Using MacOS on a large screen is enjoyable. However, all your excitement may be squandered if the Mac cannot detect the display at all. There are ways to solve the problem of connecting your Mac or MacBook to an external display, but all you see is a black screen on the display when you try to do this.
The problem can be caused by incorrect port selection, faulty cables, MacOS errors, incorrect resolution settings, etc. So, in this article, we will explore each scenario and possible solutions.
Check The Cable
The first step you need to do is to ensure that you are using the correct HDMI cable with your external monitor. Typically, you’re trying to connect the HDMI-to-HDMI cable with the HDMI-to-Type-C Adapter to the MacBook display If you’re using a MacBook Pro model from 2021 or an earlier MacBook model from before 2016. Examine the HDMI cable from both ends. Ensure that neither end has been severely damaged.
Many people use Type-C HDMI cables to connect a MacBook to a display. This is where things can get a little weird.
You should, first of all, avoid purchasing any random cable from a store or an online retailer. Instead, you should purchase a cable from a reputable brand. There is a possibility that cheap cables may overheat or not meet safety standards.
In addition to the display resolution, you should check the frame rate supported by the cable product page. Some cables are limited to 4K at 30 frames per second, whereas your monitor can go up to 4K at 60 frames per second.
Remove Dust from Ports
Your Mac’s external ports can be clogged with dust, causing the cable port not to work correctly. Even with a high-quality, accurate cable, your Mac will not detect the display.
Depending on your Mac model, you should make sure that you clear the mini display port or the Type-C port. Compressed air can be used to clean dusty ports. As you are looking at the HDMI ports on the external display, you may want to look at them as well.
Select The Correct HDMI Port On Display
Most modern monitors come with multiple HDMI ports that can be used. You may have connected the cable to the first port of the display and used HDMI 2 as the output screen.
Change the HDMI selection by using the remote (if it comes with a monitor like the Samsung M7) or using the On-Device button. Please choose the correct HDMI port on the monitor and ensure that the output is set correctly.
Restart Mac and External Monitor
- A simple trick, such as restarting a Mac can sometimes be used to fix a device that does not detect a display problem.
- To do so, click on the Apple icon in the menu bar and choose restart. The restart of MacOS will prompt the user for confirmation (Touch ID will not work here, please enter the mac password).
- The external monitor should also be turned off entirely in addition to disconnecting the Mac from the monitor. According to Apple’s forums, this trick appears to have worked for many people.
- Connect the Mac to the display using your favorite cable, and you should be able to see the screen again.
Keep Your MacBook Charge
You might be considering using MacOS on an external screen. With the MacBook lid closed, you need to keep the device charged to work on the big screen.
The MacBook will not go to sleep when the lid is closed. You can try using your default adapter. Don’t use an adapter from a third party or one with less capacity. Some of those adapters may not provide enough power for a MacBook to run with an external monitor connected to one.
You may also be interested in:
- Why Macbook Pro Detects External Monitor but Shows Black Screen
- MacBook Pro Not Detecting External Display [Potential Solutions]
- How Do I Connect My MacBook to My UltraWide Monitor?
Change Display Resolution
You may experience eye strain when your Mac settings aren’t set up correctly, resulting in the scaled-up version on your monitor appearing small or blurry and making the image appear small. The scaled settings can be adjusted in System Preferences under the Scaled tab.
Step 1: Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon above.
Step 2: Select the display.
Step 3: Select Scaled and the resolution corresponding to the text size.
You may find it easier to read on a large screen if the text is smaller. Low resolution is not an issue. A display’s highest resolution capability will be measured by MacOS (2Kor 4K). The monitor receives a 4K quality signal if, for instance, you select something like Full HD (1920 x 1080) in the scaling menu.
You can negatively affect the MacBook’s performance by using large text. MacBook Pro devices running Intel CPUs will not be affected, but MacBook Air devices will.
Update MacOS
Generally speaking, we do not suggest that readers immediately update their main Mac machine to the latest version of the OS. It is recommended not to upgrade from MacOS Big Sur to MacOS Monterey on the release date.
However, if you have already updated your computer to the latest MacOS version and are now unable to find the display, in this case, you should wait until Apple releases another OS patch and then install it.
Go to the System Preferences menu and then to Software Update. Install the latest version of MacOS and then try to detect the display again.
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.