Do you want to learn how to connect an external monitor to your MacBook pro? You’re in the right place. Macbooks are one of the thinnest, safest and best laptops one could ever get on the planet.
However, at times, it becomes a necessity to use a big monitor to watch any sort of movie or for any other reason.
Then the question arises, how can you connect an external monitor to your MacBook pro. That’s what I will cover in this article, ensure to be with me till the end, so you don’t end up missing something crucial.
Without lecturing more, let’s head over to the topic.
How to Connect an External Monitor to a MacBook pro?
Before you come to the connecting process, there are some things you should know first. I’m going to mention each of the factors in detail, so go through it.
1) Identify your MacBook pro
Some years ago, it was pretty easy to connect an external monitor to a MacBook, but Apple has consistently been making changes to the ports provided with your MacBook.
So, it’s crucial to know what MacBook you’re using so you can know whether or not you can use an external monitor on your mac laptop.
Just follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Head over to the menu bar in your MacBook pro> About this Mac.
- There will be an option for a serial number, double click on it, and copy it from there. You can do it by selecting it or pressing the command- C to copy the serial number.
- And then, head over to your browsers and search for Apple’s Tech Specs page,
- There will be an option called “Search Tech Specs”, click on it and paste the serial number that you had copied.
- Then, hit search and click on the specifications for your mac; just click on it. You’ll be redirected to a page where all the details about the model of your MacBook will be mentioned.
That’s how simple it is to know what MacBook Pro you’re using. Now, as you know what laptop you’re using, it’s time to choose the right cable to connect an external monitor to your MacBook pro.
2) Get the Right Cable for Your MacBook Pro.
Getting the right cable for the process is cardinal. MacBook Pro models like MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 have an HDMI port, four thunderbolts, and 2 cables, which you can easily use to connect to another display.
However, if you’re not using any of these MacBook’s then you may have to get your eyes on an adapter or a new cable that will help you to connect an external monitor.
But, if you’re using an M1 MacBook Pro 13 that doesn’t have an HDMI port, then you don’t need to worry as it usually has either a thunderbolts 3 or a USB C port that can be used to connect only one display.
However, I assume that you must be using these latest models of MacBook pro that come with an HDMI port. Now, another thing that you need to have is a USB C port in your monitor which helps it to get connected with your MacBook pro.
IF your monitor doesn’t have that port, change it with the one that has the port, as you won’t be able to connect your monitor without it.
Or, if you don’t want to spend your money buying a new monitor, then you can use an external adapter or a docking device too. Most importantly, Ensure you pick a cable that is sufficiently long to go from the rear of the presentation to your port on the Mac.
3) Connect your External Monitor to Your MacBook Pro
Now comes the most important thing that you have all been waiting for, which is to connect your monitor to your MacBook pro.
Once you’ve chosen a good enough cable, an adapter for your monitor, or a monitor with an HDMI cable, then you’re all set for connecting the monitor with your MacBook pro.
Make sure you follow the below-mentioned steps carefully.
The Method
- First of all, plug your monitor into the power switch and turn it on.
- Then, connect your external display to your MacBook pro. Make sure the MacBook is turned off while you’re connecting the display to it.
- Once the display got connected, turn on the MacBook Pro now.
- Then confirm if all of your cables are connected properly or not, and also if your software is updated.
- Once all these things are done, head over to the System Preferences and then click on Displays.
- Now, to bring the Detect display option, press the Alt/Option key and the option will display on your screen, so click on it.
- And boom, your second monitor will not have been displayed on your MacBook pro.
Now, you’ve done half of the job, and half is remaining. Now, you have to adjust your display according to your requirements,
4) Adjusting your displays
The Method
- First of all, open your MacBook pro and head over to the System Preferences and then Display.
- Then hit the Arrangement tab.
- Avoid selecting the mirror displays option as It shows the same content to both of the screens. However, if you want to use the mirror option then you can leave it checked and it will show the same content on both of your displays.
- Now, adjust the adjustment of the display according to your requirement by dragging.
- A white bar will appear on your screen, so drag this white bar to the screen that you want to be your main screen. Also, you adjust the screen resolution and other important display settings.
Point to Note
Hey MacBook users, I hope now you guys know how to connect an external monitor to your MacBook pro.
It may be a bit challenging for some people, but trust me, it’s not that difficult if you follow the above mentions steps carefully. If you need any help, you can talk to me in the comment section.
