User profile for user: LF_
LF_ Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

TV display using HDMI cable not working properly after Catalina upgrade

I recently updated my MacBook Pro to Catalina. Since then, any time I connect my TV display to the laptop using a HDMI cable (which always worked fine before) the TV display shows only the Catalina desktop image but nothing else - none of the desktop icons, no toolbar, no documents, no apps, no browser windows etc... I can’t seem to find a workaround in system preferences - checked display and security settings to see if anything was interfering.


Anyone have any idea why this is happening, and maybe have a fix?

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 19, 2019 9:17 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: markwmsn
markwmsn
User level: Level 6
16,715 points

Posted on Dec 22, 2019 10:10 PM

It depends on how you have been using the two screens:

Are you used to seeing the external monitor mirror the builtin screen? You may have lost the mirroring setting. Set mirroring on again, or drag windows onto the external monitor.

Are you used to having different content on the two screens but can no longer drag onto the external monitor? You may have lost the arrangement settings and need to drag off another edge (or another part of an edge) of the internal screen.

View in context

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: markwmsn
markwmsn
User level: Level 6
16,715 points

Dec 22, 2019 10:10 PM in response to jeremy_v

It depends on how you have been using the two screens:

Are you used to seeing the external monitor mirror the builtin screen? You may have lost the mirroring setting. Set mirroring on again, or drag windows onto the external monitor.

Are you used to having different content on the two screens but can no longer drag onto the external monitor? You may have lost the arrangement settings and need to drag off another edge (or another part of an edge) of the internal screen.

Reply
User profile for user: jeremy_v
jeremy_v
User level: Community Specialist

Dec 22, 2019 11:38 AM in response to LF_

Hello LF_.


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. I understand that since upgrading to macOS Catalina that when connecting your MacBook Pro to your TV that the display is blank. I’m happy to help.


Please try the steps in the section titled “If the display image is blank or unusable” here: Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac - Apple Support


I also recommend trying the steps here in the section titled “After making the connection”: Connect to HDMI from your Mac - Apple Support


Take care.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

TV display using HDMI cable not working properly after Catalina upgrade

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up