Connect displays to your Mac

Mac computers support one or more external displays, depending on the Mac model. Here's how to connect an external display.

Connect the display to power and your Mac

1. Use your display's power cable to connect the display to power.

2. Use your display's video cable to connect the display to your Mac, such as to a Thunderbolt or HDMI port. Different ports might look similar, so it's important to identify the port correctly.

3. If the video cable requires a port that your Mac doesn't have, you might be able to use an adapter with the video cable. Or replace the video cable with one that doesn't require an adapter.

4. When your display has power and is connected properly, your Mac detects the display automatically. You should then see your Mac desktop on the display, and you can configure display settings.

Learn about connecting multiple displays to your Mac

You can use the HDMI or Thunderbolt ports on your Mac to connect external displays and accessories. You can use the downstream ports on the back of your Apple display to connect one or more additional displays in a daisy chain. Learn how to connect additional displays and accessories to your Studio Display and Studio Display XDR.

When connecting more than one display, connect the display with the highest resolution first. The number of displays that you can use at the same time depends on your Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display. Check the specifications for your model:

• MacBook Neo

• MacBook Pro

• MacBook Air

• Mac mini

• Mac Studio

• Mac Pro

• iMac

Configure display settings

• From the Apple menu  in the corner of the screen, choose System Settings (or System Preferences), then click Displays. In display settings you can change display resolution, choose a refresh rate, arrange your displays, and more.

• If the display is not made by Apple, certain settings might be available only by using the display's built-in controls and menu system. Check your display's documentation for details.

Learn more

• Learn how to connect additional displays and accessories to your Studio Display and Studio Display XDR

• Use an iPad as a second display for Mac

• Use AirPlay to stream what's on your Mac to an HDTV

• Connect to 8K displays, or to 4K displays with high refresh rates.

• Connect to HDMI displays

• Use dual monitors with your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M3 chip