New M1 Mac will not mirror, need adapter advice

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Level 1

19 points

New M1 Mac will not mirror, need adapter advice

What adapter is recommended to mirror Mac screen to smart TV with HDMI? We tried Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, but the picture will not mirror. It flashed a few times on TV and that was it. I know the HDMI and TV work because they worked fine with our old iMac last night.

I was told by Apple Support that the M1 Mac we bought with 4 ports (2 USB-c and 2 Thunderbolt) cannot stream to TV via WiFi, so we need to use wired which is fine. We just need to know what adapter is best to use since what we bought will not work.

Many thanks!

iMac

Posted on Aug 4, 2023 4:04 PM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 9

77,608 points

Aug 5, 2023 7:05 AM in response to Tamlouie

Tamlouie wrote:

I thought it would also. After we had tried every option (hours on the phone), the tech suggested that perhaps the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter wasn't working or that it didn't work because it was a multiport and told me to look for a single adapter. I plan to look for that tomorrow but am curious why you suggest an aftermarket one and if you have any brands you trust?

I have two of these > https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter-black/6473497.p?

In addition to the Digital adapter, Apple also sales a > Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter - Apple

For other choices > https://www.amazon.com/s?k=usb+c+to+hdmi+adapters

I didn't know to look for a "certified" HDMI cable. Since our HDMI is working with our older iMac, I thought it was fine and commented in a question to the phone tech about HDMI's being pretty much the same and he agreed. Thank you for letting me know they aren't all equal and some are premium and certified. What is considered short though?

While most any cheap-o HDMI cable will work fine from a DVD player to a TV.

Higher quality HDMI cables are a must have for a new Mac to Display or TV connection.

A short cable as in 1m/3feet up to 2m/6feet.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 9

77,608 points

Aug 4, 2023 5:10 PM in response to Tamlouie

The Apple USB-C to Digital adapter and an HDMI cable should work.

I would first try a better grade HDMI cable. Preferably a short premium certified HDMI cable.

If that doesn’t help, I would try an aftermarket USB-C to HDMI adapter.

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Answer 3

Tamlouie Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 4, 2023 7:35 PM in response to den.thed

I thought it would also. After we had tried every option (hours on the phone), the tech suggested that perhaps the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter wasn't working or that it didn't work because it was a multiport and told me to look for a single adapter. I plan to look for that tomorrow but am curious why you suggest an aftermarket one and if you have any brands you trust?

I didn't know to look for a "certified" HDMI cable. Since our HDMI is working with our older iMac, I thought it was fine and commented in a question to the phone tech about HDMI's being pretty much the same and he agreed. Thank you for letting me know they aren't all equal and some are premium and certified. What is considered short though?

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Answer 4

Aug 5, 2023 3:40 AM in response to Tamlouie

Tamlouie wrote:

I didn't know to look for a "certified" HDMI cable. Since our HDMI is working with our older iMac, I thought it was fine and commented in a question to the phone tech about HDMI's being pretty much the same and he agreed.

Here are some sites that explain the differences. (Even if they both are from cable vendors.)

https://tripplite.eaton.com/products/hdmi-cable-types

https://www.cablematters.com/Blog/HDMI/HDMI-cable-types-the-ultimate-guide

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Answer 5

Tamlouie Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 5, 2023 1:43 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you for the examples.

One last question to answer please, as it has been running around unanswered in my mind. Since the adapters presented are USB-C to HDMI, I am curious why an adapter specific for Thunderbolt to HDMI would not be better. Isn't Thunderbolt supposed to have faster transfer speeds than USB-C and allow for longer cables to be used without sacrificing performance? I get that they fit each others ports, but am not understanding if one type port used is better than the other for this specific job of mirroring.

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Answer 6

Tamlouie Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 6, 2023 4:04 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you, I read it and it had good info but the article didn't really provide an answer to the questions I had. I am still searching for the answers since it is still not clear to me. Again, my thanks.

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