Can't connect VIZIO smart TV to MacBook Air (13 inch early 2015 running Mojave)

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Level 1

5 points

Can't connect VIZIO smart TV to MacBook Air (13 inch early 2015 running Mojave)

I can connect my MacBook Air to my older Samsung TV but cannot connect to my two newer VIZIO TVs. VIZIO says it is a Mac issue. I am using a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI cable. I have a 13 inch, early 2015 MacBook Air running Mojave 10.14.5. Selecting DISPLAY from System Preferences does not show the VIZIO (it does show the Samsung). Holding the OPTION key down does show the "detect display" choice on the DISPLAY tab. However, clicking on the "detect display" does nothing.

What am I doing wrong? Can anyone assist me?

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jul 3, 2019 6:22 PM

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Answer 1

kermitvb Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 7, 2019 2:48 PM in response to sterling r

Thank you for the assistance. None of the suggested actions helped me connect to my VIZIO TVs, so I made an educated guess. It appeared to me that my "early 2015" Macbook Air could possibly be "confused" as to what connection cable combination would work. The Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI worked with my Samsung but not with the VIZIOs. So, I purchased a Mini-display to HDMI connector and connected it to an HDMI cable. Amazingly, this worked perfectly. So my "Early 2015 Macbook Air" uses the Mini-display to HDMI connector + HDMI cable with my VIZIO TVs and the recommended Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI cable for my Samsung. Who knows why, but "I'd rather be lucky than good." Now I get great quality projections from my Macbook Air on all my TVs.

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Answer 2

sterling r

Community Specialist

Jul 4, 2019 2:19 PM in response to kermitvb

Good afternoon kermitvb,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

I understand you are trying to connect your MacBook Air to your Vizio televisions. The resources below will provide some general guidance. Have you confirmed you are choosing the HDMI source on the remote for your TV?

Use your TV as a display with Mac

Use 4K displays, 5K displays, and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac

Connect a display, TV, or projector to Mac

If you can’t see your Mac desktop on an external display

If you can't connect to the televisions with a cable, you could connect wirelessly using Apple TV:

How to AirPlay video and mirror your device's screen

Take care.

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Answer 3

rose_10

Community Specialist

Jul 8, 2019 9:33 AM in response to kermitvb

Hi kermitvb,

I'm happy you were able to try a different cable and adapter suggested in Connect a display, TV, or projector to Mac to find a combination that worked for your Vizio televisions. Sounds like you are all set! Enjoy!

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Can't connect VIZIO smart TV to MacBook Air (13 inch early 2015 running Mojave)

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