Turning Displays Off Disconnect or blank a display and understand automatic built-in display disconnection. Explore subtopics Separate articles that explore this topic in more detail. Why does my built-in display turn off again after a Shortcut reconnects it?Check whether Disconnect built-in display when an external display is connected is enabled. Can the built-in display turn off automatically when I use an external monitor?Yes. Can I use an external display while turning off an iMac’s built-in screen?Yes, where connection management is supported, BetterDisplay can soft-disconnect the iMac's built-in screen after macOS is running. How can I blank one display without changing the desktop layout?Keep the display connected and use software dimming or a supported screen-control command. Why can’t I disconnect my only physical display while a virtual screen is connected?BetterDisplay normally keeps an eligible physical display connected so you are not left without a visible desktop. Why does my external monitor briefly go black when I disconnect the built-in display?A brief blackout can occur when macOS switches the external display's output mode for the new display arrangement. How can I remove an unwanted display from the desktop or display list?If macOS still detects the display, forgetting its settings does not remove that connection.