Level 1

5 points

Cannot connect macbook air M2 to apple thunderbolt display

I just turned from a MacBook Air 2019 to a MacBook Air M2, however the new MacBook cannot detect the external display which is a 2015 Apple Thunderbolt Display. I use a new Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor. I tried every advice found on the web (turn the monitor power off and on, downgraded to a previous update etc) but nothing works, the monitor is not working at all. Is this an issue related to the new M2 chip? is there anything else I could do? I cannot believe there is not a way to connect a MacBook to another Apple product from 2015.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 14, 2023 8:42 AM

Top-ranking reply

rkarun

Level 1

9 points

Posted on Mar 12, 2023 7:59 PM

This is what helped me in connecting 14-inch M2 Max MacBook Pro with 27 inch Apple Thunderbolt Display ( early 2015 model).

Apple thunder bolt cable - Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White - Apple) One end connected to thunderbolt2 port behind the Monitor and other end to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple
Other side of the thunderbolt3-thunderbolt2 adapter connected to usb-c port on the laptop.

Adapter and cable together cost around $90. I am still a fan of Thunderbolt Display.

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24 replies

parkarr

Level 1

8 points

Mar 1, 2023 9:37 AM in response to woodmeister50

@woodmeister50, I am in the same boat as my new m2 mac isn't working with apple display. Can you share the link of the cable that you used to connect M2 mac to apple display? Thank you!

mcon111

Level 1

8 points

Apr 24, 2023 4:22 AM in response to rkarun

Does anyone have a fix for the same issue, but with a Thunderbolt Display that only has the 3 USB2 ports + the multi-port cable? Seems strange as seems to work fine on M1 MacBook with the dongle.

Paxs

Level 1

8 points

Aug 24, 2023 3:04 AM in response to rkarun

What the FCK APPLE! Have 2 x thunderbolt connected to MAC Mini M2 - Work perfect!

I bought now Macbook air M2 15 inch and is not working!!!!!

Solution?????

Paxs

Level 1

8 points

Aug 24, 2023 3:44 AM in response to Paxs

Ok restart Mac i one is working.... 2 impossible to make it work...

Oct 17, 2023 3:00 PM in response to rkarun

Thank you for your post. Would this setup work with M2 Macbook Air?

If so, would the ports on the Thunderbold be useable as well?

Oct 17, 2023 4:57 PM in response to Servant of Cats

27” Apple Thunderbolt Display is model A1407.

27” LED Cinema Display is model A1316.

Nov 3, 2023 8:02 AM in response to ThinkAfter

My m2 macbook pro 14" does work with that display. but it drops connection about once a day. I am going to try the TB2 cable solution I will report back

Nov 3, 2023 8:08 AM in response to Servant of Cats

TB3 adapter worked with my new M2 MacBook Air and I am also able to continue utilizing the ports on the Thunderbolt display. However, as you mentioned it will supply power to new M2.

Thank you,

Mar 26, 2024 4:01 PM in response to rkarun

In the question, he said MacBook Air but you answered with a story about the MacBook Pro. There are differences between the two in dealing with external monitors, I believe.

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Cannot connect macbook air M2 to apple thunderbolt display