Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
3
votes
5
answers
4589
views
Connect two monitors using DVI and/or VGA to USB-C
I have a new MacBook Pro 15'' and want to connect two older 1080p monitors. Each monitor has a VGA and a DVI port. Is it possible to connect both to a single USB-C port of the MacBook? If so, how do people do this?
I have a new MacBook Pro 15'' and want to connect two older 1080p monitors. Each monitor has a VGA and a DVI port. Is it possible to connect both to a single USB-C port of the MacBook? If so, how do people do this?
fabian789
(209 rep)
Apr 25, 2018, 09:04 AM
• Last activity: Jan 9, 2023, 07:46 PM
4
votes
3
answers
7705
views
External Monitor not working on MacBook Pro 2015 with HDMI-VGA converter
I have an HDMI to VGA connector and a Samsung LED screen. The screen is fine, the VGA cable is fine, the connector is fine (tried with different laptops running Ubuntu and Windows). **The Problem**: I'm plugging the HDMI-VGA connector in my Macbook Pro 2015 but the display doesn't show on the extern...
I have an HDMI to VGA connector and a Samsung LED screen. The screen is fine, the VGA cable is fine, the connector is fine (tried with different laptops running Ubuntu and Windows).
**The Problem**:
I'm plugging the HDMI-VGA connector in my Macbook Pro 2015 but the display doesn't show on the external screen.
What I've tried:
I went in Displays and tried all given options like extend screen and more. The window also shows the name of the screen "SMB2230" on my Macbook and when I plug-in the HDMI, the screen flickers for a second and dock (on the right) disappears from the built-in display and I can move my mouse to the right and it also disappears but the external monitor shows the message "Check signal cable". I have tried restarting it as well but no luck.
**Note**: The screen is working with other laptops running Windows and Ubuntu with the same connector and the same VGA cable.
*Please don't tell me that I have to use MiniDisplay port/wire from Apple.*
here is an image

Robot Boy
(201 rep)
Mar 1, 2016, 06:18 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2022, 10:39 PM
5
votes
1
answers
2002
views
Macbook pro 16 inch 2019 noisy display in chrome after waking up from sleep
I have this issue sometimes when my mac is waking up from sleep. Some applications like Google Chrome A part or whole of the application is turning into a noise picture and until I restart the system, it won't fix. In this screenshot I have opened inspect view of google chrome. In some websites, one...
I have this issue sometimes when my mac is waking up from sleep. Some applications like Google Chrome
A part or whole of the application is turning into a noise picture and until I restart the system, it won't fix.
In this screenshot I have opened inspect view of google chrome. In some websites, one part or whole of the website also, is being displayed like this.
I've updated to the latest version of Mac (Catalina 10.15.7) and chrome (86.0.4240.183 (Official Build) (x86_64)). Also this issue is happening when I use the main display or external display too. No differences.

Ahmad Behzadi
(201 rep)
Nov 10, 2020, 05:51 AM
• Last activity: Mar 30, 2021, 04:01 PM
6
votes
4
answers
20705
views
GRUB 2 error – "fb: switching to radeondrmfb from EFI VGA"
Whenever I try to boot Arch, Mint or Debian Linux from a USB stick using GRUB 2 on my Mac with compatibility mode, it freezes on this error (given in the question title). I've tried every available, up to date, method on the web. Any help is appreciated. I have managed to get into the GRUB 2 command...
Whenever I try to boot Arch, Mint or Debian Linux from a USB stick using GRUB 2 on my Mac with compatibility mode, it freezes on this error (given in the question title).
I've tried every available, up to date, method on the web.
Any help is appreciated.
I have managed to get into the GRUB 2 commandline. Is there an option to set or something else?
LinuxMasterRace
(61 rep)
Oct 16, 2015, 04:52 PM
• Last activity: Feb 4, 2021, 01:49 PM
0
votes
1
answers
512
views
MacBook Air 2020 - Unable to Connect to External Monitor
I have a Dell monitor which supports VGA - so I am using a VGA cable, VGA to HDMI adapter, and the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (Apple) to connect to my MacBook Air 2020 (running macOS Catalina Version 10.15.5). However, the screen on my MacBook keeps flickering - in the Displays window (under...
I have a Dell monitor which supports VGA - so I am using a VGA cable, VGA to HDMI adapter, and the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (Apple) to connect to my MacBook Air 2020 (running macOS Catalina Version 10.15.5).
However, the screen on my MacBook keeps flickering - in the Displays window (under System Preferences) I can see it detects the monitor and then loses connection very quickly.
I tried the same setup with an older MacBook Air 2015 (running macOS Catalina 10.15.4) - the only difference was that I did not need a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, instead I used a HDMI to Mini DP adapter. And it worked like a charm!
Is there any reason the newer MacBook Air would cause a problem?
P.S - to troubleshoot this better, I connected the MacBook Air 2020 with a monitor that supports HDMI with the Multiport Adapter and an HDMI cable - and it worked smoothly without any flickering.
Hasan Naqvi
(1 rep)
Oct 11, 2020, 02:30 PM
• Last activity: Oct 11, 2020, 02:41 PM
1
votes
0
answers
90
views
Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI to VGA not detected, Thunderbolt 2&3 to HDMI to DVI-D (dual-link) black display
I had a temporary windows laptop that used an HDMI connector so I bought converters that one way or another got to HDMI, and I plan on getting two HDMI connected monitors when the right time comes (more RAM vs new monitor decision). I currently have a 2015 Macbook Air 11" and a 2020 Macbook Pro 13"....
I had a temporary windows laptop that used an HDMI connector so I bought converters that one way or another got to HDMI, and I plan on getting two HDMI connected monitors when the right time comes (more RAM vs new monitor decision).
I currently have a 2015 Macbook Air 11" and a 2020 Macbook Pro 13". Both detect a monitor and let me move the mouse to the secondary display but show a black screen when connecting via Thunderbolt 2/3 to an HDMI cable and then to DVI-D (dual-link). The Air also doesn't detect any monitor when connecting it through thunderbolt 2 to HDMI then to a VGA cable, which the Pro is fine with. Any ideas on either situation?
dyunoy
(11 rep)
Sep 13, 2020, 01:07 AM
• Last activity: Sep 13, 2020, 05:36 PM
0
votes
0
answers
667
views
Macbook Air reading wrong size and resolution of external monitor
I have LG Flatron E1941 which has a screen size of 18.5" and native resolution of 1366 x 768 but when connecting to my Macbook Air 2017(macOS Catalina) it is showing 13.9 inch and 800 x 600 resolution in System Preferences > Displays. I am unable to find the desired resolution under displays setting...
I have LG Flatron E1941 which has a screen size of 18.5" and native resolution of 1366 x 768 but when connecting to my Macbook Air 2017(macOS Catalina) it is showing 13.9 inch and 800 x 600 resolution in System Preferences > Displays. I am unable to find the desired resolution under displays settings as well, tried switchresx as well, but the quality in the desired resolution is also not good.
d.


Geeky-Alam
(1 rep)
Aug 17, 2020, 09:37 AM
• Last activity: Aug 17, 2020, 10:41 AM
19
votes
9
answers
98410
views
HDMI VGA projector cannot connect to Macbook Pro
Why doesn't the projector find the Macbook Pro when connecting a VGA cable to the HDMI port on Macbook Pro via an adapter? It does work on a Windows machine. I know that to fix this problem one needs to connect the VGA to the Mini Display port (via an adapter of course). So is there another way arou...
Why doesn't the projector find the Macbook Pro when connecting a VGA cable to the HDMI port on Macbook Pro via an adapter? It does work on a Windows machine. I know that to fix this problem one needs to connect the VGA to the Mini Display port (via an adapter of course). So is there another way around this? Or do we have to connect to the Mini Display port.
Physics_maths
(393 rep)
Jun 3, 2015, 03:14 PM
• Last activity: May 19, 2020, 09:54 AM
0
votes
1
answers
49
views
Unknown port - Looking for a VGA converter
I have the following plug-in hole to put a converter to plug it to a VGA screen. [![enter image description here][1]][1] Issue is I've never seen such type of plug-in. Does anyone know about it, please? Thanks. [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/wFvgm.jpg
I have the following plug-in hole to put a converter to plug it to a VGA screen.
Issue is I've never seen such type of plug-in.
Does anyone know about it, please?
Thanks.

Andy K
(145 rep)
Mar 26, 2019, 05:56 PM
• Last activity: Mar 26, 2019, 06:07 PM
0
votes
2
answers
322
views
External display connected via USB-C > VGA goes to endless sleep/wake loop
I have a dell external display connected to my mb pro 2017 (Mojave), but whenever i try to sleep my mac (with sleep command), it goes to endless loop trying to sleep and then immediately wakes up, because external display won't sleep. Is there any workarounds / apps to prevent this behavior?
I have a dell external display connected to my mb pro 2017 (Mojave), but whenever i try to sleep my mac (with sleep command), it goes to endless loop trying to sleep and then immediately wakes up, because external display won't sleep.
Is there any workarounds / apps to prevent this behavior?
Alexander Kim
(478 rep)
Dec 22, 2018, 02:27 AM
• Last activity: Feb 2, 2019, 06:02 PM
9
votes
1
answers
27984
views
MacBook Pro Screen Flickering when using HDMI to VGA adapter to connect to external monitor
My MacBook Pro 2014 keeps flickering when I plug in a HDMI to VGA converter to it. I am using HDMI to plug in the HDMI to VGA converter (which is plugged in to my monitor). The screen is just black and then the Mac starts flashing. The external monitor does not have any effect. I tried out the wirin...
My MacBook Pro 2014 keeps flickering when I plug in a HDMI to VGA converter to it. I am using HDMI to plug in the HDMI to VGA converter (which is plugged in to my monitor). The screen is just black and then the Mac starts flashing. The external monitor does not have any effect. I tried out the wiring and monitor on another windows computer and it worked smoothly.
Rushil Srivastava
(971 rep)
Dec 24, 2015, 01:39 AM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2018, 11:51 PM
1
votes
2
answers
16007
views
HDMI to VGA converter with Mac mini
I have bought a Mac mini today. My monitor is only VGA. After connecting HDMI to VGA converter my monitor is not getting any signal. How can I fix it? Please help me. I am so frustrated.
I have bought a Mac mini today. My monitor is only VGA. After connecting HDMI to VGA converter my monitor is not getting any signal. How can I fix it? Please help me. I am so frustrated.
Selim Hossain
(21 rep)
Nov 22, 2014, 09:06 PM
• Last activity: Jul 22, 2018, 05:44 PM
3
votes
2
answers
11550
views
Connect 2 external monitors (1 VGA + 1 HDMI) to MacBook Pro
I have a 13" 2017 MacBookPro. I wish to connect two monitors to it, a Samsung HDMI monitor and a LG VGA Monitor. I am using an [Aukey Multiport USB-C Adapter](https://rebrand.ly/aukey). I can't connect the two monitors at the same time. When I do it, only the HDMI works. If I plug it out from the mu...
I have a 13" 2017 MacBookPro.
I wish to connect two monitors to it, a Samsung HDMI monitor and a LG VGA Monitor. I am using an [Aukey Multiport USB-C Adapter](https://rebrand.ly/aukey) .
I can't connect the two monitors at the same time. When I do it, only the HDMI works. If I plug it out from the multiport, the VGA monitor shows up.
What could be the reason for this behaviour? How do I resolve this issue?
Marco Gagliardi
(173 rep)
Apr 5, 2018, 01:51 PM
• Last activity: Apr 5, 2018, 06:53 PM
3
votes
2
answers
21744
views
Connecting a VGA monitor via Thunderbolt to a MacBook Pro
I have a MacBook Pro 13.3" with OSX 10.8.4, which I use mostly at home and at workplace to connect to external monitor. At home, I have monitor with HDMI input and at my workplace with VGA input. I'm using a Thunderbolt MiniDisplay port to VGA and a Thunderbolt MiniDisplay port to HDMI cable convert...
I have a MacBook Pro 13.3" with OSX 10.8.4, which I use mostly at home and at workplace to connect to external monitor.
At home, I have monitor with HDMI input and at my workplace with VGA input. I'm using a Thunderbolt MiniDisplay port to VGA and a Thunderbolt MiniDisplay port to HDMI cable convertors.
When I connect the monitor with the HDMI input at home it works perfectly and it connects quickly; that doesn't happen with the VGA monitor. When I connect it, the MacBook detects the monitor, but the monitor is not showing anything and goes to sleep mode.
Sometimes opening and closing my laptop helps, but not always.
After restarting the MacBook, I'm able to connect.
It's not comfortable to always restart the laptop, since I mostly leave it in sleep mode without closing applications. Does anyone have the same problem and found other solutions to this problem? How should I connect a VGA monitor without restarting the MacBook?
zur4ik
(155 rep)
Aug 1, 2013, 08:03 AM
• Last activity: Mar 30, 2018, 09:44 AM
1
votes
4
answers
13305
views
Mini Thunderbolt to VGA not showing video on external monitor but Mac says it is
The external monitor used to be working before, but now, there's no video being sent. The monitor is sleeping when I connect, even though the mac says it's connected. I am using a SyncMaster390b as the monitor. I tried turning it on and off and reconnecting everything, but still no luck. Any help?
The external monitor used to be working before, but now, there's no video being sent. The monitor is sleeping when I connect, even though the mac says it's connected.
I am using a SyncMaster390b as the monitor.
I tried turning it on and off and reconnecting everything, but still no luck.
Any help?
tomastomastomas
(13 rep)
Mar 25, 2015, 08:50 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2018, 06:42 PM
2
votes
3
answers
2723
views
Mac book Pro to Dell E2414H monitor issue
I am trying to connect my MBP with my DELL monitor. I have purchased an HDMI to VGA adapter(converter). when I connect them, my MBP flashes on and off intermittently and my external monitor says nothing is connected. I have checked and rechecked all the connections but am having no luck. Any advice...
I am trying to connect my MBP with my DELL monitor. I have purchased an HDMI to VGA adapter(converter). when I connect them, my MBP flashes on and off intermittently and my external monitor says nothing is connected. I have checked and rechecked all the connections but am having no luck.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Andrew Kuipers
(21 rep)
Jul 6, 2015, 09:54 AM
• Last activity: Jan 6, 2018, 08:30 PM
1
votes
0
answers
107
views
OS starts lagging about every 5 seconds with HDMI to VGA
Since I updated from Sierra to High Sierra I have an issue when i connect a second monitor to my macbook pro 15 inch 2017 (USB-C to HDMI -> HDMI to VGA). Namely, the OS starts lagging about every 5 seconds which makes it impossible to work with it. https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/87168 The...
Since I updated from Sierra to High Sierra I have an issue when i connect a second monitor to my macbook pro 15 inch 2017 (USB-C to HDMI -> HDMI to VGA). Namely, the OS starts lagging about every 5 seconds which makes it impossible to work with it.
https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/87168
The issue does not occur when booting in safe mode.
I tried resetting NVRAM and SMC.
Any suggestions?
Jeremy Knees
(111 rep)
Nov 20, 2017, 10:31 AM
• Last activity: Nov 20, 2017, 12:26 PM
2
votes
0
answers
47
views
VGA displayport sees monitor as a TV
I have a monitor (LG flatron W2353S 24 inches), a Macbook Pro (Late 2011) Model A1278, and a VGA displayport adapter. The issue is that when I connect my MacBook to my monitor it detects the monitor as a 47" TV. The cable works and I can use my 1920x1080 native resolution, but it displays wrong. The...
I have a monitor (LG flatron W2353S 24 inches), a Macbook Pro (Late 2011) Model A1278, and a VGA displayport adapter.
The issue is that when I connect my MacBook to my monitor it detects the monitor as a 47" TV.
The cable works and I can use my 1920x1080 native resolution, but it displays wrong. There's a black large line on the left (like 2 centimeters) and on the right you can see that it's missing a part of the screen.
I think it's a driver issue or maybe the monitor is not compatible with this? This monitor only has a VGA port.
Any anyone suggest other things I can try?
Walter Ezequiel
(21 rep)
Jul 29, 2017, 01:15 AM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2017, 01:27 AM
1
votes
0
answers
420
views
MacbookPro turns off while connecting to a projector via VGA (MBP 13" late 2016 without touchbar)
I am using a MBP 13" late 2016 without touchbar. I use a CableMatters USB-C dongle to connect a VGA monitor to my laptop and it works. However, when I connect an external projector to my MBP (I tested on two different projectors) using the same dongle - there is a black screen on the laptop - then i...
I am using a MBP 13" late 2016 without touchbar. I use a CableMatters USB-C dongle to connect a VGA monitor to my laptop and it works.
However, when I connect an external projector to my MBP (I tested on two different projectors) using the same dongle
- there is a black screen on the laptop
- then in a few seconds, it says there is a problem in different languages and press any key to restart
Is there a problem with the dongle or the laptop? I am confused as the dongle works fine with a standard VGA monitor.
asm_nerd1
(111 rep)
Jun 29, 2017, 09:37 AM
2
votes
0
answers
4780
views
HDMI & VGA issues with MacBook Pro Retina & Acer Monitor
I'm having a very strange issue. I inherited an Acer monitor from a friend that is full HD, 1080p. Good monitor overall. When connecting ONLY an HDMI cable from my Mac to the monitor, I get no signal. But if I connect both an HDMI and a VGA (via Thunderbolt adapter) to the Acer, I'm then able to tog...
I'm having a very strange issue.
I inherited an Acer monitor from a friend that is full HD, 1080p. Good monitor overall. When connecting ONLY an HDMI cable from my Mac to the monitor, I get no signal. But if I connect both an HDMI and a VGA (via Thunderbolt adapter) to the Acer, I'm then able to toggle between inputs, and the HDMI input works fine. Problem is, now I have a useless Thunderbolt cable taking up one of my inputs. Any ideas?
MacBook Pro 15" Retina 2013
Yosemite 10.10.4
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2048 MB
Acer S240hl monitor
Cody
(21 rep)
Aug 3, 2015, 05:02 PM
• Last activity: Dec 23, 2016, 09:37 PM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions