HELP needed to set up a second screen/monitor on an iMac 2021 M1

Question

Level 1

35 points

HELP needed to set up a second screen/monitor on an iMac 2021 M1

Hi guys,

I am using a 2021 iMac M1 and I need to set up a second screen/monitor.

I originally wanted to hook up an older late 2011 iMac as the second screen but I believe the new 2021 models don’t allow you to do this anymore…

Is it just a case of getting a usb-c to HDMI cable/hub so the usb-c goes into the iMac and the HDMI into a monitor?

I’ve found conflicting info online and don’t want to waste money on getting the wrong lead/set up but at the same time want to spend as little as poss to hook them both up.

I’ve found a few hubs on eBay but not sure if they would work as I know Apple products can be temperamental with non-apple branded leads and adapters.

Any help would be appreciated!

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 23, 2022 9:39 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

91,636 points

Jan 23, 2022 10:03 AM in response to StreeX

Yes a USB-C to HDMI adapter is what you need for an HDMI equipped external display.

Apple sells two USB-C to HDMI adapters and other aftermarket adapters may also work.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HKQ22ZM/A/belkin-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter

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

For more options and info about connecting an external display to the M1 iMac,

see > https://support.apple.com/guide/imac/connect-a-display-apd8cdd74f57/mac

Reply

Answer 2

Mal-S

Level 5

5,062 points

Jan 23, 2022 11:29 AM in response to StreeX

If you have or can source an older monitor then the M1 iMac works fine with both VGA and DVI monitors using low cost adapters.

I have a 1080p iiyama monitor connected to my M1 using a DVI to USB-C adapter and it works fine with HD streaming.

Reply

Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

91,636 points

Jan 23, 2022 11:06 AM in response to StreeX

Not all adapter cables are created equal, so beware of the cheap ones...

Plus if you decide to test that route, make sure you can return the cable if it doesn't work.

Reply

Answer 4

StreeX Author

Level 1

35 points

Jan 23, 2022 10:17 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the reply!

Does it have to be an adapter? Or will a usb-c to HDMI lead work?

I’ve attached some images of what I have found - one just the lead and one is an adapter/hub but considerably more affordable than those in the apple store.

So just wanted to check if they will do the same job essentially…

Reply

HELP needed to set up a second screen/monitor on an iMac 2021 M1

Similar questions