Level 2

193 points

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:

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.
SMC reset. This actually didn't help at all... :(
Fresh install, same issues.

Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Dec 14, 2020 3:44 PM

Top-ranking reply

Ethan Becker

Level 1

38 points

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-

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743 replies

Jun 4, 2021 1:20 PM in response to obscurelyfamous

Thank you for saving me the trouble. Much appreciated.

Triny D

Level 1

4 points

Jun 5, 2021 7:14 PM in response to valeriotech

11.4 update broke this again for me on two different MacBook Pro 16. External 4K (Dell) display flickers and eventually the Mac shuts down (kernel panic) with a “swoosh” sound

pleberre

Level 1

14 points

Jul 22, 2021 1:32 AM in response to hubert105

On the trackpad, I solved it by having it on lighting cable, good old wire, and turning off BLE for it.

It's been a long time I have seen a so much broken OS from Apple than Big Sur.

Aug 12, 2021 1:32 AM in response to Richard London

I have just updated to 11.5.2 still no change recognises the monitor but there is no picture.

Wonder if I need to reset something and then reboot... thoughts?

sla797

Level 1

9 points

Sep 19, 2021 11:07 PM in response to generalissimus

After I close the lid of my MBP the monitor screen goes black and I lose all control until I reopen.

Nice one Apple, you bleeping morons!

Sep 23, 2021 12:45 AM in response to Clarkman2

Clarkman2 I don't think bad cables is the issue here... In my case at least, everything is new.

Mob1518

Level 1

8 points

Sep 29, 2021 9:31 PM in response to iTimC21

Is there any update to this ? I can’t get two monitors to work with brand new max book pro due to this same issue . Thanks .

Oct 2, 2021 3:08 AM in response to SimonH123

In my case, the problem is with my HDMI connection. I get only 2560x1440 whereas my 34” monitor is 3440x1440.

Nov 10, 2021 5:28 PM in response to AdamApple69

Unfortunately not for me. Just upgraded my 2020 M1 Macbook Air to Monterey, but still my 4K Samsung U28E590 is just FHD monitor for the Mac.

Dec 23, 2021 2:52 AM in response to iTimC21

Does anyone know if the recent 12.1 update has fixed this?

gca2018

Level 1

8 points

Jan 29, 2022 8:10 AM in response to keisis44

Hello @keisis44!

I'm too using the Benq PD2700U connected to a MBP 16" 2019 via the HDMI on display to the USB-C (apple adapter). I could not get 60hz. Were you able to solve this issue?

Feb 15, 2021 12:11 AM in response to iTimC21

Same issue here, MBP 16" 2019 with 4K LG 32UD99 connected directly via USB-C.

No problems using 10.15 Catalina, but with the new Big Sur, the screen isn't recognized and i have a hard time getting it to display 4K resolution. Om now on Big Sur 11.2.1.

Probably the Big Sur update messed with the T2/CD3215 chip, as the Catalina update did for some users corrupting their chip leaving them with a non charging computer.

Only solution i've found is to restart the screen until it displays the correct resolution, which sometimes takes 20-30 restarts.

Dec 17, 2020 3:35 AM in response to mwventre

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.

Could you explain these instructions in a bit more detail?

Presumably in the monitor OSD settings (on the monitor controls?). I only seem to have the option for DiplayPort1,2 enabled = yes/no.

kosta205

Level 1

4 points

Dec 17, 2020 6:54 PM in response to obscurelyfamous

Hello. I am having issues with Big Sur 11.1 as well.

I have a Dell WD19 docking station and two brand new Samsung LS22T350FHNXZA 22inch running at 1080p. They work perfectly with Intel MacBook Pro 2019 and MacBook Pro 2014. I got a Macbook Air M1 and when I was on Big Sur 11.0 it would mirror the two external monitors and when I upgraded to Big Sur 11.1 none of my monitors work.

Congratulations Apple for making my dual monitor setup obsolete.

Emonten

Level 1

4 points

Dec 18, 2020 1:38 AM in response to iTimC21

As the topic imply, I have issues with a setup of 2 external monitors running with Mac OS Big Sur 11.1. (Issues was already with 11.0)

I work in a mixed environment with Windows & Mac which some would argued is "Not supported", but it worked absolutely fine with MacOS Catalina.

Setup:

2 x HP Z27n G2 (2560x1440)

Daisy-chained via DisplayPort and connected to a HP USB-C Dock G5.

Dock via USB-C to MacBook Pro. Using 2 different models:

15-inch, 2018 (GPU: Radeon 555X)

13-inch, 2019 (GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655)

Due to the fact that MacOS does not support MST it will only see 1 Monitor connected to the Dock

(Windows see both on 1 cable)

I have therefor connected a separate USB-C cable from the MacBook to monitor 2.

Issues:

When connecting the MacBook to the docking station it is random if it finds 1 monitor connected to the dock.

When the docking station is connected the Mac is unresponsive for a few seconds. (Cursor cannot be moved)

Goes for the 15-inch with dual GPUs.

13-inch with just one GPU does not freeze up and monitor is found most of the time.

When the monitor 1 is identified from the Dock the image "twitches" randomly.

Twitching happens with both models, independent of GPU.

The Mac directly identify monitor 2 connected directly with USB-C (No lock-up)

Monitor 2 over USB-C works without issues, no twitching.

This all worked perfectly fine with Catalina, no issues.

I have seen many posts relating to monitor issues and this thread points to all issues I myself experience.

I have no remedy, unfortunately, I only add my own experiences / issues.

Personally I experience more issues in the dual GPU setup, but the general "twitching" glitch is constant.

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Big Sur 11.1 External Display Issues!