Big Sur 11.1 External Display Issues!

I read through all of your posts and agree that a workaround is needed in order to be allowed to work. However I’d strongly push on Apple with calls to customer service to keep them awake that we’re not forgetting this issue! It is causing too many problems to allow them just to forget about it.

I’m now waiting for a LG 32un880 ergo. It is supposed to be delivered on Sunday. I’ll let you know how it works

Have finally installed 11.2 and still no fix. I got the correct recognition of the external display (LG43 4K) but found that I have to change port and restart (sometimes more than once). This is a shambolic performance by Apple. They contacted me soon after the issue began with 11.1 and they took system info etc. and admitted that they recognised that several users have the same issue.

I cannot.afford to waste my life testing and restarting hoping to get the correct resolution and Hrz every time I wake up the MBP 16. I have left the MBP 15 (other tasks and family) on 11.0 just because Apple cannot fix what is obviously and issue with Big Sur 11.1 and after.

One of the advantages and reasons I use Apple is that I usually do not have to mess with drivers and that usually everything is plug and play but I need the large monitor for my processes and right now after 7-8 weeks with no fix nor information coming from Apple I think maybe it has had its day.

Come on Apple - you employ the best talent in the world and you cannot fix this problem that YOU have created?

I see many people suggesting the use of additional hardware or third-party software. Don't be fooled into buying hardware or using possibly malicious software. You don't need it.

Additional hardware will not change the results. All available cables, dongles, docks, and hubs use what's called DisplayPort / HDMI Alt Mode, which is a standard that allows for video signals to be passed through a USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 connection. All that the available cables, dongles, docks, and hubs can do is change the connector type to offer you DisplayPort or HDMI connectivity. This will not fix your problem, because display detection in macOS is the problem. Additional hardware can not and will not magically help macOS fix this problem.

Third-party software will not change the results. Third-party software can only reveal the display modes that macOS hides from the user (for generally good reasons, actually). However, the issue here is that macOS does not correctly detect the display and for that reason does not know which display modes are available. Third-party software can not and will not magically help macOS fix this problem.

Display detection is broken in macOS 11.1 and onwards. The problem is in macOS and can only be fixed by the Apple engineers that make macOS. It is literally impossible for additional hardware or third-party software to fix this problem.

Not sure what you’re talking about here.. I had this issue for months before I changed from USB-C - DP to USB-C to HDMI and it fixed the issue for me?

I agree that the fix obviously has to come from apple, but using alternative dongles / connectors has fixed the issue for me, and a few others too. It’s not guaranteed to work for every setup, but to say it won’t work just isn’t true

That didn't work for my Benq, so won't work for everyone. My monitor does support HDR over the HDMI connection though (a lot of monitors don't), which might be why it helped you and not me (if it is disabling HDR or showing at a lower refresh rate). I have that adapter too.

We just need to be careful what we call a fix and what we call a work around. I think huuk is basically right, the only fix for this is going to come from Apple. All we have so far is work arounds.

Fair enough, I get what you guys mean, it's far from ideal to have to shell out for an extra lead because of some incompetence on Apple's part. I'm just saying, if you're like me, and have sat around at non-native res, frustrated at apple since December, then you might as well give it a shot with a different lead to (hopefully) tide you over better until Apple finally fix the issue

I was fine in 11.1, but now the supposed *fix* in 11.2 broke me. Every once in a while I get a screen freeze (but computer is still running, sound still plays, I can even click on any misc UI element and hear feedback if I can guess where to click). Unplugging the USB-C connection to the display and plugging it back in fixes it each time.

On a Mac Mini M1 using a Dell U3415W (3440 x 1440) display connected via USB-C to Mini Display Port.

Not sure how Apple managed to unsolve sending pixels to a display w/ Big Sur.

As for new hardware you are right. Everything worked great before the 11.1 update so there is no reason to buy something new. BUT the software is different case.

If the system (through the bug) hides optimal resolutions with relevant frequency, there is no question to use 3rd party product that enables what the system cannnot. I am using Display Menu App since the problem occurred and I am absolutely satisfied with it. The price is extremely low for what it can do.

Yes, sometimes you have to combine it with some annoying things – turning on and off the monitor or unplugging the USB-C connector from your MacBook Pro but it works!

I am a big dreamer. But waiting for the salvation from Apple is pointless. Sorry.

(sorry for my english)

I've solved this (after two months of ****, switching resolution, changing port from left two right and back again), changing nearly everything: I bought a TB3 dock (in my case: HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 since it seems compatible and affordable). Connected to my MBP 16" 2019 via Thunderbolt3 cable, connected my 49" ultrawide Philips 499P9H display with Displayport++ cable: worked like a charm with native resolution at 5120x1440@60Hz. The only caveat: the dock has a cooler fan. :/

I'm just sitting in front of it: it take slonger to synchronize (about 10-15seconds). Over DP it works constantly stable with macOS11.2. All the time the same (full native) resolution, no more 720p ****, this solution works for me. It's a shame to have a 160€ TB3 dock for such a simple task.

This is my first Apple Mac Computer (after using iPhones, iPads for over 10years now). I bought the Appe Mac Mini with M1 4 weeks ago. I have a Samsung ultra-wide Display with the native display solution of 5120*1440px.

1.) With 11.0 and 11.1 I had the bug that I can only this display with 3840x1080. Not looking good.

2.) Using a USB-C to Display Port adapter I wasn't able to use the PBP-Mode of the display. I had a picture but the monitor always wrote the message that I had to check the signal cable,... (Big Sur 11.1)

3.) With HDMI everything works fine but not the native display solution

4.) I ordered the second new cable USB-C to Display Port. This one works with the Picture-by-Picture Mode. Same day update to Big Sur 11.2,...

5.) Ohh, everythings works fine. I was happy. Native screen resolution, PBP-Mode,...

6.) Reboot

7.) Black screen - second USB-C,... Display works again

8.) Reboot

9.) Black screen - no way to get the display working with the USB-C to DP cable, only HDMI works

10.) I'm total frustrated

@Apple: You write that this device supports a display up to 6k - sorry - in the moment this is wrong! Sorry guys, fix this or you get the device back,...

still not working after 11.2

works sometimes but only after replugging or doing some nonsensical on off order. REALLY annoying since my monitor with thunderbolt is also the hub for my time machine drive

Macbook Pro 16"

BenQ PD2720 4K

thanks for the report/feedback links. I have apple care but havent had time yet to deal with a complaint.

It's ridiculous how many creative professionals this has to be affecting - a base that built apples popularity.

i smell a class action tbh

I complained many times and agree with you: everyone who is active in this thread MUST do that and call in the customer service as well.

I read many posts here finishing with “apple please fix that”, but guys, I tell you a thing: APPLE DOESN’T READ THROUGH THESE DISCUSSIONS.

This is just useful for us to share some workaround but, as it is an OS big, Apple must be informed and contacted directly or nothing moves.

I don’t know why many people are not experiencing the issue, bu ai assume that so many are just silent

Hi, I’m not happy because Apple have not done nothing but the solution of h.latzko is working for mezz

I’ve purchased the hp dock station usbc 120w in amazon and with the same laptop 16” 2019 is working. Don’t ask me why I do not understand because without the dock I can’t do nothing with displayport.

just if helps somebody ( and yes I wasted 180€ this is a shame apple)

I have the same issue, Big Sur 11.0 was fine but as soon as I "updated" to 11.1 neither of my 23" Cinema Displays monitors worked. They will work with my wife's MacBook Air (not running Big Sur).

To be fair, I've had consistent contact with an Apple advisor up until two weeks ago. He told me that the engineering team expected 11.2 would solve the problem, and to have patience. 11.2 did not solve the issue, and this advisor is no longer reachable. I have a new advisor, as of Feb. 3. I'm supposed to hear more on Monday, February 8.

Incidentally, I had to upgrade my older MacBook Pro in December 2019 as I needed the 64-bit capability. Had to return it as it only had two ports (this is the Pro machine?) and Apple advised against using multi-port adapters. I ended up buying the 16" MacBook Pro which at least has 4 ports. The monitors have three cords in an umbilical cable—USB, Firewire, and DVI. In the past, I've only connected the DVI output, adapted to USB. Apple was able to "recognize" the ports were connected when I had both the USB and DVI cables adapted and attached, but neither monitor came to life.

I'm so used to Apple being "plug and play," or "plug and work." What has happened?