How to Connect External Monitor to Macbook

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 23 Dec 2024

Connecting an external monitor to your MacBook gives you more space for windows and applications. In this article, we'll look at the different ways you can connect an additional monitor to your laptop. We'll will take a detailed look at wired and wireless methods, and offer tips how to choose interface devices.

Ways how to connect Mac to external monitor

You can use cords and adapters to connect the monitor directly, or you can use wireless connection technology. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss each of these methods in detail so that you can choose the most appropriate one for your equipment.

How to Connect Macbook to monitor wirelessly

Wireless connection of your MacBook and a monitor is a convenient and efficient way to expand your workspace:

Make sure your MacBook and monitor support wireless connectivity. This may require AirPlay technology.
On your MacBook, go to System Preferences, then go to Display, and select AirPlay.
Find the monitor in the list of available devices and select it.
Adjust the resolution and screen settings to your liking.

Also: MacBook Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: 11 Ways to Fix It

Connecting Mac to monitor using cables and adapters

Connection using cables and adapters is a common way to connect your MacBook to an external monitor. To do this, you need compatible cables and adapters, which vary depending on your device model. We'll talk about them a little later.

The connection algorithm is not complicated:

Determine what type of cable you need.
Insert one end of the cable into the appropriate port on your MacBook.
Plug the other end of the cable into the port on the monitor.
Go to System Preferences, go to the Display menu and adjust the display settings.

Compatible cables and adapters for connecting Mac to monitor

To connect your MacBook to an external monitor, it's important to choose the right cables and adapters that fit specific device models.

MacBook Pro (2016 and later) and MacBook Air (2018 and later)

These models have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports that provide high-speed data transfer. You can use the cables listed below for connection:

USB-C to HDMI - this cable allows you to connect monitors with an HDMI port (supports resolutions up to 4K);
USB-C to DisplayPort is a cable for DisplayPort monitors that also supports resolutions up to 4K;
USB-C to VGA - allows you to connect a monitor with a VGA port to your MacBook.

MacBook Pro (before 2015) and MacBook Air (before 2017)

These models have Thunderbolt 2 or Mini DisplayPort ports. You will need the following cables and adapters to connect these MacBook models to your monitor:

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI - connects to your MacBook via HDMI port (supports resolutions up to 1080p);
Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort - connect via DisplayPort (supports resolutions up to 4K);
Mini DisplayPort to VGA - this adapter is used for connection to monitors with a VGA port.

Also: How to Connect Printer to Macbook: 5 ways

MacBook (2015-2017)

These models have a single USB-C port, so adapters are required to connect them to external monitors:

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - this adapter will allow you to connect a monitor with HDMI (has additional ports for USB and USB-C);
USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter - use it to connect monitors with a VGA port (there is also USB and USB-C).

MacBook Pro with M1 (2020 and later) and MacBook Air with M1 (2020 and later)

These models also have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. The following cables and adapters are suitable for them, depending on the port type on the monitor. This can also be USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort as well as VGA.

Also: What to Do If Your MacBook USB-C Port Not Working

Genuine Apple MacBook Pro 16" (Core i7 2.6GHZ, 16GB, 512GB, Radeon Pro 5300M) - Space Gray

At Techtoro, you can always buy original parts for various MacBook models, including the necessary cables and adapters. The store offers only branded components from Apple. If you have any doubts about upgrading or repairing your MacBook yourself, order these services from Techtoro by mail. To be sure of a quality and reliable repair, we recommend entrusting your MacBook to experts. After a device diagnostics, repair and invoice payment, you'll get your computer back within 1-2 days.

FAQ

1. How do I connect my MacBook to an external monitor?

To connect your MacBook to an external monitor, use a compatible cable or adapter and follow the screen setup instructions in System Preferences.

2. How do I get my Mac to recognize an external monitor?

Go to System Preferences, select Display, and verify that your MacBook detects the connected monitor. If necessary, manually select it from the list of available devices.

3. Can you use any external monitor with a MacBook?

Yes, most modern monitors are compatible with MacBooks with the proper cables and adapters.

4. How do I add a second monitor to my MacBook?

Connect a second monitor with a suitable cable or adapter and adjust the display settings in System Preferences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io