Whether for leisure or work, sometimes you need additional monitors for your MacBook. Hooking up one or more additional monitors is a simple process, all you need to do is to plug them into the HDMI ports on your MacBook. As with all technology, you can run into an issue with your monitors.
If your MacBook monitors or other additional HDMI-connected hardware is not being detected, firstly it can be related to a connection issue. This is a common issue and easy to resolve. Otherwise, you should check your MacBook settings to make sure that everything is being detected correctly.
Here are a few common issues that you may run into with your MacBook’s externally connected devices, and how to resolve those issues.
MacBook Not Detecting Second Display
If your MacBook is not detecting your 2nd display, this is often an easy issue to resolve. Your MacBook does not automatically detect a display, it needs to be set up through your system’s settings. It could also be related to your HDMI cables.
If your MacBook is not detecting your second display, you should first look at your display settings. In the Settings menu, find System Preferences and select Displays. Once in there, you need to click the section marked Scaled while holding down the Options button on your keyboard.
You will then see in the bottom right corner a button labeled Detect Displays. After selecting that, you can then locate the monitors that you are looking to connect to. The issue could also be related to your current cable connection. Remove your cables from both your MacBook and your displays.
Reattach the cables, making sure that they are secure and connected to the right ports. If that doesn’t work, try using another cable if you have one. Cables don’t last forever, they may have been damaged or have faced general wear and tear and need to be replaced.
When it comes to MacBooks, occasionally you can run into compatibility issues. If you are not using an Apple-made monitor and cable, you may need to get an adaptor or install alternative software to make your monitor work with your MacBook. Before purchasing additional monitors or cables, check to see if your MacBook is compatible with only USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt.
If your MacBook uses USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt, you need to get an adaptor to make it compatible with your MacBook. If you are operating with Thunderbolt, you may also need to run a software update. Enter your System Settings and check for updates.
MacBook Not Detecting Third Monitor
As with a second monitor, if your third monitor is not working it may be due to a connection issue. As a general rule, you should first enter the System Settings menu to ensure that you have properly connected your monitor.
In the Settings menu, find System Preferences and select Displays. Once in there, you need to click the section marked Scaled while holding down the Options button on your keyboard. You will then see in the bottom right corner a button labeled Detect Displays. After selecting that, you can then locate the monitors that you are looking to connect to.
Other issues could cause connection issues to your third monitor. You need to ensure that you are connected to the right port, or an adaptor if needed, depending on your MacBook. It could also be that you can only connect to one additional monitor. MacBooks that have an Apple M1 Chip can only operate as a dual display, as they can only connect to one additional display.
MacBooks that have a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 1 or 2 can connect your MacBook to your external hardware by connecting the coordinating ports on both your MacBook and the monitors. If your system is operating with Thunderbolt 3 (also known as USB-C), you can connect multiple external hardware to your MacBook, but the Thunderbolt 3 port must be the last one that you connect.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 10, 2021.
MacBook Not Detecting HDMI
If your MacBook is not detecting your HDMI, there are a few easy-to-fix issues that could be causing your issue. You may need an adaptor. MacBooks that only have HDMI ports are easy; you can directly connect your HDMI with HDMI cables. If you have a MacBook that is only compatible with USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt, you will need to get an adaptor.
On a MacBook that has USB-C ports, an adaptor such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adaptor. If you are using a MacBook Mini, you likely have a Mini DisplayPort. To properly connect your MacBook to HDMI you need to get a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor or cable.
MacBook Not Detecting External Camera
If your MacBook isn’t connecting to your external camera there are a few troubleshooting steps that you should take before replacing the camera itself. As a general rule, first check to make sure that the camera is not being obstructed by anything. Otherwise, you could face a problem with the connection itself.
If your external camera is not connecting to your MacBook, check to see if your external camera has the proper permissions in the settings. Each app that you use has permissions that you need to check. Enter the System Settings menu and find Security and Privacy. Once in that menu, find the section labeled Camera.
Check to see that the apps that you are trying to use your external camera on have approved access. Next to the app, you will see a small box. If it is grey and empty, permission has been denied. Click the button and you will see that it turns green and displays a checkmark. Once you’ve updated your external camera settings, click the lock in the corner of your menu page to save the settings.
MacBook Not Detecting DisplayPort Monitor
If your MacBook is not detecting your DisplayPort monitor, a general rule is to first turn off and on your monitors. If the display does come up, it is likely to have an issue relating to your HDMI cables. If not, you should also check for your system settings.
If your MacBook is not connecting to your DisplayPort, make sure that your MacBook is connected to your external displays. Enter the System Preferences and select Displays. Once in there, you need to click the section marked Scaled while holding down the Options button on your keyboard. You could also have too many displays connected.
Depending on the type of MacBook that you have, you may only be able to connect a certain number of displays. To check how many displays you can connect, find the Support tab and select specifications. Once you click that, it will bring up a page that provides all the details about your MacBook and how many displays can be connected.
MacBook Not Detecting Monitor
When it comes to your MacBook not detecting additional monitors or external hardware, first check that you have properly detected all external devices in the System Settings folder. If that does not work, make sure that the cables are in working condition, you have run all required updates, and you have the correct adaptor.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 10, 2021.