What are the ports on a MacBook Pro M1 used for?

Mozatta wrote:

I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020). I have two ports on my Mac & the 1st (top/closest to the screen) can be used to charge my laptop and also is being used to connect a secondary monitor -- obviously can only do one of these items at a time.

The second port doesn't seem to do anything. I've tried to use it to charge my laptop & that doesn't work. I've also tried to plug in my Belkin HDMI adapter to display my second monitor and that doesn't work.

Ideally, I want to charge my laptop and use a port to display my second monitor. Is there a way to do this? Or what is that second port used for?

If the port is not supporting an external monitor....that is a problem.

We do know the M1 will only support one external monitor— so a bit confusing when you say "second monitor"

Try a SafeBoot https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

to clear system cache files, reboot as normal and test.

If no resolve you can try the User Diagnostics to test your Mac

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202731 see if it kicks out an error code...

if no resolve—

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.