How to Connect Two Monitors to MacBook?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/11662371222

ORIGINAL POST

I have a MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020, two thunderbolt 3 ports.

Apologizes in advance. I don’t know the technical terms for these things. I want to set up two monitors so that I have three different screens in total (including the screen on my MacBook) without them mirroring one another. Is this possible? What do I need to buy?

7 replies

Fearless_Plantain469 · 2 months ago

Yes you can, you’ll want usb-c to hdmi or display port depending on what the monitors require but you can do it. And then you can configure the screens to not mirror each other in settings

0 upvotes on reddit

Capn_Flags · 2 months ago

That’s a negative, ghost rider. OP’s laptop only supports 1 external monitor. OP needs DisplayLink

1 upvotes on reddit

BuildingThis4278 · OP · 2 months ago

Will this work?

https://a.co/d/1D9DhUh

1 upvotes on reddit

BuildingThis4278 · OP · 2 months ago

Will this work to use two external monitors plus my laptop screen (all with different displays)?

https://a.co/d/6W3rDgM

1 upvotes on reddit

Adomm1234 · 2 months ago

Base M1 only supports 1 external monitor. If you need more, you need to buy specialized displaylink adapter. But if it is Intel MacBook Pro, then it will work with any adapter. So the question is if your macbook is early 2020 intel or late 2020 m1.

1 upvotes on reddit

Cherry_zsa · 2 months ago

If you’re okay with your 5K monitor running at 4K 60Hz, I’d recommend the Tobenone UDS040M.

1 upvotes on reddit

Capn_Flags · 2 months ago

You’re going to want to look into a technology called “DisplayLink”. This is how you can setup multiple monitors even if the MacBook’s GPU doesn’t support it.
An example:
My M3 MBP can natively handle 2 monitors. So I can connect 1 external and use the built-in, or close the MBP and use two external screens. It has Thunderbolt 4 ports.

With my DL dock I run up to 4 total, usually just the built-in and two external monitors. This is the dock I use:

However I first started with a cheaper option that is an adapter that’s similar to the link you’ve shared but it’s for DisplayLink: https://www.walmart.com/ip/5184122124
So something like either one of these will let you run more monitors than normal.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/macbook • [2]

Summarize

External Monitors

Posted by ApprehensiveUnion510 · in r/macbook · 7 months ago

I currently run 2 monitors from my MacBook Pro (2023 M3 Pro Chip) while also running my MacBook screen. I use the HDMI port from one side and a lightning to HDMI connector on the other side. For the sake of cleaning up the wiring on my desk I would like to find a docking station of sorts that I could run one cord from my MacBook that would then feed both monitors. Is that possible or does the MacBook need to be running one monitor from a lighting port and the other from the HDMI port?

1 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Thunderbolt-Charging-Certified-TBT4-UD5/dp/B0CNTTVVN6/

4 replies

Imaginary_Virus19 · 7 months ago

You need a thunderbolt 4 dock like this one:

Cheaper (non thunderbolt) docks will not work with dual monitors on Mac.

1 upvotes on reddit

ApprehensiveUnion510 · OP · 7 months ago

Great, Thanks!

1 upvotes on reddit

Apawllo24 · 7 months ago

Another option is DisplayLink though it is a bit cheaper I think there are some latency issues possibly but for most people I don't think the difference is much notable. That's just what I've heard though so take that with a grain of salt.

1 upvotes on reddit

thumbsdrivesmecrazy · 6 months ago

You don't necessarily need to use one monitor from a Lightning port and the other from an HDMI port. You can use docs like Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station for MacBooks, especially for dual monitor setups. It provides the necessary bandwidth to support two external displays.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/macbookpro • [3]

Summarize

2020 MacBook Pro External Display Question

Posted by brettmvp97 · in r/macbookpro · 7 months ago

I have a 2020 Macbook Pro (Intel), 13-inch, with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports.

I got a new job and they issued me two massive monitors and a Dell Thunderbolt power dock (WD22TB4). Unsurprisingly, it works just fine with my work laptop, and I expected some complications between the Dell dock and the MacBook. But I would also like to take advantage of this and use them with my MacBook.

With both displays connected to the Dock through the included DisplayPort cables, my MacBook recognizes one monitor but not the second one.

What is the best way to go about getting both monitors recognized and working on the MacBook? I would think the USB-C cables make sense but is there a difference between the regular USB-C cord included with the MacBook and iPhone and a ThunderBolt 3 cord? Am I better off just getting a DisplayPort adapter?

Thank you in advance.

1 upvotes on reddit

1 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

1 replies

thumbsdrivesmecrazy · 7 months ago

I would consider Satechi Dual Dock Stand as a reliable option for connecting two monitors to your 2020 MacBook Pro - it includes one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports for flexible screen expansion at 4K/60Hz.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/mac • [4]

Summarize

MacBook to Two monitors

Posted by PapiKaios · in r/mac · 2 years ago

Hi, I own a MacBook Pro and am trying to connect it to two monitors. One of the monitors is working. But the other one isn’t. The one that isn’t working is connected by a Thunderbolt cable. But when I look in my Mac's settings, it says Thunderbolt is not connected. Is there any way I can get the second monitor to turn on using that cable?

2 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

https://displaylink.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1301

12 replies

modulstyle_germany · 2 years ago

I tried several adapters. Non works. Well you could add one on display link and one on hdmi. That works. But two with Displaylink or HDMI doesn’t.

1 upvotes on reddit

Em_Adespoton · 2 years ago

Which Mac? Which Thunderbolt?

2 upvotes on reddit

PapiKaios · OP · 2 years ago

The cord is just a usb c with an hdmi end

1 upvotes on reddit

mangojam98 · 2 years ago

It could be that the cable doesn't work anymore or isn't thunderbolt compatible. Some companies will advertise their cables as thunderbolt compatible but they may not be genuine.

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

M1 (not Pro/Max/Ultra) doesn’t support more than 1 external monitor

8 upvotes on reddit

Nice_Conclusion_5398 · 2 years ago

If it’s an M1 processor, it won’t work. You have to buy a box that is displayed link compatible. And you have to turn on screen monitoring to monitor the screen, then transmit it through. I think Wi-Fi to get the second monitor up and running but as far as plugging them in like it used to be doesn’t work.

1 upvotes on reddit

mangojam98 · 2 years ago

My M1 Mac can connect to multiple monitors through a usb-c to HDMI adapter, so I'm a bit confused by this comment. Perhaps I'm missing something?

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

Since M1 Mac Mini doesn’t have a internal screen, it supports 2 external monitors: one via USBC/TB and another (that for MacBook/iMac is reserved to the internal screen) using HDMI

If you are using a M1 MacBook (NOT M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro or Studio) with multiple displays, then you have to be using a DisplayLink adapter

1 upvotes on reddit

PapiKaios · OP · 2 years ago

I have this which works for the one monitor

Anker USB C Hub, 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, XPS, and More https://a.co/d/c6mmmAo

1 upvotes on reddit

Leighgion · 2 years ago

I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HN2X88P/ref=twister_B0922KN325?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 with an Anker hub that has USB 3 ports on my M1 MacBook Air. Also need to install the DisplayLink drivers.

I don't use it often, as most of the time I'm good with only one external monitor, but the times I've used it everything has worked as advertised. Copy-protected video streams like DisneyPlus and Netflix don't work on any display if you have a DisplayLink display active (there's technical reasons due to how DisplayLink tricks the computer into pretending it can support more monitors) but otherwise, I found the performance seamless. I played 4k videos on the DisplayLink monitor without a hitch.

1 upvotes on reddit

fireguynz · 2 years ago

You’ll need a display link adapter, I found this out only after I’d upgraded to an M1 13” Pro. Just a heads up though, DisplayLink have said that they don’t support HDCP so streaming content can be iffy at times

1 upvotes on reddit

fireguynz · 2 years ago

I’m using this one

https://www.kensington.com/en-nz/p/products/connectivity/universal-laptop-docking-stations/sd4780p-usb-c-usb-a-10gbps-dual-4k-hybrid-docking-station-w-100w-pd-dphdmi-winmacchrome/

1 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/mac • [5]

Summarize

HELP- MacBook connecting multiple monitors one vertical one horizontal!

Posted by Rare_Juggernaut6726 · in r/mac · 4 months ago

I just bought a MacBook Air and I’m switching from windows. In my current set up I have one horizontal monitor and a vertical monitor on the right side of it. I need to know how I can achieve this on Mac OS as from what I have read you can only have one external monitor. I have read about display link which I don’t understand to well? Can you connect both monitors and have one vertically. I also need help with suggestions for adapters for this with display link which ideally has more ports as the MacBook only has 2 thunderbolt ports. Are these the same as USB-C?

ANY HELP WILL BE HUGELY HELPFUL AS I NEED TO SET THIS UP FOR MY GCSE EXAM IN 2 WEEKS!!

2 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

5 replies

WarmCat_UK · 4 months ago

Remember displayport monitors can usually be daisy-chained if yours support that.
Also, did you get the m4 MacBook Air? I’m pretty sure they can support two external monitors in addition to the internal screen.
In the display settings you can rotate the display for your vertical monitor.

1 upvotes on reddit

Rare_Juggernaut6726 · OP · 4 months ago

I got the m1 I’m on a budget😒 how can I do that with m1 because it only has 2 thunderbolt ports

1 upvotes on reddit

WarmCat_UK · 4 months ago

I don’t know much about display-link adapters, but from what I can gather, you plug it into one of your thunderbolt ports, and then plug both monitors into it. For this scenario I guess having one monitor vertically might be a problem.

1 upvotes on reddit

Powerful_Increase222 · 4 months ago

macOS only supports one external monitor by default, so if you want to connect two. especially with one in vertical orientation. you’ll need a DisplayLink-based dock.

I use one from Baseus. It has dual HDMI outputs, USB-A/C ports, and charging. all from a single USB-C connection. Works great for extended displays. I run one horizontal and one vertical for coding, no issues.

You’ll just need to install the DisplayLink driver and enable screen recording permission in System Settings. And the Thunderbolt ports on your MacBook are USB-C shaped, so any USB-C dock will physically fit.

1 upvotes on reddit

Rare_Juggernaut6726 · OP · 4 months ago

Would this be fine? https://ebay.us/m/6SJptE

1 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/mac • [6]

Summarize

Setting up Macbook Pro to Dual Dell Monitors

Posted by Christopherisfun · in r/mac · 7 months ago

I have dual dell monitors set up for work, and the Intel work computer works just fine with connecting and showing multiple screens. But when I plug in my Macbook the same thing pops up on both screens and I'm not able to change that. Any help would be wonderful! I have a 2020 Macbook Pro.

1 upvotes on reddit

3 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-an-external-display-mchl7c7ebe08/mac

3 replies

spdorsey · 7 months ago

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/extend-mirror-mac-desktop-multiple-displays-mchlb5f905a1/15.0/mac/15.0

2 upvotes on reddit

corradokid1 · 7 months ago

How are you connecting the monitors to your Mac? Which CPU is in your MacBook Pro?

1 upvotes on reddit

Ok-Assistance-6848 · 7 months ago

“2020 MacBook Pro” isn’t good enough for us to identify

There’s at least two versions you could be referring to:

Early 2020 Intel 13” MacBook Pro: supports 2 external displays
2020 M1 MacBook Pro: supports 1 external display

Then:

2021 M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: supports 2 displays

If you have the Early 2020 Intel 13” MacBook Pro, macOS doesn’t support DisplayPort MST, so you’ll need to either connect each monitor separately with its own port or grab a Thunderbolt Dock like Caldigit TS4 which should force macOS to use Thunderbolt MST which it does support.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

r/macbookpro • [7]

Summarize

How to connect two monitors to macbook pro?

Posted by Character_Power4663 · in r/macbookpro · 3 years ago

Hey,
I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020).

I am trying to connect two monitors to it.

Both monitors have hdmi input,
but one of them is connected via hdmi-> hdmi adapter-> usb3 port (cable + port)
and the other is connected directly hdmi-> usb3. (cable)

I know that both monitors work because when I connect one of them, it works, but when I connect the other one, nothing happens,
then when I disconnect the first one, the second one suddenly lights up.

and when I plug the first one back, nothing happens, and when I disconnect the second one, the first one comes to life.

So only one can be connected at the same time.

I installed displaylink mannager, and gave the app permission to record the screen, but it doesn't do anything.

1 upvotes on reddit

2 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

2 replies

jagarnaut · 3 years ago

"older" m1 macbooks don't support more than 1 4k monitor -- even if you plug it into two different USB C ports -- that being said it does work if you use a DisplayLink capable USB hub like the dell d6000 -- but that comes with its fair share of tradeoffs -- I'm assuming you're trying to use the DisplayLink app without a physical USB C hub? Sorry :(

1 upvotes on reddit

Character_Power4663 · OP · 3 years ago

Hey,

I don't have a USB C hub, I have a USB-C digital av multiport adapter. I did however, order a USB-C to dual HDMI monitor adapter. I hope it work

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/techsupport • [8]

Summarize

I need halp

Posted by ColinPowersCreations · in r/techsupport · 7 months ago

I have two monitors that have two usb 2.0, usb downstream, display port, and dvi/vga. How would I connect these two monitors to a MacBook Pro that has the 4 usbc ports? I have a usbc to hdmi and usb adapter, as well as a dp to dp cord. Thank you!

1 upvotes on reddit

1 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

1 replies

billdietrich1 · 7 months ago

Please use better, more informative, titles (subject-lines) on your posts. Give specifics right in the title. Thanks.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/macbook • [9]

Summarize

I need to connect 2 MacBooks to 1 monitor; is there a reasonable way to do so?

Posted by [deleted] · in r/macbook · 2 years ago

I'm not looking to spend more than $100 on this because that's what a 24" Acer monitor would run. But I do need to use 2 MBPs simultaneously. Pretty much the only external device I need is some way to connect the two to a single monitor. I already have a separate mouse and keyboard. No KVM switches that I've found have a USB-C. So rather than spending more money on yet another dongle, is there a cheap fix out there?

2 upvotes on reddit

7 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

https://support.apple.com/guide/remote-desktop/enable-remote-management-apd8b1c65bd/mac

7 replies

nullrecord · 2 years ago

Why not have just one mac connected to the monitor, and remote desktop to the other one?

3 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

My goal is to keep both computers separated from each other.

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

How does Remote Desktop not achieve this goal?

2 upvotes on reddit

HJ_wu · 2 years ago

Yes, there is no workable USB-C or Thunderbolt KVM switch solutions at the current market.

you need a a docking station between each MacBooks and a KVM switch.

The solution had been tested and proofed working for a long time. However, it is not cheap.

2 upvotes on reddit

cyberdoc84 · 2 years ago

Actually, I have a setup that has two monitors that are connected simultaneously to a Mac Mini (HDMI to HDMI, USB-C to HDMI) and to a WinPC through a pretty basic USB-C dock that has HDMI and VGA outputs. I can either put one or other device to sleep which automatically switches the monitors' input sources, or simply manually change the inputs on the OSD menus of each monitor. Admittedly a kludge solution, but it works fine for me since I didn't want to deal with a KVM, and I don't need to switch back and forth that often. Feel free to ask me about the details.

1 upvotes on reddit

boyloleng · 2 years ago

An LG Dual-ip monitor: https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-28mq780-b

1 upvotes on reddit

tricheboars · 2 years ago

I think you should approach this entirely different than wanting two MacBooks on one monitor.

Use remote desktop or ScreenShare from one Mac to the other. Or use ssh

My ultra wide monitor has USB c and the monitor itself is a KVM. But that ultra wide was way more than 100$.

The other commenters in this thread are correct.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/macsetups • [10]

Summarize

Two macbooks to two monitors

Posted by wizdiv · in r/macsetups · 6 months ago

Hey all I have a work and personal macbook. How would I connect them both to my two monitors in a way that makes it easy to switch between them?

One is macbook 2019 with multiple usb c outputs. the other is an m3 with an hdmi output.

Right now I'm using a mix of adapters and cables but it's a pain. One laptop using a hub with hdmi output and vga adapter.

The other laptop uses an hdmi output and usb c output to the other monitor.

I've done some research but didn't come across similar scenarios of two macbooks to two monitors.

Thanks! Ignore the photo I just added it because I had to.

i.redd.it

29 upvotes on reddit

3 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6319221.p?skuId=6319221&sb_share_source=PDP

3 replies

DM_ME_PICKLES · 6 months ago

If you want to hot swap between the two computers easily, what you need is called a KVM switch. Get one that supports 2 monitors and 2 computers, plug everything into it (including your peripherals like keyboard, mouse, webcam etc) and then it’s just a press of a button to switch between the two computers. You can probably find one that lets you connect your monitors to it via DisplayPort cables, and then connects to your laptops via one USB-C cable each.

If you don’t care about hot-swapping between computers easily, you can just buy a Thunderbolt dock. You won’t be able to switch between the computers by pressing a button, you’ll have to unplug a USB-C cable and plug it into the other laptop, but they are generally cheaper than KVMs. They work the same way: plug your two monitors (and peripherals) into the dock, then it’s just one USB-C cable going from the dock into your laptop.

1 upvotes on reddit

namorapthebanned · 6 months ago

I believe a kvm switch is what you’re looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Computers-Sharing-Switcher-Keyboard/dp/B0C8MSP967/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=10F6EGZT586DZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f9ypM6tLXM08t_mqFB2N_s9PkUO9XWQqymSDqrrpfNlCiXNUOJ2QxDl5hsNu6inJdAW-1zM660zeF7NsMZjjKBOoe1OHyJK15g4EQwoV5JgE_t4bNbM_X999uczbDgEnYw_IIcYJ2qSsBRWzgS_2pE3X4n_LBimQ0AZSRGtuWgfVi7RB0GvilqWFeLwYrs9e8_VNWrZh5Mp99z3mGYpwNA.Zrza6xcuY1orx9LBr7aGuFyjER2gan6109jBTc32y9Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=kvm+switch&qid=1741476277&sprefix=kvm%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-3

1 upvotes on reddit

0pp0site0fbatman · 6 months ago

I opted for something other than a KVM. I have 2 automatic HDMI hubs. One on each monitor. If I’m using my MacBook and I turn on my desktop, they automatically switch, and vice versa. If I’m not using either and I power one on, they switch to that computer. Basically looks for new activity and goes to that channel, but I can manually swap as well. Works well for me.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

Top People to Talk to

These are some of the top contributors related to

macbookpro

macbook

mac

1+ others

Capn_Flags

No bio available

5975

Karma

181

Posts

7026

Comments

thumbsdrivesmecrazy

No bio available

129902

Karma

10000

Posts

6284

Comments

WarmCat_UK

No bio available

10635

Karma

Posts

1814

Comments

Adomm1234

No bio available

1782

Karma

Posts

2848

Comments

Cherry_zsa

No bio available

Karma

Posts

Comments

Imaginary_Virus19

No bio available

1948

Karma

Posts

2584

Comments

Apawllo24

No bio available

4798

Karma

Posts

349

Comments