Big Sur 11.1 External Display Issues!

I've installed macOS Big Sur 11.1 right after it launched today. My mistake lol


Unfortunately, I noticed my Type-C ports no longer recognize my two external monitors. I'm using HDMI to Type-C. So far my troubleshooting is as follows:

  1. PRAM reset. This seemed to help until I locked the display. Once unlocked via Touch ID, the True Tone went off and one of the two monitors went out and will no longer connect. Woot. Normally, when connecting an external display, the screen goes black then back on, however, the screen short-of lags and then doesn't ever detect an active connection.
  2. SMC reset. This actually didn't help at all... :(
  3. Fresh install, same issues.


Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Dec 14, 2020 3:44 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 16, 2021 4:54 AM

Same problem. Just installed 11.2.1 - No Joy.


I'm running a Macbook Pro 2016 - 2019

32GB ram 4TB.

I'm connected to a J5Create JCD543. Via USB-C

2 DELL SE 2719HR displays.


Also tested on a 2019 Macbook Air. - No joy


Prior to Big Sur, my set up was solid.




Work Arounds: As of Feb 16 2021


Option 1: j5Create just launched a driver. But...well... as of now, it's not useable. It works. Kind of... but it's DJTVirtualDisplayAgent and some other USB virtual software that needs to be approved by security. It enables the second display, but with a 1 or 2 second screen lag. So any interaction with items on that display are slow. Like using Virtual PC in the 1990's. Maybe they will improve this.


Option 2: Use 2 USB-C ports. So, one cable goes into the j5Create hub and the second goes into an HDMI to USB-C adapter. Not the end of the world, but does require an extra USB-C port. results in normal use of 2 displays.


Option 3: I tried other hubs (prices may have changed since posting this.)

USB-3 Hub 123.99

https://amzn.to/3jV4aYp (both displays worked, but requires a special USB-C dual port cable) - returned


Portable USB-C hub pro $59

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0855GZ7PT (both displays worked, but also requires 2 ports, plus, it's a short cable, all cables must be visible on the table. I'm sure you know what I mean.. messy. - returned


Docking Station OKX $149

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLXLW1Q (Yes, best choice so far. only requires 1 cable and has lots of ports. BUT It does require a driver.

https://www.displaylink.com/downloads


It's still a hack. requires you to be logged into the user account that you have installed the software. So, that means 1 display will be active while rebooting, up until you actually log in, then after about 15 seconds, it launches the second display. No lag, it works well as a work around. This one I'm keeping.


Oh, to save you time, I tried installing this displaylink software to use with other hubs. No dice, it looks for it's own hardware. sorry... (as of the time of this posting. Maybe that will change)



Summary:

I kept the OKX docking with displaylink for my home office. It's nice and clean, with the hub hidden and a 1 simple cable into my USB-C port (also provides power). Nice... but cluncky when rebooting. Must wait for software to load.


At work, I kept the j5Create. 1 USB-C cable from the hub, and all my devices are neatly tucked away. Requires a second HDMI-USBC cable to power 2 monitors, and takes 2 ports. Hopefully Apple will figure out the conflicting software or someone will find a terminal hack to help us all out.


Ethan-

743 replies

Dec 16, 2020 6:56 AM in response to iTimC21

Having same issue. MacBook Pro 16 connected to 43in LG 4K display via usb-C cable.


Before 11.1 - no issues. display correctly identified and able to display native 4k resolution with HDR enabled

After 11.1 - display not recognized correctly. Native resolutions incorrect. Max resolution 1080p on a 4k display.


Reset PRAM - no change

Reset SMC - no change


Temporary workaround. Using LG on screen controls, change display port version 1.4 to version 1.2. After that I am able to get full 4k from the monitor but I lose HDR. The display is still incorrectly identified as 27 in screen.


Sounds like something changed between 11.0 and 11.1 that affects displays. Apple needs to address this ASAP

Dec 16, 2020 2:41 PM in response to iTimC21

Same issue here. I'm using a LG Ultrafine 5K and a LG IPS224 Full HD connected to a MacBook Pro 16. The Ultrafine connected via Thunderbolt 3, and the other one using HDMI to Type-C. No issues til I updated to 11.1, when the Full HD display stop working (SMC and PRAM reset did nothing). The Ultrafine still works.


I hope Apple fix this ASAP.

Dec 17, 2020 3:13 AM in response to b_mikhael

Your setup is very similar to mine and same issues. 2020 16" Macbook Pro connected to BenQ 27" 4K@60hz via CalDigit thunderbolt dock.


Before big sur 11.1 = No issues whatsoever

After = Any resolution above 1080p forces refresh rate to 30hz max


FYI to manually switch between specific resolutions and refresh rates:

• System settings > display settings

• option + click on 'scaled' option

• Click "show low resolution modes" to display refresh rate list


How does a bug like this make it through QA I'll never know!

Dec 19, 2020 12:09 AM in response to iTimC21

Exactly same problem and posted in another thread (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252181385). Happy not to update my other MAcbook pro (MBP) AND LEAVE IT ON 11.0.1 until I hear it has been resolved. I might add that since the cable from the monitor to my Macbook Pro was also powering it I have noticed that it is not charging the MBP as well- I again notice that when I try various ports and even connecting to th same port I get a mix of maximum reolutions. Sometimes it is 800x600, sometimes I have the choice to go up to 1024x794.. Anyway at least glad to have the HDMI port on the replicator.

Dec 19, 2020 4:05 AM in response to asbloom

Same here. I have the same monitor and a MacBook Pro 16". Since the 11.1 upgrade, the Mac is not recognising the screen properly and seeing its maximum resolution as 1080p. Scaled options are non-existent and there seems to be nothing I can do on the screen itself to force a higher resolution. I can't believe that a system upgrade would brick a £1,000 monitor in this way. Absolutely infuriating!!

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Big Sur 11.1 External Display Issues!

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