2018 Mac mini not connecting to newer Samsung display?

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Level 1

8 points

2018 Mac mini not connecting to newer Samsung display?

Hi, I'm looking for any help to an annoying problem. I have a 2018 Mac mini core i7 3.2, which I just factory reset. It's been working fine with an HP display. I have tried connecting it to a Samsung 28" Viewfinity screen (LU28R550UQNXZA), and it will not recognize it. The Samsung works, I've been using it with an Airbook.

The strange thing is the Mac mini did connect to the screen in recovery mode. I found this out by accident. While it was starting up I was tapping on the keyboard, trying to get the screen to wake up. It allowed me to go through the recovery process, and after logging in, then restarting, it fails to connect. The screen is attached via an hdmi to hdmi cable, which is the same way the Mac mini has been connected to the HP screen.

I've ordered an HDMI to USB-C cable to try that connection. Is there anything I'm missing?

Thank you.

Posted on Sep 12, 2023 9:18 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

den.thed

Level 9

77,974 points

Sep 12, 2023 9:43 AM in response to JH231

1) With the Mac mini on, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable.

2) Test a short Premium Certified HDMI cable between the Mac mini and Samsung.

3) The USB-C to HDMI adapter and a short Premium Certified HDMI cable should work.

FWIW my 2018 Mac mini with dual Samsungs, also losses the HDMI connection after a startup/restart.

My work-around is to prevent computer sleep, sleep just the displays and only restart for macOS updates.

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Answer 2

JH231 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 12, 2023 10:05 AM in response to den.thed

Thank you, I ordered a certified hdmi cable, hoping one of the two new cables will work.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 9

77,974 points

Sep 12, 2023 11:28 AM in response to JH231

You're welcome.

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

11,690 points

Sep 12, 2023 12:03 PM in response to JH231

How long is it?

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

11,690 points

Sep 12, 2023 12:04 PM in response to den.thed

Hmm, no more hot corner stuff huh 😎

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 9

77,974 points

Sep 12, 2023 12:29 PM in response to hcsitas

Now that you mentioned it, I use a Hot Corner to Sleep my Displays like 20 to 30 times a day on my 2018 and Silicon Mac mini's. If I forget, the Display Sleep timer kicks in after 10 minutes.

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

11,690 points

Sep 12, 2023 12:31 PM in response to den.thed

Oh, you mean turn them off? (Sleeping’s for puters only). Or maybe you meant sleeping the computer? Whatever. Wife’s the boss! Me, the usual p-i-n! Have a good one!

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