Connecting your MacBook to a monitor or TV: how to do it

Connecting your MacBook to an external monitor or TV gives you a big screen to work on or watch films. Which cable you need depends on your MacBook's ports and your monitor. This article explains how to choose the right connection, how to set up the picture and what to do when the monitor shows nothing.

Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. If your MacBook gives no picture on any screen, or only when the plug sits at an angle, there may be something wrong with the port; more about that at the end.

Which cable do you need?

• MacBook with an HDMI port (14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021): a normal HDMI cable to the monitor or TV.
• Monitor with USB-C or Thunderbolt: one USB-C cable is enough. Many such monitors also charge your MacBook.
• Monitor with HDMI or DisplayPort, MacBook without HDMI: a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort cable, or an adapter or hub. More in dock, hub or adapter for your MacBook.

For a 4K screen at 60 Hz you need a cable or adapter that supports it (HDMI 2.0 or higher, or DisplayPort).

How many monitors can your MacBook handle?

That depends on the chip. A MacBook Air with the base chip long supported only one external screen; from the M3 two with the lid closed, and from the M4 also with the lid open. The MacBook Pro with a Pro or Max chip can do more. Check the specifications of your model on Apple's site.

Setting up the picture

1. Connect the monitor and turn it on.
2. Open System Settings, Displays.
3. Choose whether the monitor extends your desktop (a second desktop) or mirrors your MacBook's screen.
4. Click Arrange to put the screens in the right order, so the pointer crosses over on the correct side.
5. Choose the resolution and refresh rate for the monitor. "Default" is usually the sharpest.
6. If you want the Dock and menu bar on the monitor, drag the white bar to that screen in Arrange.

Working with the lid closed

You can close your MacBook and use only the external monitor. For that the MacBook must be on the charger and you need an external keyboard and mouse or trackpad. Do make sure the MacBook does not get too hot; do not put it in a closed cabinet.

The monitor shows no picture

1. Choose the right input on the monitor.
2. Try another cable, adapter or port.
3. Disconnect, restart the MacBook and only connect after logging in.
4. Hold the Option key in Displays; sometimes a button to detect displays appears.
5. Try a lower resolution or refresh rate.

If another device works on the same cable and monitor, but your MacBook on none of its ports, read HDMI port on your MacBook Pro not working.

Blurry or tiny text

On a monitor with a lower resolution, text can look less sharp than on your MacBook. Choose a different scaled resolution in Displays, or enlarge text in System Settings, Accessibility. A 4K or 5K monitor gives the sharpest picture.

What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam

If your MacBook gives no picture on any screen, or the picture flickers when you touch the plug, we test the ports and replace a damaged port. If your MacBook's own screen is broken, you can use a monitor for a while and we replace the screen. More on our pages about MacBook port repair, MacBook screen repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect my MacBook to an ordinary TV?

Yes, over HDMI. Wireless also works with AirPlay; see AirPlay: your MacBook screen on the TV.

Why does my MacBook not charge through the monitor?

Not every USB-C monitor supplies power, or enough power. Then use the charger as well.

Does the sound come through the monitor?

Over HDMI and many USB-C monitors, yes. Choose the monitor as output in System Settings, Sound.