HDMi to dvi on new mac mini does not work

Maybe your DVI display is too old to support HDCP.

It seems HDCP is the reason for DVI adapters not working with some older displays, such as the Apple Cinema displays.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Chromebook-Thunderbolt-Supports-1920x1200/dp/B01FIR1O4A

"IMPORTANT NOTE - USB-C systems from Apple require that DVI monitors support HDCP. Non-HDCP DVI monitors will not work in OS X, though are supported in BootCamp. Not compatible with Apple Cinema Displays"

Just had an hour long conversation with Apple Support. A good conversation. Apple spent the time doing diagnostics. Because I have a 2014 Mac mini, we were able to screen share the two computers and run diagnostics on the M1 Mac mini while it was hooked into the DVI monitor.

So Apple is actively trying to resolve the problem. I go to the Genius Bar tomorrow and will send an update when I return. I don't know about everyone else, but having both usb-c ports available is preferable along with the HDMI to DVI being available for Apple Cinema Display users.

Rob

I think you are correct that HDCP is the reason HDMI to DVI adaptors that worked with older Mac mini's no longer work on our new machines. However, the USB-C to DVI adaptor *does* still work on my older monitor. My guess is that I could get an HDMI to VGA adaptor to run my second monitor (which would strip the HDCP), but after all of this, I've decided that it's time to just upgrade to a new UltraWide monitor anyway...

I also bought a $20 USB-C to DVI cable on Amazon that works. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076TTN1FL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 No question, Apple did not properly test the cable (or new Mac mini) they sell which is supposed to allow DVI to HDMI on the Mac. No excuse - just is a fact no company is perfect. Got it working with a new cable but launching a case with Apple to fix this issue. I don't like tying up one of the USB-C ports when the HDMI is supposed to work.

I got a USB-C to DVI cable and it works (see my other posts here). But still want my brand new M1 Mac mini to work properly. Several calls to Apple - had me boot to safe mode, also reinstall Big Sur. Neither worked. Next step was buy a new Apple HDMI to DVI adapter cable. This is the same Apple cable I already own but my old adapter cable is maybe 9 years old - and the apple tech said this adapter cable got redesigned. New cable will be here in a few days and I will test and report back. Skeptical it is the solution, but I have been fooled before with odd-ball cable problems, so fingers crossed.

The new Apple adapter doesn’t work for me. Apple said that engineering is now working on the problem. I don’t know how high a priority this issue is other than Apple stating in the specs that DVI works.

went to the Genius Bar on Friday and they handed me a new M1 Mac Mini. I’ll plug it in tomorrow to the DVI monitor to see if it works.

I’m hoping the next update fixes it.

Apple is aware as I have a case open. Do they understand and has it gone to engineering yet? Unknown. Some posts here say it has been pushed to engineering, with no ETA for solution. Affect some or all monitors is unknown. Based on the number of posts here I am guessing it is a low incidence problem. Apple rarely addresses or solves low incidence problems. Thats just the unfortunate reality. The M1 mini is clearly spec’d to work using their DVI to HDMI adapter. Told me to order new one even tho I have an older version of that cable. Doubtful it will work.

This is what I know so far. The second M1 Mac Mini Apple gave me still doesn't work. DVI to HDMI is supposed to work with the M1 Mac Mini and it does not.

Apple Engineering is aware and they are working on it. Will they be able to fix this with a software update? The Apple reps I spoke to don't know the answer to that. They did "say" it was a priority.

Yes, this could be a hardware problem and unfixable, BUT because Apple listed DVI as working in the spec sheet for the M1, they will do everything to prevent having to refund a bunch of M1 Mac Minis.

Apple did tell me that I now have until January to return the M1 Mini if this issue is not resolved (this is because of the holiday return policy and not because Apple is trying to extend the return because of my issue).

This is not a cable, monitor or adapter issue. This is an issue with the M1 Mac Mini.

Hope this helps.

Rob

Super helpful - thank you for the post. I am one step behind you and pretty sure the next step they will want is to give me a new Mini. That did not work for you. Seems what we don't know is if this just affects a few Mini M1's, or all of them. Based on the # of posts here - not many posts when it comes to widespread Apple issues - my guess is maybe it only affects some Minis? I think my next step if (when) the new Apple HDMI-DVI adapter cable does not work --- is just register it as an open case and ask to be notified if/when they fix it via hardware or software fix. We have a year warranty on the hardware which should cover "not operating according to advertised specs" I would think...

The "truth" is that the new M1 Mini is spec'ed to work with DVI. Plain and simple. But it doesn't for some of us. My wife prefers her old monitor - it's not a matter of money or buying a new monitor. I want what I paid for.

Exactly. I too checked what the specs say and they say DVI via the HDMI DVI adapter. No ifs, no buts, no demand of HDCP support. I too contacted the support yesterday and the case was forwarded to the next level. I'm beginning to think that in stead of returning the Mini I may buy a USB-B DVI adapter for now, but never the less expect Apple to take care of this problem eventually.

A couple days ago Apple collected extensive data on my defective mini M1. Not easy as the monitor is dark when replicating the problem. But Apple did a screen share and even tho I saw a dark screen, they could direct me to collect data. The engineers want my Mi back to have a look, so they are sending me a new unit by mail. I'll move my data to the new machine and send them the old unit. Unlikely the new M1 will solve the problem since they don't even know the cause yet. But a good sign they are trying. And agree, by fr the worst Apple experience ever,

Did you get the replacement mini yet? I'll have a similar session next monday. But I'm not sure if I'd like a new mini as I have just installed everything I need, logged in to every website and so on and I think this isn't about individual computers but rather about a design failure.