External monitor keeps disconnecting once in a while

Hello all,


Since yesterday I have a very annoying problem with one of my two external monitors. I connected my monitors through an USB hub where I used 2 cables for my monitors: one USB-c to HDMI for one screen and HDMI for the other one.


So my problem is that the monitor with the HDMI cable connected disconnects randomly once in a few minutes (screen just got black) and then connects back in a time span of 3 seconds.


These are the things I already tried:

  • Latest software update
  • Switched HDMI cable
  • Switched USB-C cable to the other monitor and got the same problem
  • Used another USB hub and got the same problem


If anyone has tips, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Apr 9, 2021 1:11 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 9, 2021 7:23 PM

Hello NalimP99,


Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having a recent issue with an external display connected to your Mac. You've completed some great steps so far too. In your troubleshooting, did you also check all ports (Mac and hub) for signs of dirt or debris? This can cause connection issues. if any is found, gently clean it out: How to clean your Apple products


The steps in the following guide may also help to resolve this issue: Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac


If not, reset the NVRAM as that can help with display type issues. Please note, if you use Find My Mac it may be turned off after resetting the NVRAM. Be sure to check, and turn it back on, if needed: Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac


If the issue continues at this point, start your Mac to safe mode to see if it happens there too. This will let us know if a third-party app or process is causing this to happen: How to use safe mode on your Mac


Keep us posted.


Take care.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 9, 2021 7:23 PM in response to NalimP99

Hello NalimP99,


Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having a recent issue with an external display connected to your Mac. You've completed some great steps so far too. In your troubleshooting, did you also check all ports (Mac and hub) for signs of dirt or debris? This can cause connection issues. if any is found, gently clean it out: How to clean your Apple products


The steps in the following guide may also help to resolve this issue: Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac


If not, reset the NVRAM as that can help with display type issues. Please note, if you use Find My Mac it may be turned off after resetting the NVRAM. Be sure to check, and turn it back on, if needed: Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac


If the issue continues at this point, start your Mac to safe mode to see if it happens there too. This will let us know if a third-party app or process is causing this to happen: How to use safe mode on your Mac


Keep us posted.


Take care.

Apr 13, 2021 11:38 AM in response to NalimP99

NalimP99,


Thanks for going through those steps. When you did, were you able to connect the monitors and check for updates as mentions in the "Before you begin" section? Do you have any third-party display software installed? If so, does temporarily removing those help? Also, does the monitor work in a test user account? This will tell if it's a system-wide issue or only with your account: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac


Let us know.


Cheers.

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External monitor keeps disconnecting once in a while

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