Second Monitor Disconnects/Reconnects When Opening Applications

I have a dual monitor set up with my 2017 MacBook Pro. When I have it docked, the second extended monitor disconnects briefly multiple times. It acts like I'm swiping between windows or closing the lid of my laptop when I have it connected to a single monitor. Both of the USB-C ports are clean and working fine. I can also go several minutes without issues, but then the second I open a new application, we're back to square one.

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Mar 27, 2023 7:22 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 29, 2023 4:58 PM

Hi Matt_Onita,


It sounds like you may need to reset the NVRAM on your MacBook Pro. If you haven't yet, give it a try. The NVRAM governs your display resolution settings and a reset could improve your external display stability.


Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If you have an Intel-based Mac
If you're not using a Mac with Apple silicon, you're using an Intel-based Mac.
How to reset NVRAM
Option keyplusCommand keyplusP keyplusR key
1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, R.
3. Release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart. For example, you might hear a startup sound more than once, or see the Apple logo more than once.
4. When your Mac finishes starting up, you might need to adjust any system settings that were reset.


It's also a good idea to ensure your macOS software is up-to-date and check for firmware updates for your displays. Let us know if you'd like guidance for these two steps.


Thank you for being part of the Apple Support Communities.


Kindest Regards.



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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 29, 2023 4:58 PM in response to Matt_Onita

Hi Matt_Onita,


It sounds like you may need to reset the NVRAM on your MacBook Pro. If you haven't yet, give it a try. The NVRAM governs your display resolution settings and a reset could improve your external display stability.


Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If you have an Intel-based Mac
If you're not using a Mac with Apple silicon, you're using an Intel-based Mac.
How to reset NVRAM
Option keyplusCommand keyplusP keyplusR key
1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, R.
3. Release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart. For example, you might hear a startup sound more than once, or see the Apple logo more than once.
4. When your Mac finishes starting up, you might need to adjust any system settings that were reset.


It's also a good idea to ensure your macOS software is up-to-date and check for firmware updates for your displays. Let us know if you'd like guidance for these two steps.


Thank you for being part of the Apple Support Communities.


Kindest Regards.



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Second Monitor Disconnects/Reconnects When Opening Applications

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