Are you working with multiple programs at once or need more screen space? Connecting external monitors can significantly improve your Mac experience, but Apple devices have model-dependent limitations that can be confusing.
External Display Support for Mac Computers by Model
Apple Mac computers’ monitor support primarily depends on the chip used:
Standard M1 and M2 chip models:
- MacBook Air (M1, M2) and MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports officially support only one external monitor.
- Mac mini (M1, M2) supports up to two monitors (one via HDMI, another via Thunderbolt port).
More powerful chip types:
- M1 Pro and M2 Pro support up to two external displays.
- M1 Max and M2 Max offer support for up to four external displays.
- The M3 base chip allows connecting up to two external monitors when the laptop screen is turned off.
- M4 standard and Pro versions support up to two 6K external monitors.
- M4 Max can handle up to four displays (three 6K via Thunderbolt, one 4K via HDMI).
Interestingly, the newer M3 MacBook Air supports up to two external displays when the laptop is closed (in clamshell mode), which is a significant improvement over the M1/M2 Air models. This suggests that the single display limitation of earlier models might be a software rather than hardware decision.
Connection Options and Standards
There are several options for connecting monitors to Mac computers:
Thunderbolt/USB-C ports:
- Support DisplayPort signal over USB-C
- Allow connecting 4K, 5K, or even 6K (Pro Display XDR) displays
- Support daisy-chaining with compatible hardware
HDMI port:
- Found on newer Mac mini and MacBook Pro models
- Simplest solution for connecting TVs or monitors with HDMI input
Recommended Adapters and Docks
If your Mac doesn’t have a suitable port or you want to connect more displays than the model supports, here are some solutions:
- USB-C -> HDMI/DisplayPort/DVI adapters – a simple and affordable solution for connecting one external monitor.
- Thunderbolt 3/4 docks – offer expanded connectivity, but it’s important to understand that they don’t increase the basic number of monitors your Mac supports. For example, the base M1 processor has a limit of two displays total, one of which is the built-in display.
- DisplayLink technology-based docks – allow overcoming Mac hardware limitations by supporting additional displays via software, even on limited models.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Determine your Mac model and its limitations
- Select Apple menu > System Settings > General
- Check which chip is in your computer (M1, M2, M3, etc.)
- Choose the right cables and adapters
- For Thunderbolt monitors – use a Thunderbolt cable
- For HDMI monitors – USB-C to HDMI adapter or direct HDMI cable (if port is available)
- For DisplayPort monitors – USB-C to DisplayPort adapter
- Connect the monitors
- Connect the monitor directly to the Mac or using an adapter
- To connect more monitors than officially supported, consider using a DisplayLink technology-based adapter
- Configure the monitors
- Open System Settings > Displays
- Set the resolution and arrangement for each monitor
- Choose the main display (drag the menu bar to your preferred screen)
- Decide whether to mirror or extend displays
Troubleshooting When macOS Doesn’t Detect External Displays
If your Mac doesn’t detect connected displays, try these solutions:
- Check connections
- Ensure cables are firmly connected
- Try another port or adapter
- Check if the monitor is turned on and the correct input source is selected
- Restart devices
- Turn the monitor off and back on
- Restart your Mac
- Remove all adapters and reconnect them
- Reset NVRAM/PRAM
- Turn off your Mac
- Turn it on and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R
- Hold the keys for about 20 seconds or until you hear the second startup chime
- Check software compatibility
- Make sure your macOS is the latest version
- Ensure adapter/dock drivers are installed
- For DisplayLink devices, check that the corresponding software is installed
- Specific solutions for M1/M2 Macs
- If you want to connect more displays than officially supported, use a DisplayLink technology-based solution
- Some users have found successful solutions with third-party software
Connecting multiple monitors to a Mac depends on your device model and chip. Newer M3 and M4 chips offer better support for multiple monitors, while older standard M1/M2 chips are limited to one external monitor. If you need more displays than your Mac officially supports, consider DisplayLink technology solutions that allow you to overcome these limitations via software.
Check out our blog where we share overviews of trends and news.
To stay updated with Upgreat campaigns, add us as a friend on FB or follow us on Instagram
