Connecting two external screens to a MacBook Air: on one model it works effortlessly, on another you only get a picture on one screen. That is not your cables, but the chip in your MacBook. This article explains which MacBook Air models handle two external screens, what the lid has to do with it, and what you can do if your model does not support it.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. If even one screen does not work, a port may also be the cause; more at the end.
Which MacBook Air can do what?
- MacBook Air M1 and M2: officially one external screen, next to its own screen.
- MacBook Air M3: two external screens, but only with the lid closed (then its own screen is off).
- MacBook Air M4 and newer: two external screens with the lid open, so three screens in total.
- MacBook Neo: one external screen. See MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air.
- Intel MacBook Air: usually one external screen.
If you are unsure about your model, check About This Mac and the specifications on Apple's site.
Connecting two screens (M3 and newer)
- Connect each screen to its own USB-C/Thunderbolt port, or use a dock that supports two screens.
- On an M3: connect a keyboard and mouse, connect the charger and close the lid.
- Open System Settings, Displays, and put the screens in the right order under Arrange.
Note: with two screens in the ports, the Air's ports are taken. Charging then works via MagSafe, or via a dock that also charges.
Your model supports only one screen
If you connect two screens to an M1 or M2 Air via an ordinary hub, you see the same picture on both, or only on one. The workaround:
- A DisplayLink dock. Such a dock works with its own software that sends the picture over USB. With it you can connect two or more screens. For office work it works fine; for video or games it is less smooth, and some apps (such as streaming services) show no picture on such a screen.
- An iPad as a second screen with Sidecar. See iPad as a second screen.
- One bigger screen instead of two small ones, for example an ultrawide.
What to watch with cables and docks
- For 4K at 60 Hz you need HDMI 2.0 or higher, or DisplayPort.
- Not every hub with two HDMI ports sends two separate pictures; that depends on the MacBook.
- A dock with its own power supply gives enough power to charge at the same time.
More in choosing a dock, hub or adapter and connecting your MacBook to a monitor.
Two screens on a MacBook Pro
On the MacBook Pro it also depends on the chip. A MacBook Pro with the base chip long supported one or two external screens; with a Pro or Max chip more are possible, and the 14 and 16-inch also have an HDMI port.
One screen does not work
If a screen stays black while your model supports two screens, try another cable and port, and connect the screens one at a time. If a port does not work at all, not even for charging or a USB stick, the port may be damaged.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We test your MacBook's ports and replace a damaged port. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our pages about MacBook port repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can a MacBook Air M1 really handle only one external screen?
Officially yes. A DisplayLink dock allows more, with the limits above.
Why does the M3 only work with the lid closed?
Because the chip drives at most two screens at once: its own screen counts.
Does the MacBook Pro have the same limit?
No, MacBook Pro models with a Pro or Max chip support more screens.
