Unable to connect 2nd display on Mac Mini M1

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Unable to connect 2nd display on Mac Mini M1

Trying to get two 4K displays to connect to my Mac Mini M1

I can connect either display via hdmi with no problems but no matter which of the displays I connect with USB-C to hdmi the display will be black or "warped" as seen on the picture.

Have tried booting in safe mode. This allows the 2nd display to work but with a resolution of no more than 1980x1020 (also at lower refresh rates).

The 2nd display will also not work if I set the resolution to 1980x1020 when running in normal mode. So it's unlikely that it's because of a faulty cable.

Mac mini, macOS 11.2

Posted on Feb 5, 2021 3:58 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

webtoolboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 5, 2021 7:41 AM in response to den.thed

So this one right?

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MUF82AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

I notice it only mentions the mini (2018 version) under 1080p...

Really wish I could stop by the local mac shop on my way home and ask them. Don't mind buying this adapter if I only knew for sure it would work.

I wrote the place that sold me the cable and they said it should work with the one I have and offered to send me a replacement cable.

Do you mind me asking why a 24" and 27" setup? If you don't have them already I would go for two of equal size. I like it when everything is the same size on both and that's just a lot easier to achieve that way.

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Feb 5, 2021 6:36 AM in response to webtoolboy

Looks like they cable is borderline basic. Swap for a certified high speed, usually marketed as “Premium Certified”, and avoid lengths longer than 5 feet/1.5m. Highly recommended for resolutions approaching 4K. Good luck!

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

82,594 points

Feb 5, 2021 6:52 AM in response to webtoolboy

What model and size are your Philips and Samsung displays?

(it's helps if we have the full spec's)

What brand USB-C to HDMI adapter are you using?

(apple or aftermarket)

What HDMI cables, how long are the cables?

(try shorter premium 4K cables)

What other inputs do those displays have?

(USB-C, DisplayPort, DVI)

Sorry for all the questions, but it helps to have all of setup details. Personally I have a great interest in trying to help you, because I'm getting ready to put together a similar setup with matching 24 or 27" displays.

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Answer 4

webtoolboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 5, 2021 7:12 AM in response to den.thed

Hey, thanks for the input...!

I'll be happy to help you by helping myself :)

I'm using a non-Apple adapter 1m in length. It's certified for UHD 4K 3840x2160p 60Hz. But one thing I noticed when looking at the specs again is that it says the UCB-C port needs to support "DisplayPort Alternate mode". Wondering if that could be the issue...? It honestly doesn't really make sense to me. I'll try to reach out to the seller - in case they know something.

Both displays also have Displayport.

They are:

Philips 328E1CA/00 31,5" 4K UHD

Samsung LCD U32R594CWU 32" black 4K

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

82,594 points

Feb 5, 2021 7:24 AM in response to webtoolboy

webtoolboy wrote:

Hey, thanks for the input...!

I'll be happy to help you by helping myself :)

You're welcome.

Let's hope so.

I'm using a non-Apple adapter 1m in length. It's certified for UHD 4K 3840x2160p 60Hz. But one thing I noticed when looking at the specs again is that it says the UCB-C port needs to support "DisplayPort Alternate mode". Wondering if that could be the issue...? It honestly doesn't really make sense to me. I'll try to reach out to the seller - in case they know something.

From what I understand, I would use an Apple USB-C to Digital AV Multiport or third party USB-C to HDMI adapter and short premium HDMI cable.

They are:

Philips 328E1CA/00 31,5" 4K UHD

Samsung LCD U32R594CWU 32" black 4K

Thanks!

Sorry for the delay and edit's. I was having trouble with ASC and had to edit my reply.

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Answer 6

webtoolboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 5, 2021 8:16 AM in response to ggreenf805

Haven't tried honestly. I have an iPad at home I could try to hook up to one of them.

The issue with the displays have been there both before and after the 11.2 update though. Was obviously hoping the update would fix it - but no such luck...

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Answer 7

den.thed

Level 10

82,594 points

Feb 5, 2021 8:40 AM in response to webtoolboy

Yes that one or an aftermarket USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Sorry I meant to say 24 or 27" displays.

Right now I'm running two Late 2012 1T SSD 16GB Mac Mini's, one with older matching DVI LG monitors and the other with matching DVI Samsung monitors.

Basically I want to replace one of Late 2012 Mac Mini's setups, with an M1 and 2 new displays plus have it all work out of the box.

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Answer 8

webtoolboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 5, 2021 10:30 AM in response to den.thed

So the shop that sold me the USB-C to HDMI adapter is sending me a USB-C to Displayport adapter free of charge.

Should have it by monday and I'll give that a try.

If that doesn't work and no miracle cure has appeared I'll probably try the Apple Digital AV Multiport adapter.

I switched from a 27" iMac (2013) which I had another 27" display hooked up to. Really liked that setup.

If you haven't already be sure to check out this site: https://isapplesiliconready.com/

I have almost everything but do miss a few apps. Being able to run most iOS apps kind of makes up for that.

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Answer 9

webtoolboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 10, 2021 12:38 AM in response to den.thed

Just a quick initial status: the USB-C to Displayport adapter seems to do the trick. Both screens are now up and running.

Hopefully it will be stable enough to also manage waking after sleep and rebooting. I'll try to remember to give an update in a few days...

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Answer 10

webtoolboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 16, 2021 4:29 AM in response to webtoolboy

Sadly my second display has now suddenly gone dark again. Tried installing Big Sur 11.2.1. Still nothing...

I'll give the Apple USB-C to Digital AV Multiport a try. Honestly don't think it'll work but maybe at least it'll make it easier to get Apple to replace my M1 mini or perhaps I'll return it as it sadly seems a lot of people are having same or similar issues.

Maybe the M2 will be better.

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Answer 11

den.thed

Level 10

82,594 points

Feb 5, 2021 11:25 AM in response to webtoolboy

Please let us know how that works out.

Thanks for that link, very helpful.

Yeah' except for clinging on to iPhotos, Go64 say's that I'm ready for Big Sur.

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Answer 12

Feb 5, 2021 8:08 AM in response to webtoolboy

Are you able to connect other devices through your thunderbolt ports for other things??

Big Sur 11.2 rendered a lot of m1 macs thunderbolt ports useless.

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Unable to connect 2nd display on Mac Mini M1

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