How to Dock MacBook Pro to Monitor in 2022?

My M1 MacBook Pro has amazing macOS that makes it quick, and its battery life has gotten better than previous models. The User-friendliness and the quality of the experience it provides are great reasons to love it. But, when connecting the extended display and other kinds of video editors, you get only one option: USB-C. So, what is the solution? How to Dock MacBook Pro to Monitor?

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, there are several ways to connect your MacBook to an external monitor, but you need a Docking System for all these connections. For minimal use, you can buy Apple’s recommended adapter, but you have to get one dock that you can use to manage all your devices for extensive use. And that is what we are going to discuss in this article.

How to connect MacBook to monitor | Using MacBook Pro Docking Station

When it comes to attaching different screens, it isn’t easy to survive without the external monitor as an editor. For this reason, I got the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station. If you are looking for a MacBook pro dual monitor setup, you need these instructions. Moreover, you can also add other devices to make the docking station more reliable. So, let’s get to the steps:

The first step is to determine what your monitor support, either HDMI, VGA, or USB-C like the Dell monitor.
My Monitor supports the DisplayPort, so I get the DisplayPort cable.
Place the Docking system in the proximity and insert one side of the cable into the port of the Dock.
Now, connect the other end to the extended monitor.
After that, insert the dock into the MacBook Pro.
Then, go to the Apple menu and select the system preferences.
And go to the Display and adjust resolutions according to the requirements.
Go to the arrangement settings and adjust the primary screen.
If you want to run two different screens, uncheck the mirror display for multitasking.

How do I connect my MacBook Pro to a monitor with HDMI?

Many external monitors these days still work on the HDMI, and the one I don’t support is USB-C, an Apple monitor that comes with HDMI. You can follow these steps if you want to connect your external monitor with your MacBook Pro.

Get a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your external monitor with your Mac. Grab an HDMI cable and insert one side into your monitor and another end into the dongle. The next step is to insert the dongle into the MacBook Pro, and you are connected.

Now following systems include the system preferences to display to select the dedicated resolutions and then move to arrangements to arrange the screens. You have just connected with MacBook Pro to a monitor with HDMI. It also includes a quick step of unchecking/checking the mirror display according to your usability.

USB-C vs. Thunderbolt 3

The main difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 is the speed they transfer data. When it comes to the USB 3.1 port, the USB-C transfers about 10 gigabytes per second; when inserted into the USB 3.2 port, it can transfer about 20 gigabytes per second. On the other hand, Thunderbolt 3 can transfer upto 40 gigabytes of data per second, making it faster than USB-C. Moreover, it is relatively more expensive than USB-C.

How do I get my Mac Dock to stay full screen?

You can make the Dock appear in full-screen mode by swiping it down with two fingers twice. You can customize the dock settings by going to the Apple menu and the system preferences. Then, you can choose the required settings according to your needs in the Dock & Menu Bar section.

Final Words

We have provided you with the complete and comprehensive guide on How to Dock MacBook Pro to Monitor. Moreover, we have explained how to connect your external monitor with the HDMI and Mac Dock and speed comparison of USB-C vs. Thunderbolt 3 in the last section for your reading interests.

James Garcia

Hello, this is James. A technology enthusiast with a particular fondness for displays. As someone who loves all things tech, I have developed a keen eye for identifying the best displays in the market. Whether you are a casual user or a professional designer, I am confident that my reviews will help you find the perfect monitor for your needs. In my reviews, I take an in-depth look at each monitor, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. I also compare different models to help you make an informed decision about your next purchase.