns off your MacBook’s built-in display when you are working on an external monitor. System settings will not show the internal display as a desktop anymore. Unplugging monitors or closing the app will return to normal state again.
One-time payment, no subscriptionmacOS Sequoia and upUnlimited activations on all your Macs
macOS Sequoia and up
Blackout
3 of 3 displays on
- Monitor 1External display
- Monitor 2External display
- Built-in RetinaMacBook Try it out!
One display always stays on.
All three displays are on.
- Monitor 1 Display on
- Monitor 2 Display on
- MacBook Display on
See it in System Settings
Use the switches above to see how your displays appear in macOS. This works perfectly on Apple Silicon Macs (M-series), but on Intel Macs you'll still see the internal display listed on this system preferences page (macOS limitation).
- Individualdisplay switches Switch individual displays on or off from one window.
Individualdisplay switches
Switch individual displays on or off from one window.
- Keep thelid open Use your MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad with its screen dark.
Keep thelid open
Use your MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad with its screen dark.
- Automatic resetto default If something goes wrong, the app will automatically reset the screens to default (all screens are on)
Automatic resetto default
If something goes wrong, the app will automatically reset the screens to default (all screens are on)
- Minimalfootprint Reduce the app to a tiny top menu bar icon, without an icon in the dock
Minimalfootprint
Reduce the app to a tiny top menu bar icon, without an icon in the dock
- Detects monitor disconnects If monitor cable is unplugged, the app will detect this and act accordingly
Detects monitor disconnects
If monitor cable is unplugged, the app will detect this and act accordingly
- TouchID keeps working Unlike other tools, login or authentication via TouchID will work even with the display turned off.
TouchID keeps working
Unlike other tools, login or authentication via TouchID will work even with the display turned off.
Download Blackout
Requires macOS Sequoia or later.
FAQ
Can I download the app from the App Store?
No, as Apple doesn't allow software that uses the Apple hardware API in the App Store, probably to protect normies from breaking their systems. This app is officially signed by Apple with my valid Apple Developer account, so it's safe to use.
What happens when I close the app, restart the Mac, the app crashes, or I unplug the monitor cable?
In all these cases the internal display will be turned on with 80% brightness instantly. Also when macOS updates or other such events happen.
Is this a permanent change?
No, everything is just software-based, so whatever happens, your display will be back online after a macOS restart anyways.
Compatibility
The community is testing many devices, and this table will get updates. All devices should work. Intel machines and base M3 MacBook / M3 MacBook Air have a hardware bug that MIGHT prevent turning off the internal display.
| MacBook model | Year | Turning internal display off | Turning internal display on again | Automatic monitor unplug detection | Turning internal display off after re-login | Touch ID work with display off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel MacBooks | ||||||
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, Intel · Sequoia | 2019 | |||||
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, Intel · Tahoe | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 13-inch, Intel · Sequoia | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, Intel, 2 ports · Sequoia | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, Intel, 4 ports · Sequoia | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, Intel, 4 ports · Tahoe | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Apple silicon MacBooks | ||||||
| MacBook Air 13-inch, M1 | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, M1 | 2020 | |||||
| MacBook Pro 14-inch, M1 Pro / Max | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, M1 Pro / Max | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 13-inch, M2 | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, M2 | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 15-inch, M2 | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch, M2 Pro / Max | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, M2 Pro / Max | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch, M3 / Pro / Max | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, M3 Pro / Max | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 13-inch, M3 | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 15-inch, M3 | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch, M4 / Pro / Max | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, M4 Pro / Max | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 13-inch, M4 | 2025 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 15-inch, M4 | 2025 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch, M5 | 2025 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 13-inch, M5 | 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Air 15-inch, M5 | 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch, M5 Pro / Max | 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch, M5 Pro / Max | 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |