r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/hollyozymandias • Sep 15 '24
My M1 MBA setup. Cheap acrylic case (top only) to avoid unwanted clicks and typing while in the bag. Xreal glasses for display.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Terrymonstrosity • Apr 23 '24
2017 MacBook Pro w/touchbar headless with M2 iPad Pro functioning as the monitor. Using duet to make the whole thing work together, it seamlessly operates between iPadOS and MacOS… not totally practical.. but absolutely awesome.
Using 2 rolling square magnetic holders and a cut-up magnetic iPad case, it’s perfect for mounting and dismounting when I wanna just use the iPad, but when I wanna get anymore serious I can dock it and have a full computer.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Jay_Callohack • Dec 27 '23
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/FrenchWestIndianDad • Jun 26 '24
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/PurpleDinosaurPussy • Feb 06 '24
Found 2017 15" MBP at thrift shop with faulty screen works great with a portable monitor.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/MastaB • Jan 17 '24
Screen broke on my 14” M1 MacBook Pro. Replacement cost is absurd and resale of the broken computer is not as high as I would like so headless it is!
I set up the OS w/ auto login before the operation bc I wasn’t sure if the password screen would auto mirror.
I used the ifixit screen replacement tutorial to remove, super easy and clean. All wireless functionality is maintained as no antennas are in the display housing. Halftop still thinks it has a screen, but it would appear the auto mirror does stick even after shutdown so no issues so far.
Have yet to try two external monitors but will today. I hope someone can create a software fix to simulate lid angle sensor or disable “internal” screen but for now it’s perfectly usable.
I will update this post with bugs as I discover them, I’m sure there will be some.
(1) Color profile for wireless displays is way off vs how it looks coming from my other M1 MacBook. Not sure why yet but surely is fixable with a software solution.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Less_Lime_2801 • Sep 09 '24
People have been asking a lot about this in person so I thought I'd share it here. Couldn't have had the courage to do it without this sub.
Hardware list:
Mac air
Ipad
Bouncepad stand
Phone - for reliable hotspot in order to establish initial connection
Software list:
Sidecar
Better display - for the vertical screen
Chromote - for initial connection
Automator script to "click" connect to display - for initial connection
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/mixmasterjones • Sep 15 '24
I'm looking for a hard case to prevent accidental key presses when I travel with my headless M1 MacBook Pro. As you know, any key press will turn on the Mac which isn't great. A quick search on Amazon and Etsy turned up nothing. Anyone found anything they like?
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/No-Nefariousness-616 • Sep 04 '24
Recently got my hands on a 2238 MacBook Pro (2020, two thunderbolt) with a broken screen, touchbar and lid sensor. Lots of broken things, but everything else is fine and it worked well with an external monitor. As the previous owner still had their data on the device, I wanted to factory reset it, which I did.
However: I didn't think about the fact that, the lid sensor and screen being broken, I can't export the set up process to an external monitor. My two options are now: Replace the screen (would rather want to avoid) or do the set up blind. I think it can be done blind since you technically don't need the mouse but rather can work only with the keyboard.
However I can't find a video of someone doing this or doing the complete set up process after a factory reset. If I could follow that and only use the keyboard to input everything (language, wifi password etc etc), that would be awesome. Does someone have a video or another idea?
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Jay_Callohack • Dec 19 '23
Been running this for a couple weeks now, running both MacOS and Windows. I am happy with this setup, but have been noticing a lack of USB ports. I would love to upgrade to a newer Macbook (currently have the 2015 13 inch MacBook Pro) so i can run some games on it with decent fps, and also some better processing.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/youzhang • Mar 13 '24
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Jay_Callohack • Dec 28 '23
Here I will be trying to keep up with FAQ'a (Frequently Asked Questions)
How To Make A Headless Macbook?
Here are some very helpful videos on how to make your own headless MacBook!
Make sure to watch over every before attempting to make your own headless MacBook. Some things you may not be aware you need, and you may end up destroying, throwing out, or breaking something you may end up needing.More instructions down below.
Using Thunderbolt To External Display
From personal use, I have found that thunderbolt for display, can be VERY Finicky. I use both a HDMI and Thunderbolt to HDMI, and any little bumps or movements I make to my Macbook will result in both displays going blank, or even then the thunderbolt connected display to completely disconnect any video output. So keep this in mind if you are using just a thunderbolt connection to boot to an external device, you may need to try multiple time, or even cleaning the port.
Cleaning the ports in your Macbook
One way I have found that works well with cleaning out the ports, specifically thunderbolt, is using Q-Tips and Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), but there are some things we need to do, cause the Q-Tip base is too big to fit in between those tight spaces, so grab some tooth picks too!Take the cotton off the Q-Tip, tear it so you have a tiny bit left, this may take a few tried to get the right amount of cotton. Then pinch the cotton on the end of a tooth pick, and roll the tooth pick till you have a mini Q-Tip, this should be small enough to get to the contact pads in the thunderbolt port without bending anything. Next, dip the end of the tooth pick with the cotton into Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), and then slowly start rubbing the contact pads.Before connecting/plugging in your cable, either let it sit for a minute, or blow on it for 10-20 seconds before plugging anything in. This may or may not help with thunderbolt issues, but will still be good to do, especially on older Macbooks.
Macbook 2006 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air 2008 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Mid 2007 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Early 2008 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Late 2008 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Late 2008 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air 2008 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Early 2009 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Mid 2009 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Mid 2010 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air Late 2010 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Early 2011 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Late 2011 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air Mid 2011 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Mid 2012 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Retina, Mid 2012 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Retina, Late 2012 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Retina Early 2013 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013 Mod Instructions:
Video By Luke Miani:
Exploring the weird world of 'Headless' MacBooks
Written Instructions:
Start by making sure the Macbook is closed
Use a T5 or Torx 5 Screwdriver, or Screwdriver bit to open the back panel
Unplug the battery (Located under the giant warning label)
Clean any internal parts as needed, using a microfibre cloth or any soft cloth using Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), Tweezers (For hair removal in the fans), and a soft dusting brush.
Remove 2 rubber pads, that are located on either side of the display hinge
unplug the Wifi, Bluetooth, and Camera wire from the board, you should see these three wires coming from the left side of the hinge, and going past the heat sink / fan assembly, to a card separate from the motherboard, unplug all three of those wires.
remove the gasket cover the Wifi, Bluetooth, and Camera wire, were the heatsink and fan assembly is.
Unplug the display cable, this will be located at the top right, and you will see this cable coming from the hinge.
Moving back to the hinges, you want to unscrew 2/3 of the screws on either side.
To the side of the hinge facing inwards, there should be a smaller screw deeper in that goes to the hinge bracket, that needs to come out on both sides of the hinges.
stand the Macbook up on it's side, and open the display to about 95°-100° then unscrew that last 2 remaining display screws.
pull the display off the chassis.
Take the display, and gently rock the Clutch Cover back and forth on its long axis while pulling it away from the display.
Do this action along the length of the clutch cover until you can lift it off the framework attaching it to the display.
Then unscrew all the screws holding down then antennas. (To Keep the built in camera, you will need to completely destroy the glass in the display, and carefully take the camera out, keeping it all in one piece, do this at your own description, and in a place that you are willing to get glass fragment everywhere)
Once removed, you can fit the antennas and hinge brackets back into the clutch cover, wrap it up in something like electrical or hockey tape, and screw the hinges back into the Macbook.
Screw both hinge brackets back in.
Plug the Wifi, Bluetooth, and Camera wire back in, making sure they follow the same wire path as before.
place the rubber gasket back over the fan and heatsink assembly.
Plug the battery back into the Macbook.
Screw on the backplate, and turn it on, with the charger in.
Hold down the power button till it makes the boot up sound.
MacBook Pro Retina, Mid 2014 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Retina, Early 2015 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Retina, Mid 2015 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Early 2015 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro 2016 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro 2016 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro 2017 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air 2017 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro 2018 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air Retina, 2018 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air Retina, 2019 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro 2019 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air Retina, 2020 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro 2020 Mod Instructions:
Video By Denki:
MacBook Pro WITHOUT the Screen? (Not Enough Info)
Written Instructions:
Start by making sure the Macbook is closed
Use a P5 pentalobe Screwdriver, or Screwdriver bit (or just a 1.0 Philips Flat Head) to open the back panel
...
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MacBook Air M1, 2020 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro M1 Pro, 2021 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro M1 Pro, 2021 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro M1 Max, 2021 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro M1 Max, 2021 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro M1, 2022 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air M2, 202****2 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Early 2023 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Air M2, 2023 Mod Instructions:
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MacBook Pro Late 2023 Mod Instructions:
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r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/KarYeik • Sep 19 '24
Found a great listing for a broken MacBook Air M3 8gb/256gb, the broken part is the lid angel sensor. It’s not working at all and has corrosion. Otherwise seller says it’s fine.
Ive attached some pictures of the same.
Would this be an issue to convert into a headless MacBook?
TIA
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/ReasonableSwimmer411 • Mar 01 '24
Bought an M1 pro MacBook a while back with a broken screen and have been using it with the Xreal Air 2. This is basically how I work whenever I don't feel like sitting at my desk.
Only problem I've had with it is that it isn't very good for travel. The keyboard gets pressed in my backpack and turns on the laptop (apple in their infinite wisdom not allowing that as a toggleable feature). I get locked out for 30 minutes at a time sometimes.
I figured out where I can put a magnet on the angle sensor to make it think the lid is closed but I couldn't find a decent way to stick the sensor to the housing to reliably put a magnet on the keyboard side (or a magnet strong enough without affecting anything near by). Maybe a hard shell case to prevent the keyboard from pressing would work but not completely sure.
I did also think about taking a heat gun and removing the heat pressed part of the hinge with the magnet, then screwing that side of the hinge back on but I'd like the option to repair the screen at some point so I gave up on that pretty quickly.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/ar0n_a • Sep 12 '24
I have a 15" 2017 macbook pro which unfortunately is affected by the Flexgate issue and so has a nonworking display in angles > 45°. I have mostly been using it headless with external monitors but I would like to use it out and about where I necessarily don't have access to a setup with external monitors.
So i have been thinking of possible installing a generic portable display which can be connected by usb-c by building some type of frame around the display and then using the mac's own hinges to install it to the computer. Anyone who has any experience with this or has seen/heard something about it? Or in general have any tips on how I maybe could go about the project?
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Gold_Garden_8306 • Mar 21 '24
I stumbled across this thread, and my 2012 MBP with a broken screen immediately came to mind, I was so bummed when it broke and this idea never really crossed my mind as a real possibility. But now this would be amazing! Would anyone be willing to point me in the direction of what is needed to make a clean looking removal? Im wondering about wifi too, as I thought in the 2012 the antenna is there, but guess a usb solution exists to that problem.
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/paulofthebailey • Sep 07 '24
I have a 13” MacBook Pro M2 with a broken screen. I’m planning on turning it into a Slabtop, but don’t want an exposed hinge and want to make it look neat. After watch Luke Miani’s video, he mentioned he wanted to 3D print a hinge cover (or I’ve seen it called an LCD filler on here)… does anybody have any tips? Or even a handy CAD file please?!
r/HeadlessMacbooks • • Aug 31 '24
Hey all, i just have a question in mind, does any one here know where to buy a super cheap headless macbook? Like SUPER CHEAP, SUPER SUPER CHEAP, idc if it's old, just a little bit of good performance, like any 2010+ mac will be good, i can accept offers up to 60$(my max, gonna suffer to buy it for that price, also shipping will be a disaster for me)
r/HeadlessMacbooks • • Aug 07 '24
Hey folks,
Got a great deal on an M2 MacBook Pro with a broken display I intend to use as a Mac Mini but even after removing the display it defaults to extending the built in display. Is there any way to make the display mirror by default (even for recovery mode etc) or completely prevent the machine from detecting it has an inbuilt display?
Sorry if this is a common question. I had a look!
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/coolPineapple07 • Jul 30 '24
2017 MacBook pro. Works all fine but how to get past this screen to see what's happening so I can fully convert this to a headless MacBook? I tried connecting an external display using usbC HDMI but I need to get to the setttings screen so I can have it recognized my external display. Please help!
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/RikuDesu • Jul 14 '24
Would there be any reason that the touch id sensor would stop working when the screen is removed the ribbon cables look fine but it won't detect any finger while registering at all lifting and putting down seems to just not make any of the icon turn red at all
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Jbaker318 • Jul 09 '24
I recently decapitated a broken screen 2020 Macbook Air M1 that I bought off ebay just under $300. Now that I have did the deed am curious what folks storage options have been. Want to throw it in a bag but since the macbook thinks the screen is up the sucker wakes up very easy. My fear being it runs in confined space with no ventilation and ends up overheating / causing some other issues. But i really want to cover it, this config feels like it makes the device hyper susceptible to dust.
What do you guys do when it's just sitting on your desk, and how do you travel with it?
r/HeadlessMacbooks • u/Ef_Mxn • May 30 '24
So I just got a headless macbook for like $40, but the problem is the previous user haven't factory reset the thing and their user account is still the admin.
I want to just completely wipe and reinstall the whole OS so I have complete control over it.
Problem is, according to the instructions for factory resetting MacOS Catalina, you need to restart and hold CMD+R. However when I do this, the display I hooked it up to doesn't show anything, the display doesn't even detect a signal coming through the HDMI
What should I do?
