Mouse pointer invisible in mirrored setup

Question

Level 1

8 points

Mouse pointer invisible in mirrored setup

Hi,

I have connected my 2019MBP 16" to a projector via HDMI (using the Apple USB-C to HDMI convertor). System is running OSX Catalina.

I have also connected a second monitor directly to one of the other USB-C ports.

The projected desktop is mirrored to the second monitor. That way I can see what is being presented behind my back.

However, in this setup (projected screen mirrored to the second monitor), the mouse pointer is only visible on the projector, but not on the second monitor. This is very annoying, because when doing a demo I have to turn my head to the projector screen so I can see where the mouse pointer is.

This feels like a bug (as I expected things to be 100% mirrored, but clearly the "mouse" pointer (I am using the touchpad, not a real mouse) is not being correctly mirrored).

Any workarounds? Fixes?

thanks

MacBook Pro 16", macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 27, 2020 3:37 AM

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Answer 1

brenden dv

Community Specialist

Jan 29, 2020 6:05 PM in response to corelanc0d3r

Hello, corelanc0d3r.

Thank you for consulting the Apple Support Communities. I can definitely understand how frustrating it would be unable to see your cursor, so I’d like to lend a hand.

First, ensure that you’ve followed the steps shown, here: Use external monitors with your Mac

If your cursor is still not visible, here are some great steps to try: Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac

Don’t hesitate to respond to this thread if the issue persists.

All the best.

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Answer 2

rose_10

Community Specialist

Feb 1, 2020 12:09 PM in response to corelanc0d3r

Hey, corelanc0d3r.

Since you’ve tried some steps, and you are unable to create a test user, I suggest that you Contact - Official Apple Support for further guidance.

Best wishes.

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Answer 3

corelanc0d3r Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 29, 2020 10:55 PM in response to brenden dv

Hi,

I can confirm that the external monitor works fine, and the mirror itself also works.

setup:

laptop

external monitor connected via USB-C

projector connected via HDMI (via Apple USB-C to HDMI convertor)

The laptop sees 3 screens: the laptop itself, the external monitor and the projector.

When I "mirror" the external monitor to the projector, this also works. What is shown on the external monitor, is also displayed on the projector... except for the mouse pointer. The pointer is only visible on the projector, not on the external monitor.

(despite the fact that the project and external monitor are setup as a "mirror".)

please advise

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Answer 4

corelanc0d3r Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2020 8:25 AM in response to Teddy_B

Hi A13_usr,

unfortunately I don't have a second user account on my Mac (and I'm not allowed to create a second one either).

When booting in safe mode, the projector (connected via HDMI to an Apple HDMI - USBC convertor) was not longer being detected. The second screen (directly connected with USB-C) still worked fine.

So, unfortunately I'm not able to tell if the issue occurs in safe mode.

Perhaps someone else with a similar setup as mine can confirm the issue?

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Answer 5

Teddy_B

Community Specialist

Jan 30, 2020 8:59 AM in response to corelanc0d3r

Hi, corelanc0d3r.

It sounds like everything works as expected with the exception of being able to see your pointer. That’s good to know. Let’s continue to figure it out.

Does this occur in another user or in safe mode?

How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac

Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac

Farewell.

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Mouse pointer invisible in mirrored setup

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