Multiple displays on 2020 MacBook Air

Hi apple community, In the next few months I'm sold on buying a 2020 (base model) MacBook Air with an i5. I know it can handle 1 or more 6k displays so I know I'm fine with what I have now. I do know how to connect and use 1 display but I don't know how to connect 2 of them. Can someone explain how to set them both up to my laptop? I couldn't find what I was looking for on youtube.

MacBook Air

Posted on Apr 3, 2020 8:27 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 3, 2020 9:38 AM

Let's start with the Apple Technical Specifications for this notebook:


Video Support

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colors and:

  • One external 6K display with 6016-by-3384 resolution at 60Hz at millions of colors
  • One external 5K display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz at millions of colors
  • Up to two external 4K displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz at millions of colors

Thunderbolt 3 digital video output

  • Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C
  • VGA, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 2 output using adapters (sold separately)


As you can see, only a single 6K or 5K display can be supported, but up to two 4K displays can be used.


Now, you need to review what displays you plan on using to see what types of video connections that they can support. Your new notebook has two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports. Most likely, you will need to use one for keeping this notebook charged, especially while driving these displays. That would leave you with only a single port.


If you do know what displays you plan on using, now would be a good time to let us know so we can assist you with how you could connect them with this notebook.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 3, 2020 9:38 AM in response to AppleUser18019

Let's start with the Apple Technical Specifications for this notebook:


Video Support

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colors and:

  • One external 6K display with 6016-by-3384 resolution at 60Hz at millions of colors
  • One external 5K display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz at millions of colors
  • Up to two external 4K displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz at millions of colors

Thunderbolt 3 digital video output

  • Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C
  • VGA, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 2 output using adapters (sold separately)


As you can see, only a single 6K or 5K display can be supported, but up to two 4K displays can be used.


Now, you need to review what displays you plan on using to see what types of video connections that they can support. Your new notebook has two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports. Most likely, you will need to use one for keeping this notebook charged, especially while driving these displays. That would leave you with only a single port.


If you do know what displays you plan on using, now would be a good time to let us know so we can assist you with how you could connect them with this notebook.

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Multiple displays on 2020 MacBook Air

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