Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
16
votes
6
answers
14877
views
External display color changes when MacBook lid is closed
I have no idea how, as the color profile remains the same, but whenever I close the lid on my MacBook, the external monitor changes to a blue tint. I've tried changing the monitor's settings, as well as ensuring the right color profile is on.
I have no idea how, as the color profile remains the same, but whenever I close the lid on my MacBook, the external monitor changes to a blue tint.
I've tried changing the monitor's settings, as well as ensuring the right color profile is on.
PaulVO
(351 rep)
Apr 7, 2020, 02:12 PM
• Last activity: Aug 5, 2025, 08:15 AM
0
votes
0
answers
25
views
How to force EDID override on Intel Mac running Sequoia
Working with a 2020 MacBook Pro 4TB on Sequoia 15.6. In the past I have edited EDID override plist files to get custom resolutions and HiDPI on external QHD displays. I have also used BetterDummy/BetterDisplay to achieve this, but that app no longer works with Intel Macs (according to the developer,...
Working with a 2020 MacBook Pro 4TB on Sequoia 15.6.
In the past I have edited EDID override plist files to get custom resolutions and HiDPI on external QHD displays.
I have also used BetterDummy/BetterDisplay to achieve this, but that app no longer works with Intel Macs (according to the developer, at least not for getting HiDPI resolutions).
In the past (not sure which macOS version it changed on) you could edit display overrides in /System/Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides.
It is no longer possible to do this, even with SIP disabled as /System is now read only.
A workaround was to place a custom override in the folder:
/Library/Displays/Contents/Resources/Overrides
However, it seems that overrides in this location are no longer read by macOS.
I am trying to get HiDPI (at 1980 x 1080 or 1600 x 900) on DELL P2418D and BENQ PD2500Q QHD displays. Both have worked in this was the past, with modified EDID and/or BetterDummy/BetterDisplay.
Is there any way of forcing EDID override on Intel Macs running Sequoia now?
Thunderclutch
(59 rep)
Aug 5, 2025, 07:21 AM
2
votes
1
answers
229
views
Quickly change display arrangement
I've got a portable screen and a Macbook Pro. When I sit down at a desk, maybe I plug it in on the right or the left. Each time I forget and I end up having to into the settings and dragging them around. Is there a quick way to do this - either with a script or some tool that sits in the menu bar? [...
I've got a portable screen and a Macbook Pro. When I sit down at a desk, maybe I plug it in on the right or the left. Each time I forget and I end up having to into the settings and dragging them around.
Is there a quick way to do this - either with a script or some tool that sits in the menu bar?
Tom
(244 rep)
Jul 14, 2023, 11:03 AM
• Last activity: Aug 4, 2025, 06:05 AM
0
votes
1
answers
29
views
Dark colours strobing on external display plugged in via HDMI with MacBook
I've noticed that my screen was slightly strobing when my MacBook is plugged in via HDMI to my LG TV. The issue does not repro when there's lighter colours, and it also doesn't repro on the Mac's internal panel.
I've noticed that my screen was slightly strobing when my MacBook is plugged in via HDMI to my LG TV. The issue does not repro when there's lighter colours, and it also doesn't repro on the Mac's internal panel.
kop48
(340 rep)
Mar 11, 2024, 08:04 PM
• Last activity: Aug 4, 2025, 03:09 AM
0
votes
0
answers
20
views
What is causing a blue shade on MacBook Air M1 2020 screen?
Blue shade on the MacBook Air screen, I've started playing some games on my Mac, and sometimes after that, my screen starts to display a blue shade. [![Photo of the MacBook Air screen with a blue shade on it. A full-screen Terminal window is open.][1]][1] It's not inside the screen, though it's lite...
Blue shade on the MacBook Air screen, I've started playing some games on my Mac, and sometimes after that, my screen starts to display a blue shade.
![Photo of the MacBook Air screen with a blue shade on it. A full-screen Terminal window is open. ][1]
It's not inside the screen, though it's literally on the screen, and it's not dirt. I couldn't find a similar problem here, but I think it's because of overheating, because it's in the same place that the Mac CPU is (when it closes).
![Screenshot of the same Terminal window from the previous photo ][2]
assaabriiii
(1 rep)
Aug 2, 2025, 08:30 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2025, 01:44 PM
0
votes
1
answers
855
views
Macos resets screen refresh rate after disconnect
I have 4 external monitors (non-mac) with MacBoook 16". 2 of them (C27JG5x and Optix G24C support 144GhZ.) I have a few issues with that. - Apple **Displays** settings doesn't have an option to change the refresh rate. [![Screenshot of the Displays system preference pane][1]][1] - I found an externa...
I have 4 external monitors (non-mac) with MacBoook 16". 2 of them (C27JG5x and Optix G24C support 144GhZ.) I have a few issues with that.
- Apple **Displays** settings doesn't have an option to change the refresh rate.
![Screenshot of the Displays system preference pane ][1]
- I found an external program [Display Menu](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/display-menu/id549083868) that can do it.
![Screenshot of the program Display Menu showing display resolutions ][2]
Unfortunately, each time I unplug displays (or **Reboot**/put my Mac to sleep) the Refresh Rate setting resets to 60Ghz, however, macOS stills remember the **Display arrangement** and their resolutions.
Is there any way that Macbook would use the previous refresh rate settings as well?
deathangel908
(165 rep)
Mar 2, 2020, 08:00 AM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2025, 09:00 PM
490
votes
8
answers
520056
views
Why does my dock keep moving back to my other monitor?
I have a larger, external monitor connected to my MacBook Pro and have arranged it such that the dock is in the external monitor (via System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement, by dragging the white bar to the larger screen). This works fine, except for the fact that every now and then, the dock w...
I have a larger, external monitor connected to my MacBook Pro and have arranged it such that the dock is in the external monitor (via System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement, by dragging the white bar to the larger screen). This works fine, except for the fact that every now and then, the dock will suddenly shift back to my MacBook screen, but when I open up Displays to change this back, the white bar is still on the external monitor. So I have to drag it to the smaller screen, and then drag it back to the external monitor.
It's a minor issue, obviously, but I've noticed that it has been happening more and more frequently and it's getting quite annoying. Perhaps there's something I've been doing unintentionally for this to happen?
I'm using Mavericks, 10.9.5.
3cheesewheel
(5207 rep)
Jan 30, 2015, 01:55 PM
• Last activity: Aug 1, 2025, 05:21 AM
0
votes
1
answers
37
views
Move between spaces on active display
I have two displays connected to my Mac. On both displays, I open Terminal in full-screen mode. Let's say display B is currently active. I then use Command+Tab to switch to Chrome, which is open on display A. So therefore, display A moves from Terminal to Chrome. At some point later on, I want to sw...
I have two displays connected to my Mac. On both displays, I open Terminal in full-screen mode.
Let's say display B is currently active. I then use Command+Tab to switch to Chrome, which is open on display A. So therefore, display A moves from Terminal to Chrome.
At some point later on, I want to switch back to Terminal on display A. **I notice that if the mouse is present in display B, even when display A is the active display, Ctrl+ArrowKey gets applied to display B rather than display A.**
Is there any way to change this behavior so that Ctrl+ArrowKey gets applied to the active display?
Jack Humphries
(587 rep)
Jul 30, 2025, 09:15 PM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2025, 05:40 AM
2
votes
1
answers
113
views
iMac displaying abnormal picture shortly after powering on
iMac 27" - Late 2012 Model# A1419 Customer said they had the motherboard previously swapped out at another repair shop. Displays abnormal picture with lines running vertically and horizontally. It will eventually get stuck on a loading screen at what appears to be the half-way mark. Tried resetting...
iMac 27" - Late 2012 Model# A1419
Customer said they had the motherboard previously swapped out at another repair shop.
Displays abnormal picture with lines running vertically and horizontally.
It will eventually get stuck on a loading screen at what appears to be the half-way mark.
Tried resetting NVRAM or PRAM, booting from USB, starting from internet recovery, safe mode, and recovery mode.
I have also swapped out the hard drive with another freshly formatted drive and tried to boot from USB to do a fresh install of a new IOS.
I swapped out the RAM and got the same issue.
It appears to always end up on the final display picture below.
I have tried to enter the verbose mode as well, but it appears to either ignore the command and continue to the last display picture posted below.
When selecting WIFI in internet recovery the abnormal display will not be present.
Noticed a 3rd party power cord that the customer was using and not sure if that would affect anything.
I'll post the fix when or if customer decides to get it repaired.
UPDATE:
Customer has agreed to have motherboard replaced, so if that solves the issue I will return with an update.
clayton bivens
(21 rep)
Mar 10, 2022, 09:38 PM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2025, 01:07 PM
2
votes
1
answers
499
views
Green and white lines on screen of a macbook pro
my Macbook pro 13inch, Early 2015 has the problem you can see in the picture [![enter image description here][1]][1] I take that to the support, they told me the screen was broken, so they replaced it, but the problem is still there. Now the weird side of the story, that issue is there just after th...
my Macbook pro 13inch, Early 2015 has the problem you can see in the picture 
I take that to the support, they told me the screen was broken, so they replaced it, but the problem is still there.
Now the weird side of the story, that issue is there just after the login screen. If I connect the macbook to an external display, both the internal and exernal starts to be well visible again!
Another strange thing is that I tried to wipe everything, formatting the entire disk and installing a brand new Catalina os (I had Sierra before).
All the installation went smootly in the recovery suite (without the external display connected), and the initialization of the os as well. But, after the desktop appeared, the problem was back there.
When the hdmi cable is connected, the screen works perfectly fine, as you can see here
I tried to reset NVRAM with the P R option cmd combination
I tried also to reset the SMC with shift ctrl option combination
Nothing seems to have any effect.
Any idea? Thank you
I take that to the support, they told me the screen was broken, so they replaced it, but the problem is still there.
Now the weird side of the story, that issue is there just after the login screen. If I connect the macbook to an external display, both the internal and exernal starts to be well visible again!
Another strange thing is that I tried to wipe everything, formatting the entire disk and installing a brand new Catalina os (I had Sierra before).
All the installation went smootly in the recovery suite (without the external display connected), and the initialization of the os as well. But, after the desktop appeared, the problem was back there.
When the hdmi cable is connected, the screen works perfectly fine, as you can see here
I tried to reset NVRAM with the P R option cmd combination
I tried also to reset the SMC with shift ctrl option combination
Nothing seems to have any effect.
Any idea? Thank you
Saifer
(121 rep)
Dec 30, 2020, 07:53 PM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2025, 05:53 AM
1
votes
1
answers
126
views
Can I switch the stand on my Apple Studio Display?
I would like to change the stand on my Apple Studio Display from the tilt+height adjustable stand to the VESA mount. Can I get this done at the Apple Store?
I would like to change the stand on my Apple Studio Display from the tilt+height adjustable stand to the VESA mount. Can I get this done at the Apple Store?
Jack Humphries
(587 rep)
Jul 26, 2025, 11:55 PM
• Last activity: Jul 28, 2025, 06:26 PM
1
votes
0
answers
17
views
How to get/display real volume level of external monitor (in SketchyBar, shell script) on macOS?
I'm trying to display the volume icon and percentage of my external monitor (Dell U4025QW) audio output in SketchyBar on my MacBook Pro (M1). The goal is to show accurate volume and mute status in the bar. What I want to achieve: - Show current volume % and mute icon for my external monitor in Sketc...
I'm trying to display the volume icon and percentage of my external monitor (Dell U4025QW) audio output in SketchyBar on my MacBook Pro (M1). The goal is to show accurate volume and mute status in the bar.
What I want to achieve:
- Show current volume % and mute icon for my external monitor in SketchyBar.
- Have volume update live as it changes.
- Fall back gracefully when using the built-in display (i.e. display volume of built-in speakers).
I'm using the following snippet in my SketchyBar plugin:
VOLUME=$(osascript -e "output volume of (get volume settings)")
MUTED=$(osascript -e "output muted of (get volume settings)")
source "$CONFIG_DIR/env.sh"
source "$CONFIG_DIR/icons.sh"
if [ "$MUTED" != "false" ]; then
ICON="${ICONS_VOLUME}"
VOLUME=0
else
case ${VOLUME} in
100) ICON="${ICONS_VOLUME}" ;;
[5-9]*) ICON="${ICONS_VOLUME}" ;;
[0-9]*) ICON="${ICONS_VOLUME}" ;;
*) ICON="${ICONS_VOLUME}" ;;
esac
fi
sketchybar -m \
--set "$NAME" icon=$ICON \
--set "$NAME" label="$VOLUME%"osascript always returns missing value for volume or 0, despite the volume HUD showing the correct volume and the keyboard volume keys working.
From research and testing, it seems that:
- External monitors using Thunderbolt/USB audio output often do not expose their volume controls via macOS scripting APIs (like AppleScript).
- macOS seems to "fake" or cache the volume changes for these devices in the UI but does not expose the actual volume programmatically.
- The mute status is exposed and scriptable, but volume percentage is not.
Is there any known way, tool, or API to programmatically get the real volume level of an external Thunderbolt or USB audio device (such as a monitor) on macOS?
Jusi
(161 rep)
Jul 26, 2025, 01:13 PM
• Last activity: Jul 26, 2025, 05:49 PM
1
votes
1
answers
49
views
How turn off the screen verification on macbook pro 2019
The screen of MacbookPro 2019 is broken, but I don't want to replace it now for economic reasons (external works well enough). As you may see the screen works just fine (despite on the broken pixels) either in Recovery Mode or in ordinary usage. ![the broken screen in recovery mode][1] 
But the issue is that when Im logging it in - (as I assume) the OS verifies the screen for damage and just turns it off (see the gif) as it gets ready.
As next step I plan to use SwitchResX to crop the dead pixels
I wish to configure the screen a bit to keep it using it as secondary screen (an external monitor will be the 1st one). Meanwhile the external display works fine with this mac after logging in.
Can I force the screen to work all the time (after the OS log in)?
But the issue is that when Im logging it in - (as I assume) the OS verifies the screen for damage and just turns it off (see the gif) as it gets ready.
As next step I plan to use SwitchResX to crop the dead pixels
I wish to configure the screen a bit to keep it using it as secondary screen (an external monitor will be the 1st one). Meanwhile the external display works fine with this mac after logging in.
Can I force the screen to work all the time (after the OS log in)?
Nikonov Oleksiy
(111 rep)
Oct 29, 2024, 12:54 PM
• Last activity: Jul 26, 2025, 03:09 PM
5
votes
1
answers
1063
views
Can window focus with multiple displays follow the mouse on macOS?
I'm a new MacOS user and some things disturb me as it was more convenient on Windows. One of them is the following: on a dual screen set up, I have to first click the second monitor for it to take the focus and only then do my actual work. On Windows, I was able to flawlessly switch from one screen...
I'm a new MacOS user and some things disturb me as it was more convenient on Windows.
One of them is the following: on a dual screen set up, I have to first click the second monitor for it to take the focus and only then do my actual work. On Windows, I was able to flawlessly switch from one screen to the other without the need to first focus it.
In other words, on Mac, when I'm on a screen and just move the mouse to the other and start to, say, select some text, my action is just ignored (as it's only the initial focus) and I have to start it again. On Windows it just select my text the first time.
It is quite annoying, as I often switch from one screen to the other (dev tools on one screen, debugging browser on the other).
Is there a solution to this problem?
Sébastien
(151 rep)
Feb 9, 2019, 12:16 PM
• Last activity: Jul 24, 2025, 01:59 PM
1
votes
1
answers
2818
views
How to fix Lenovo L22e displays connected to an M1 Mac Mini when they sleep and do not wake?
M1 Mac mini (M1, 2020), with 2 Lenovo L22e-20 monitors. I left the Mac unattended for 10 minutes, when I came back, 1 monitor is still on but the other has gone to sleep. The one that stays on is connected via Thunderbolt, the one that goes to sleep is connected via HDMI. I can't wake the HDMI monit...
M1 Mac mini (M1, 2020), with 2 Lenovo L22e-20 monitors.
I left the Mac unattended for 10 minutes, when I came back, 1 monitor is still on but the other has gone to sleep.
The one that stays on is connected via Thunderbolt, the one that goes to sleep is connected via HDMI.
I can't wake the HDMI monitor up by turning the monitor off and on.
The only solution that has ever worked is rebooting the Mac.
If I check Energy Saver preferences,
turn display off is set to 1 hour.
How can I fix this issue?
Steve
(247 rep)
May 12, 2022, 01:18 AM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2025, 04:01 PM
2
votes
1
answers
443
views
Invalid screen detect by xrandr
I using MacBook Air M1. When I run xrandr, output is: xrandr: Failed to get size of gamma for output default Screen 0: minimum 800 x 525, current 5760 x 1956, maximum 5760 x 1980 default connected 5760x1956+0+0 0mm x 0mm 800x600 60.00 840x525 60.00 1024x768 60.00 1152x720 60.00 1280x800 60.00 1440x9...
I using MacBook Air M1. When I run xrandr, output is:
xrandr: Failed to get size of gamma for output default
Screen 0: minimum 800 x 525, current 5760 x 1956, maximum 5760 x 1980
default connected 5760x1956+0+0 0mm x 0mm
800x600 60.00
840x525 60.00
1024x768 60.00
1152x720 60.00
1280x800 60.00
1440x900 60.00
1650x1050 60.00
2048x1280 60.00
2560x1600 60.00
5760x1956 1.00*
5760x1980 2.00
But I use 4 monitors - 3 x 1920x1080 and one retina 2560x1600 in below configuration
How can I repair xrandr? XFreeRdp use xrandr to detect screens in multiscreen mode and this is some issue to run XFreeRdp session only on 2 or 3 screens.
How can I repair xrandr? XFreeRdp use xrandr to detect screens in multiscreen mode and this is some issue to run XFreeRdp session only on 2 or 3 screens.
lgabryel
(21 rep)
Jul 13, 2021, 12:00 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2025, 03:04 PM
0
votes
1
answers
28
views
Adjust monitor wake up delay/wait
I've got three screens connected to my M1 Mac Studio. In around 60% of screen wake-ups, I get windows from one of my screens repositioned to my primary, as if the secondary was disconnected and reconnected. There is no percievable delay in it coming up, all of the screens turn on roughly at the same...
I've got three screens connected to my M1 Mac Studio.
In around 60% of screen wake-ups, I get windows from one of my screens repositioned to my primary, as if the secondary was disconnected and reconnected. There is no percievable delay in it coming up, all of the screens turn on roughly at the same time when I press a key/click my mouse.
My thinking is that one of the screens does take a little longer to come up (and it's always the same one) behind the scenes, which causes the behaviour.
Is there any way to tell my OS to wait for a little longer before it deems the screen to be disconnected? One can imagine how annoying it is to be reorganising windows so frequently.
petr
(101 rep)
Jun 22, 2025, 01:19 PM
• Last activity: Jul 22, 2025, 06:09 PM
22
votes
13
answers
38381
views
Is it possible to change display resolution with a keyboard shortcut?
I use different screen resolutions based on the activity I'm doing during the day. For example when I'm coding I prefer to have more space available. Is it possible to associate a keyboard shortcut to change the scaled display resolution ? (see the attached screenshot) [
For example when I'm coding I prefer to have more space available.
Is it possible to associate a keyboard shortcut to change the scaled display resolution ?
(see the attached screenshot)
david-e
(323 rep)
Dec 1, 2016, 08:46 AM
• Last activity: Jul 22, 2025, 12:42 AM
4
votes
1
answers
1189
views
Thunderbolt monitor running at 30Hz when second monitor connected
I have a MacBook Pro (15 inch, 2018, Radeon Pro 560X) to which I plug 2 external monitors: a LG 32UL950 4K over thunderbolt & an old ASUS full HD over HDMI. The problem is when the ASUS is connected then the LG is only running at 30Hz. [![enter image description here][1]][1] When connected alone it'...
I have a MacBook Pro (15 inch, 2018, Radeon Pro 560X) to which I plug 2 external monitors: a LG 32UL950 4K over thunderbolt & an old ASUS full HD over HDMI.
The problem is when the ASUS is connected then the LG is only running at 30Hz.
When connected alone it's fine at 60Hz.
This machine is supposed to support *4* 4K@60Hz screens. Any idea how to fix this?
(I can't confirm it but I think this issue started with one of the latest macOS updates, 11.3 or 11.4)
EDIT: Display preferences
When connected alone it's fine at 60Hz.
This machine is supposed to support *4* 4K@60Hz screens. Any idea how to fix this?
(I can't confirm it but I think this issue started with one of the latest macOS updates, 11.3 or 11.4)
EDIT: Display preferences
Alexis
(221 rep)
Jun 9, 2021, 12:11 PM
• Last activity: Jul 20, 2025, 03:06 PM
3
votes
1
answers
833
views
Is it possible to mirror 2.5K or 5K iMac display to 1080p TV through Apple TV without swithcing iMac's resolution?
I have a 27" iMac with 2.5K built-in display resolution. Also i may replace it with a 5K/retina one. The problem is mirroring it's display without changing my mac's resolution other than it's native resolution. When I use a Thunderbolt to HDMI converter and an HDMI cable, my mac forces me to use low...
I have a 27" iMac with 2.5K built-in display resolution. Also i may replace it with a 5K/retina one. The problem is mirroring it's display without changing my mac's resolution other than it's native resolution.
When I use a Thunderbolt to HDMI converter and an HDMI cable, my mac forces me to use lowest resolution between itself and my tv (1920x1080/2K). So it prefers the tv's resolution and my mac switches it's built-in display resolution to 2K and this is not what I want.
So, I think about Apple TV and AirPlay mirroring. My question is:
**Is it possible to mirror my mac's high resolution built-in display to a low resolution (2K) tv through Apple TV without changing the mac's resolution?**
If it's possible, naturally higher resolution image will be scaled down/transcoded to a lower resolution image. Texts and details on original image will be corrupted/blurred but it's ok, I don't expect/need a super clear image on the tv.
So, will Apple TV do the job, can it transcode original high resolution image to fullscreen 2K image for my tv?
Black n Irregular
(31 rep)
Apr 21, 2016, 08:51 AM
• Last activity: Jul 20, 2025, 11:02 AM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions