Work smarter: Connect your Mac to an additional monitor

The extra display screen house you will have the extra effectively you’re employed apparently. So why not join a second (or perhaps a third) show to your Mac? In this text we show you how to determine which adapter you might want to plug your Mac into an additional, exterior display screen (and even multiple), and tips on how to get every part arrange.

While it’s typically straightforward to arrange a further display screen, there are just a few points that may trigger your show to not be detected by your Mac, so we will even provide options for these issues beneath.

It can be doable to make use of an iPad as a second display screen – an choice that Apple added in macOS Catalina, after which enhanced in macOS Monterey. This might swimsuit you if you happen to don’t already personal an exterior display screen, however observe that you just do want a supported Mac and iPad. We have a look at tips on how to use your iPad as a display screen to your Mac in a separate article, together with which iPads and Macs help the function. In Monterey Apple added the flexibility to make use of one keyboard and mouse with two Macs, or a Mac and iPad, which might fit your new method of working. To discover out extra see: How to make use of the identical mouse and keyboard with two Macs.

Another factor to keep in mind if you happen to have been hoping so as to add two exterior shows to your Mac is that whereas some Macs can help as much as 5 extra shows, the M1 Macs, together with the MacE book Air and 13in MacE book Pro can solely help one extra show – though there’s a workaround, learn: How to attach two or extra exterior shows to Apple M1 Macs. You can also be fascinated with tips on how to use an outdated iMac as a second show.

How to attach an exterior monitor to a Mac

This is a type of issues that ought to be straightforward, however as a result of over time Apple has modified the ports on Macs it may be troublesome to know what connectors you really want so as to join a monitor to your Mac. That’s even earlier than you will have studied the ports on the again or the show to work out what connector is required there.

Luckily as soon as you realize what wire you might want to join your MacE book to your monitor it ought to be plain crusing.

The steps are comparatively easy, however as you will note step one is the toughest!

1. Identify which Apple adapter and cable you might want to join the Mac and the monitor by following the steerage within the Which Port part beneath.
2. Plug it in.
3. Open System Preferences > Displays.
4. Click the Arrangement tab. 
5. Do not choose the Mirror Displays tickbox (until you need the second display screen to indicate the identical content material as your authentic display screen).
6. Drag the illustrated shows into the association you require.
7. A white menu bar will likely be proven on the prime of one of many screens. Drag this white bar to the display screen you want to be dominant.
8. If you need to mirror the show on each (or a number of) shows go to System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement and select Mirror Displays.
9. You may choose ‘Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available’ and you will note a standing menu within the menu bar making it simpler to show this on and off once more.

The choices are somewhat completely different if you’re attaching a desktop Mac, like a Mac mini, to a monitor because it doesn’t have it’s personal show. If you might be including a second monitor to a Mac mini you will note one thing like this:

As with the choices for connecting a monitor to a MacE book, if you happen to join multiple monitor to a Mac mini you’ll discover the white block on the prime of one of many shows. You can click on on this and drag it onto the show you want to be the primary show.

You may alter the place of every show to replicate how they’re positioned in your desk, in order that if you drag your mouse from one display screen to the opposite you realize the place it’ll seem.

If you will have an Apple TV, or any TV that helps AirPlay, you too can use AirPlay to ship a second display screen output to your TV display screen. Here’s how to do this: How to view your Mac display screen on a TV.

If you might be utilizing your Mac with an exterior display screen and need to shut the lid in your MacE book learn: How to make use of MacE book with lid closed, cease closed Mac sleeping.

Which port has my Mac received?

As we mentioned above, the toughest a part of connecting a show to your Mac is understanding what cable you might want to plug into your Mac and the monitor.

The cable you require is dependent upon the mannequin of Mac and the kind of monitor. Apple has carried out fairly just a few completely different port varieties over time, and your Mac desktop or MacE book may function any of the next: HDMI, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, 4, 2, or Mini Display. We show you how to determine which port you will have beneath.

HDMI

There are just a few Macs that ship with an HDMI port – together with the 14in and 16in MacE book Pro launched in 2021 and the Mac mini with M1 chip from 2020. HDMI ports are sometimes discovered on TVs, making these Macs a well-liked selection for these establishing a media centre PC.

Macs with an HDMI port embrace:

• Mac mini
• 14in MacE book Pro (2021)
• 16in MacE book Pro (2021)
• Mac Studio (2022)

You’ll additionally discover HDMI port on older Mac mini fashions and the MacE book Pro from mid 2012 to 2015.

Thunderbolt 3 (and USB-C)

Thunderbolt 3 is a supercharged model of USB-C, with a bandwidth of 40Gbps in comparison with USB-C’s 5GBps to 10GBps.

The Thunderbolt 3 connection appears and acts precisely the identical as USB-C, and it helps USB-C, so it is possible for you to to make use of any USB C-equipped monitor, or a Thunderbolt 3 monitor, along with your Mac. You’ll additionally be capable of use any USB-C cable to attach your Mac to your monitor.

Macs with a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port embrace:

• 13in MacE book Pro (2020)
• MacE book Air (2020)
• 24in iMac (2021)
• Mac mini M1 (2020)

You’ll additionally discover Thunderbolt 3 on Macs from round the tip of 2016 and onwards.

Thunderbolt 4 (and USB-C)

In some trendy Macs Apple consists of Thunderbolt 4, which as with Thunderbolt 3 shares the identical port as USB-C (and USB 4, which we focus on subsequent). The port appears similar to the Thunderbolt 3 port (above) and is totally backwards suitable.

In reality, Thunderbolt 4 isn’t truly all that completely different to Thunderbolt 3. The primary motive why there’s even a Thunderbolt 4 is as a result of some PC laptops lacked the flexibility to help the total 40Gbps bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3. 

Apple

There are just a few advantages to Thunderbolt 4 that Mac customers can get pleasure from although: each Thunderbolt 4 port can help two 4K shows or one 8K show.

Macs with a Thunderbolt 4 port embrace:

• 14in MacE book Pro (2021)
• 16in MacE book Pro (2021)
• Mac Studio (2022)

USB 4

There isn’t an enormous distinction between USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 4 units help USB 4. Thunderbolt 4 will all the time have a full 40Gbps bandwidth, whereas USB 4 begins at 20Gbps, however may attain Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps. A USB 4 port can solely help one show, whereas Thunderbolt 4 can help two 4K shows. Learn about Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.

• Mac mini M1 (2020)
• MacE book Air (2020)
• 13in MacE book Pro (2020)
• 14in MacE book Pro (2021)
• 16in MacE book Pro (2021)
• 24in iMac (2021)
• Mac Studio (2022)

Thunderbolt 1 or 2

Thunderbolt first appeared on Macs in round 2011, then in 2013 Apple launched Thunderbolt 2. The Thunderbolt port appears the identical as Mini DisplayPort (beneath) and is backwards-compatible with that port. If you see a Thunderbolt image apart from what appears like a Mini DisplayPort, your Mac has a Thunderbolt port.

If your Mac is from 2011 to round 2016, likelihood is it provides Thunderbolt 1 or 2 moderately than Mini DisplayPort, though the 2 are suitable.

Mini DisplayPort

Mini DisplayPort was introduced by Apple in the direction of the tip of 2008. With an adapter the Mini DisplayPort can drive shows that function VGA, DVI or HDMI interfaces.

For extra details about ports, right here’s a rundown of a few of Apple’s completely different port varieties.

Which port does my show have?

Now that you just’ve recognized which port your Mac has you might want to examine the port in your show, we run by all of the choices beneath. You additionally want to substantiate yet one more factor:

Is the port male or feminine?

You must examine whether or not the connection on the again of your show has feminine or male endpoints. The NEC MyltiSync E243WMI we used had a feminine connection, for instance, so we wanted to guarantee that the adaptor we purchased had male endpoints.

HDMI

HDMI helps as much as eight channels of audio. HDMI 2.1 brings help for resolutions as much as 8k and better. HDMI is the commonest connector you’ll discover on the again of a TV.

As we famous above, there are just a few Macs ship with an HDMI port through which case you simply want an HDMI to HDMI cable to attach your show to your Mac. If your Mac doesn’t have an HDMI port then you definitely simply want an adapter.

Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4

There are displays, just like the Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20 that function Thunderbolt 4 docking skills. This port received’t look any completely different to the Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port.

Thunderbolt 3, USB-C or USB 3

More displays are prone to be that includes USB-C ports than Thunderbolt 3 ports, though Thunderbolt is quicker and might take extra energy. USB-equipped shows are prone to be cheaper than Thunderbolt choices, too. Sometimes you’ll discover USB 3 or USB 3.1 port, which is identical port, however the predecessor to USB-C.

Because the Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports are similar, in case your Mac has one, it is possible for you to to make use of a USB-C cable to attach the monitor to your Mac.

Thunderbolt 1 or 2

If you bought the Apple Thunderbolt show, which was discontinued in 2016, then your monitor has a Thunderbolt 2 port, as seen above.

VGA

A VGA connector requires a three-row 15-pin DE-15 connector. VGA connectors transmit analogue alerts.

Old CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays have been VGA however there are flat shows that use VGA – they simply convert the VGA connector’s analog sign again to digital. This conversion from digital to analog and again once more may cause degradation of video high quality. VGA will carry HD video however solely analogue audio.

DVI

DVI provides a higher-quality sign than VGA as a result of it’s a digital sign. You will see a marked distinction when taking a look at HD video as in comparison with VGA.

A DVI connector has the potential for twenty-four pins, relying on whether or not it’s DVI-A, DVI-D or DVI-I, there are completely different connectors with a special variety of pins in use. There can be a protracted pin which can be surrounded by 4 different pins (that are required for audio in older fashions).

Mini DisplayPort

If you will have certainly one of Apple’s LED Cinema Displays, launched again in 1999 and changed in 2011 by the Thunderbolt show, your show has a Mini DisplayPort connection, as seen above.

Best cable, adapter or dongle for connecting a Mac to a monitor

Now that you’ve got established which port your Mac and show have, you’ll need to discover a cable to attach your Mac to the monitor. This cable doesn’t must be from Apple, but it surely might want to have the best connections. Another factor which may be vital to you is the size of the cable. It’s no good making an attempt to hook up your Mac to a monitor if the cable or adapter is just too brief. Remember you’ll need sufficient cable to go from the again of the show to the port on the Mac. 

Below are our suggestions of the most effective cables and adaptors for connecting a show to your Mac.

If the variety of ports in your Mac is proscribed, and if you wish to join a further two 4K shows to your Mac, you’ll profit from a dock. A dock will even provide you with extra ports, reminiscent of USB, Ethernet and card readers. We have various suggestions in the most effective docking stations for MacBooks, such because the CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 miniDock beneath.

Not Available

If you don’t need to purchase a dock, you might want to work with the ports you will have obtainable. This is prone to embrace one of many following:

HDMI to HDMI show

As we famous above, there are just a few Macs ship with an HDMI port through which case you should utilize an HDMI cable to attach an HDMI show to your Mac, reminiscent of this Belkin UltraHD High Speed 4K HDMI cable that prices £29.95 from Apple US or $29.95 from Apple US.

USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 to USB-C show

We suggest Apple’s personal USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 cable you probably have a Thunderbolt 3-compatible monitor. It’s £39 within the UK Apple Store and $39 within the US Apple Store.

Apple sells a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C cable right here for £39 within the UK Apple Store and $39 within the US Apple Store.

USB-C/Thunderbolt to HDMI show

Among different issues, the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (£75/$69) permits you to join a Thunderbolt 3-equipped Mac to an HDMI show. You will nonetheless want a separate HDMI-to-HDMI cable (reminiscent of this one from Belkin) to take action. Apple additionally sells various HDMI adapters on the UK Apple Store and on the US Apple Store.

If you will have a regular HDMI-compatible monitor, we suggest the Six-foot USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI cable from Uni. ($17/£16.99)

USB-C to VGA show

Apple’s USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter permits you to connect with a VGA show or projector. This is an analogue connection so it is not going to help HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) content material. This would come with the HD films discovered on the iTunes Store.

The USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter is obtainable for £75 on the Apple UK retailer or $69 on the Apple US retailer.

Apple sells various VGA adapters (Apple UK or Apple US), together with a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter (£75 and $69) and a Belkin USB-C to VGA Adapter (£27.95 and $29.95).

USB-C to DVI show

Apple doesn’t promote one, however you’ll be capable of discover a USB-C to DVI adapter on Amazon, reminiscent of this Benfei USB-C to DVI cable (£12.99 on Amazon UK or $11.85 Amazon US). We can’t affirm whether or not it really works, but it surely says it’s for the MacE book, so we assume it does.

USB-C to Mini DisplayPort show

Apple doesn’t make a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter, so that you received’t be capable of join a 2016 or later MacE book Pro to the outdated Apple Cinema Display, or some other monitor that makes use of a Mini Display Port. However, you could possibly discover a cable or adapter on Amazon.

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI show

Apple doesn’t manufacture a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, but it surely does promote Belkin’s 4K Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter for £29.95 on the Apple UK Store and $34.95 on the Apple US Store.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter can be utilized to connect with a Thunderbolt show to a brand new Mac. It prices £49 from the Apple UK Store and $49 from the Apple US Store.

How to attach a 3rd monitor to a Mac

Theoretically you shouldn’t be capable of connect a monitor to a USB port, however just a few firms have handled this as a technical problem. The Matrox
DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go allow you to join as much as two or three exterior shows respectively. They do that by augmenting the usual DVI/HDMI video output of a Mac or PC with knowledge offered through a USB 2.0/3.0 connection.

To be taught in case your Mac is suitable, try
Matrox’s Mac compatibility itemizing, the place you’ll additionally be taught the utmost doable output resolutions – it’s unlikely you’ll be capable of run all three shows at 1080p, for instance.

Diamond MultiMedia’s
BVU vary permits you to run a separate exterior show through nothing greater than a USB 2.0 port. By connecting one to a MacE book Pro, as one instance, you would utilise as much as three shows: one inbuilt, one through the prevailing DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort, and yet one more through USB.

There are additionally some no-brand units on eBay and Amazon that provide the identical features because the Diamond product, and are cheaper as well – though make sure you examine for Mac compatibility. Just seek for one thing like
USB to DVI HDMI.

All the above options are considerably hacky. We haven’t examined any however we’re sure efficiency received’t be pretty much as good as with a monitor hooked up immediately. 3D gaming is unquestionably out of the query and video playback in something aside from normal definition will in all probability be uneven. Still, to place your electronic mail or Twitter app on a separate display screen, as one instance, they need to suffice.

Troubleshooting issues with a second show

There are various points it’s possible you’ll expertise along with your show setup. Here we deal with a few of them. Let us know of any additional options or issues.

Mac not detecting the monitor

When you join your show and your Mac the show ought to robotically be detected. But what must you do if it isn’t?

If your Mac isn’t working along with your monitor there are some things to strive: 

1. Check the cable – be certain it’s correctly related.
2. Make certain the monitor is plugged in.
3. Make certain your software program is updated.

If the above don’t work, strive these steps:

1. Connect your monitor and Mac and open System Preferences > Displays.
2. Press the Alt/Option key: This ought to make the Detect Displays button seem.
3. Click on Detect Displays: This ought to trigger your Mac to see the exterior monitor.

Still not having any luck? There is one different motive that would cease your Mac working with an exterior show: In the previous Apple has made modifications to macOS which have stopped some third-party adapters working with further shows. For instance, when Apple launched macOS Sierra in September 2016 many had points getting a second show to work with sure adapters. On that observe, in case your show received’t work along with your Mac then the very first thing to examine is your adapter.

External show will not be working with a Mini DisplayPort adapter

If your adapter will not be made by Apple, that may simply be the difficulty right here. Prior to macOS Sierra it was doable to make use of a third-party Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter with a Mac, however when Sierra launched in 2016 Mac customers who have been reliant on that setup discovered their displays stopped working with their Mac.

The solely answer if that is so is to buy an Apple adapter like a type of listed above.

If you will have an Apple adapter and your exterior show isn’t working, strive the next:

1. Disconnect your adapter for just a few seconds.
2. Reconnect it and see if the difficulty persists.
3. Disconnect the adapter once more and energy off the monitor.
4. If it’s nonetheless not working, join the cable once more and energy off the show.
5. If if you flip the show again on it’s nonetheless not working, click on on the Apple brand and select Sleep.
6. Wait a couple of minutes after which transfer your mouse or faucet your keyboard to wake your Mac.
7. If that doesn’t work, restart the pc.
8. Try adjusting the show’s brightness or distinction simply in case it’s turned down.
9. Go to System Preferences > Display and check out deciding on a special decision.
10. If that also doesn’t work, strive restarting your Mac in secure mode after which reset the show decision to defaults.
11. Another choice is to
    reset the Mac’s NVRAM and SMC.

DVI adapter doesn’t match within the connection

There are just a few doable the explanation why the Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter may not be suitable along with your monitor.

There is multiple form of DVI adapter and the chances are the one you will have is completely different to the adapter you might be utilizing. For instance, it’s possible you’ll require house for 4 analog ports across the flat blade.

If your downside is that you’ve got two feminine or two male connections then the answer is to purchase a male-to-female adapter.

Cable too small between the 2 units? You ought to be capable of hook up your adapter to the display screen through a third-party cable. Just be certain it has the proper port sort.

iPad received’t work as second show

Thought you’d use an iPad as a second show along with your Mac having put in macOS Catalina and located it doesn’t work? This is almost definitely as a result of your iPad or Mac don’t help the Sidecar function.

iPads that work with Sidecar embrace:

12.9-inch iPad Pro
11-inch iPad Pro
10.5-inch iPad Pro
9.7-inch iPad Pro
iPad (sixth era)
iPad (fifth era)
iPad mini (fifth era)
iPad mini 4
iPad Air (third era)
iPad Air 2

Macs that work with Sidecar embrace:

MacE book Pro (2016 or later)
MacE book (2016 or later)
MacE book Air (2018 or later)
iMac (2016 or later, in addition to iMac 5K, 27-inch, late 2015)
iMac Pro
Mac mini (2018 or later)
Mac Pro (2019)

We have extra details about
utilizing an iPad as a second display screen to your Mac right here. Plus, we run by
What Universal Control is and the way Universal Control works individually.

If you might be wanting to make use of a second show along with your Mac and never have your Mac’s display screen on learn:
How to show a Mac’s display screen off.