Connecting your Mac to an external monitor or TV can enhance productivity and improve your viewing experience. However, depending on your macOS version and hardware (Intel-based vs. Apple Silicon), the steps to configure display settings may vary. This guide provides instructions for both older and current Mac systems to help you get the best results.
For Older Intel-Based Macs (macOS Catalina and earlier)
If you're using a Mac running macOS Catalina (10.15) or earlier, follow these steps to detect and configure external displays:
Steps:
- Open System Preferences
Navigate to System Preferences > Displays. - Detect Displays
In the Display tab, look for a button in the lower-right corner labeled “Detect Displays”. Click it to prompt your Mac to recognize the connected monitor or TV. - Adjust Resolution
In the Display tab, you’ll see a list of available resolutions (e.g., 1920x1080). Try different options until you find one that works best for your setup. -
Check GPU Settings
On some Intel-based Macs, you can disable or enable the discrete GPU. If disabled, external displays may not function.- Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver
- Look for “Automatic Graphics Switching” and ensure it’s enabled.
-
Run Graphics and EFI Updates
If display issues persist, check for firmware updates:- Visit the https://support.apple.com/downloads
- Download and run the relevant graphics or EFI update installer
- The installer will notify you if the update is already installed or not needed
For Newer Macs (macOS Big Sur and later, including Apple Silicon)
Apple has redesigned the display settings interface in newer macOS versions. Here’s how to configure external displays on macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma:
Steps:
- Open System Settings
Navigate to System Settings > Displays. -
Detect Displays
If your external monitor isn’t recognized automatically:- Scroll to the bottom of the Displays window
- Click “Detect Displays”
-
Arrange Displays
- Drag the display boxes to match your physical setup
- Choose “Extend” or “Mirror” depending on your preference
-
Adjust Resolution and Refresh Rate
- Click the display you want to configure
- Select from available resolutions and refresh rates
-
Check GPU Switching (Intel Macs only)
- Go to System Settings > Battery > Options
- Enable “Automatic Graphics Switching” if available
Note: Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) do not support external GPU switching and rely on unified memory architecture.
Conclusion
Whether you're using an older Intel-based Mac or a newer Apple Silicon model, adjusting display settings is straightforward once you know where to look. If you're still having trouble, Monoprice Technical Support is here to help you troubleshoot and find the right cables or adapters for your setup.