How to get dual monitors to work on Macbook air M1?

My work requires two external displays in extended mode for work efficiency. How do I do this with the Macbook Air M1 and with the lid closed?

I would not have bought this if I had known it only supports one extended external display.

MacBook Air

Posted on Jan 18, 2021 9:58 PM

Similar questions

Two Displays on Macbook Air M1 Hi all, from what i could research i understand that the new M1 MacBooks do not support two external displays. However, every test that stated this used the MacBooks display as a third display. Now I wonder if the M1 chips maybe limits the output to two displays, no matter what kind. So my question would be if i could use two external monitors while having the MacBooks lid shut and not using the internal display and in total only two?
1121 3
Can the new M1 Pro chip support more than 2 external monitors? Can the new M1 Pro chip support more than 2 external monitors of lower resolution than the maximum 2 XDR monitors it mentions in the specs and / or with the laptop closed. I.e. no longer running the inbuilt display. I am currently running a 2019 MacBook Pro 16 with 3 x 2K Monitors and the lid closed. Can I replicate this with the M1 Pro chip in the new Macbook or is it a hard 2 x external monitor limit regardless of the lid being closed or running at lower resolution?
2280 6
2 external monitors for m1 MacBook Pro I've seen a lot of questions and videos about the m1 MacBook Pro not being able to use duel external displays alongside the MacBook screen. However, none seem to answer my question: can you use 2 external monitors with the m1 Macbook Pro if the MacBook itself is closed? Because then you would only have 2 displays active.
660 2

2 replies

Jan 18, 2021 10:05 PM in response to Tim_DH

You can use the Sidecar feature or use Bluetooth or Thunderbolt 4 cables to connect with the M1 MacBook Air.

Jan 18, 2021 10:12 PM in response to Tim_DH

You can use the Sidecar feature or use Bluetooth or Thunderbolt 4 cables to connect with the M1 MacBook Air, and you also have to not-plug the notebook, but I don't think you can project stuff on the external monitors while you're notebook is closed, or else you can contact apple, thanks!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to get dual monitors to work on Macbook air M1?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up