Need help connecting 27" Thunderbolt Display to M1 Mac mini

I have successfully used the Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter to utilise my 27" Thunderbolt Display with my 2019 MacBook Pro and assumed it would work for my gen 1 M1n Mac mini but it doesn't appear to. what adapter do I need and how can I power / use two monitors (one potentially non Apple) with the Mac mini? I love that old display and want to continue using it.

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Sep 13, 2023 3:45 PM

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10 replies

Sep 14, 2023 12:31 AM in response to ultrasnoopy

The Thunderbolt display has to connect to a thunderbolt port (with the Thunderbolt 2 adapter). What ports are on the second display? The second display must use the Mac mini's HDMI port, not a Thunderbolt/USB-C port. If the second display has no HDMI port, you may be able to connect it to the Mac mini's HDMI port with an adapter. There are adapters available to convert HDMI to other ports. such as DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, or Mini DisplayPort, but not Thunderbolt.

Sep 14, 2023 11:43 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

The Dell / second display is the only one which works. The Thunderbolt Display IS connected to the Mac mini using the Thunderbolt 2 adapter but nothing is happening at all. The Dell display connected via HDMI is acting as the only display and if I unplug it the Thunderbolt still doesn't turn on. Like I said above when I connect the Thunderbolt 27" to my MacBook Pro it works so there is nothing wrong with the monitor or the adapter.


Essentially I am pretty certain I am doing it "right" but it is still not working and I am looking for other things to try.

Need help connecting 27" Thunderbolt Display to M1 Mac mini

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