MacBook Pro 16" and LED Cinema Display

Donald Levick wrote:

Trying to connect my LED Cinema Display to my new MBP 16" (4 USB-C ports). The Cinema Display is the MC007LL/A model with the 3-headed cable (USB-A, MagSafe power, MiniDisplay).

I can not get the display to be recognized and to work. I have tried Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2, a Thunderbolt 3 to MiniDisplay, and have tried USB-A (from one of the USB ports on the back of the monitor) to Thunderbolt 3.

None have worked.

However, the USB Hub in the Cinema Display is working, as my peripherals plugged into the USB ports on the back of the monitor are showing up on the Mac, through a Thunderbolt 3 to USB-A (that is one of the three heads coming from the main monitor cable).

I was on the phone with Apple Support, and after trying a few things which did not work, he said upon further digging, that the MacBook Pro is NOT compatible with MiniDisplay monitors.

Any ideas? or am I hosed. Thanks for any help

Generally speaking to make the jump from computer output to display input at most one adapter, in most cases you can not stack adapters.

Mini DisplayPort  

If you're using a Mini DisplayPort cable with a Mini DisplayPort

display, use a third-party USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter. Check with

its manufacturer for compatibility with your Mac and display model.

This is the correct solution for the Apple LED Cinema Display.

Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port.

Adapters for the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your Mac - Apple Support
 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207443

Donald Levick wrote:

I called Apple and after some digging told me the Cinema Display (see model number above) is NOT compatible with the MBP 16"

If it is not compatible, then it is not compatible.

Exchange or buy a compatible product.

Donald Levick wrote:

...

I have tried:

1) Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2,

2) a Thunderbolt 3 to MiniDisplay, and

3) have tried USB-A (from one of the USB ports on the back of the monitor) to Thunderbolt 3.

1) The Apple ThunderBolt-3 <--> ThunderBolt-2 adapter ONLY supports genuine ThunderBolt displays, no others at all.

2) Thunderbolt 3 to MiniDisplay --- that should be the winning solution provided you got a high quality adapter/cable and it is not defective. Some labeled "4K" are superior.

3) USB-A (from one of the USB ports on the back of the monitor) to Thunderbolt 3. --

that has NO HOPE of working, it is on the wrong side of the Hub built into the display.