Jump to Key Sections
If you’re a frequent user of Mac, you might have faced a situation where you wished if you could attach an external display to your Mac for better productivity. This blog is especially for those people who want to know how to add two displays to their Mac. When you have a dual monitor display, it increases your productivity by providing more workspace to the user. You can easily work on different applications on each display without having to consistently switch between the apps. If you’re working on a project that requires multitasking, having a dual monitor setup can benefit you in many ways. Now, let’s learn how we can set up two displays on a Mac.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Add Two Displays to Mac
Adding two displays on a Mac could be a tricky step, as it requires some technicalities that the user need to know about. There are many ways and methods to add two displays to a Mac, but choosing the one that suits your device compatibility is essential. In this blog, we will be discussing four different methods to set up and connect two displays to your Mac.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting with the methods, you will need to make sure that you have a few things ready at your disposal. Firstly, you need to be sure that your Mac model is compatible with the dual-monitor setup. Secondly, you will need two identical monitors that support the same resolution and have the same port. Thirdly, you need to have two identical display cables for connecting the monitors. Lastly, you will need to make sure that your Mac device has the latest software updates.
Method 1: Via Thunderbolt/USB-C Port
This is the most recommended and convenient method to add two displays to your Mac. You can use Thunderbolt or USB-C connection port to connect your monitors with your Mac as they are faster and support higher graphics. As most Macs have Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, this method would be the go-to for many users. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Turn off your Mac device and connect the two identical monitors using the DisplayPort or HDMI port.
2. Once you’ve connected the monitors, plug the Thunderbolt or USB-C cable to the Mac’s port.
3. Now, turn on your Mac device, and it will detect the monitors.
4. If the monitors are not detected, you can go to System Preferences > Display and then click on the Detect Displays button.
5. You can now configure the resolution, color, and brightness of both the displays according to your preference.
Pros:
– Supports higher graphics
– Provides more workspace
– Easy to set up
Cons:
– Some older Mac models might not support USB-C or Thunderbolt
Method 2: Via Mini DisplayPort
This method is also known as a daisy chain setup, as you can connect up to 5 displays to your Mac using the Mini DisplayPort. This method is best for Mac devices that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Turn off your Mac device and connect one display to the Mini DisplayPort.
2. Then, connect another display to the first display using DisplayPort or HDMI.
3. Now, turn on your Mac device and go to System Preferences > Display.
4. Click on the Arrangement tab and click on Mirror Displays option.
5. You can now configure the resolution, color, and brightness of both the displays according to your preference.
Pros:
– You can connect up to 5 displays
– Doesn’t require extra cables
Cons:
– Can cause lags if the resolution of the displays doesn’t match
– Not all Mac models support Mini DisplayPort
Method 3: Via HDMI Port
Not all Mac models have Thunderbolt or USB-C port, but almost every Mac model has an HDMI port. You can connect your monitors with your Mac using the HDMI port. This may not have the same graphics and speed as Thunderbolt/USB-C, but it can still benefit you in many ways. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Turn off your Mac device and connect both monitors to the HDMI port using an HDMI cable.
2. Turn on your Mac device and go to System Preferences > Display.
3. You can now configure the resolution, color, and brightness of both the displays according to your preference.
Pros:
– Almost every Mac model has an HDMI port
– More cost-effective than other methods
Cons:
– Limited graphics
– Can cause lags if the resolution of the displays doesn’t match
Method 4: Via Third-Party Software
In the above methods, connecting external devices would have been done through physical ports. In this method, you can use third-party software to connect external displays to your Mac. One of the most popular third-party software is DisplayLink. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Download the DisplayLink software from their official website and install it on your Mac device.
2. Connect both monitors using the DisplayPort or HDMI port.
3. Now, connect the DisplayLink device to the Mac’s port.
4. Launch the DisplayLink software, and it will detect the monitors.
5. You can now configure the resolution, color, and brightness of both the displays according to your preference.
Pros:
– Can connect multiple displays
– Provides more workspace
Cons:
– Expensive
– Can cause lags and flickering
Why Can’t I Add Two Displays to Mac?
There are several reasons why you might be facing difficulty adding two displays to your Mac, such as:
1. Compatibility Issues: Your Mac device might not be compatible with the dual-display setup. When you try to connect multiple displays, it can cause errors and lags.
2. Outdated Software: Your Mac device might not have the latest updates, which can cause software issues.
3. Faulty Cables: Your cables might be damaged, which can result in issues while connecting multiple displays.
4. Insufficient Graphics Card: If your Mac device doesn’t have an upgraded version of the graphics card, it can also result in difficulty adding multiple displays.
To fix these issues, make sure your device is updated with the latest software and is compatible with the dual-display setup. Also, use reliable cables and make sure your Mac device’s graphics card meets the requirements to support multiple displays.
Additional Tips
1. Make sure the resolution and refresh rate of the displays are the same to avoid any conflicts.
2. Keep the displays at the same distance from your eyes to avoid any discomfort.
3. Use a docking station to make the connectivity process quick and easy.
5 FAQ’s about How to Add Two Displays to Mac
Q1: Can I connect more than two displays to Mac?
A: Yes. Depending on your device’s compatibility, you can connect up to 5 displays to your Mac using Mini DisplayPorts.
Q2: Do I need to install software to configure my displays?
A: No. You don’t need any software to configure your displays. You can simply go to System Preferences > Display and configure the resolution, color, and brightness.
Q3: Can I connect an iMac to external displays?
A: Yes. You can connect two external displays to an iMac.
Q4: What’s the difference between Thunderbolt and USB-C?
A: Thunderbolt supports higher graphics and faster connectivity than USB-C.
Q5: How can I check my Mac device’s compatibility with dual-display setup?
A: You can check your Mac device’s compatibility by going to Apple’s official website and checking device specifications.
In Conclusion
Adding two displays to Mac can enhance your productivity and provide more workspace. In this blog, we have discussed four different methods to add two displays to Mac. You can choose the method that best fits your compatibility and requirement. We also discussed the common reasons why you might face difficulty in adding multiple displays and provided some additional tips that can make your dual-display setup efficient. We hope this blog has been helpful, and you can now add two displays to your Mac with ease.