MacBook Pro recognizes the Projector but no display

Hey @matt did you get a resolution? (Pun intended). Sounds like I have exactly the same issue as you but with a MacBook Pro 14” M1 and connecting via HDMI.

I'm having the exact same issue on a MacBook Pro 13-inch, M2, 2022 running Sonoma 14.2.1 and using a HDMI adapter and trying to connect to a university classroom projector.

MacBook is clearly recognising the display because if in extended display I can move my mouse off the screen and if in mirrored display I can select to optimise for the external display, but the external display shows nothing. Just black.

No issues with my adapter either as when I got home I can connect to an external computer monitor no issues.

Any updates on what works?

Just an update on how I solved this in case it’s of use to anyone else.

In my specific context I was lecturing and the wooden podium I was using had connections for VGA and HDMI available.

However I started to suspect that behind the HDMI connector on the podium was something that actually was trying to convert that to a VGA signal. So there was not a “pure” HDMI connection straight to the projector.

According to the venue organisers PC laptops don’t tend to have problems with their projector but Macs do. It’s my suspicion that Macs assume that they can do proper HDMI things with an HDMI cable connected and that PC laptops don’t try to be so clever. And/or that the (hidden and assumed) HDMI to VGA converter was interfering with the Mac to projector signal in some way.

I resolved this in the end by purchasing a USB-C to VGA adaptor from Apple for an extortionate sum and just using the VGA connector on the podium. This is the one - USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter…

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MJ1L2ZM/A

many users are seeing that recent version of MacOS are MUCH more fussy about CABLES.

HDMI cables you want for HDMI-only Displays (higher resolutions than 720p TV sets) are marked as Certified with an anti-counterfeiting tag and are labeled:

"Premium High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "with Ethernet" --OR--

"Ultra High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "48G"

Cables with No Certification tags are good for your standard 720p TV set, and not much more.

HDMI was invented for HD TV sets. it works great at its original resolution of 720i or 720p. At higher resolutions, it quickly develops issues that are complex to solve, and the cables and adapters required to solve are NOT intuitive.

I recommend you buy a 'Ultra' rated cables for making this connection. It can't hurt.

Hi Matt

I am a SysAdmin at an independent school near the MS Main Campus. Ironically we are 90% Mac here including a plethora of macbook air and pro laptops cycled about every 4 years. We have a smattering of Epson projectors around campus - perhaps 5 of them, some short-throw ceiling mounted and a few on carts.

There's been a lot of trial and error here - different dongles, different devices, different user accounts ... and all the devices regardless of connection DO shift the native reslution ergo they DO recognize something has been connected to the external USBC port ... after all this we do believe there's some issue with the devices handling the inline dongles. As a result we're now using HDMI to USBC cabling in all these applications and this is functional for us across the campus in all applications.

1. Check the Cable and Adapter:

• • Ensure that the USB-C or Thunderbolt cable and the Apple AV adapter are in good working condition. Try using a different cable or adapter to rule out any hardware issues.

1. Projector Source Input:

• • Make sure the projector is set to the correct input source. Some projectors have multiple input sources, such as HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort. Ensure that the projector is set to the input source corresponding to the cable and adapter you are using.

1. Resolution and Refresh Rate:

• • Check the resolution and refresh rate settings on your MacBook. Sometimes, mismatched settings can cause display issues. Go to "System Preferences" > "Displays" and make sure the resolution is set to a compatible one for the projector.

1. Try Different Display Modes:

• • You mentioned trying both "extended" and "mirror" modes. In "mirror" mode, both screens should display the same content. Try to switch between these modes and see if it makes a difference. Press Command (⌘) + F1 to toggle between display modes.

1. Display Arrangement:

• • In extended mode, check the display arrangement settings. It's possible that the projector is not aligned correctly in the display arrangement. Go to "System Preferences" > "Displays" > "Arrangement" and ensure that the projector display is positioned properly relative to your MacBook's display.

1. Restart Projector:

• • Power cycle the projector. Turn it off, unplug it for a few seconds, and then plug it back in and power it on. Sometimes, projectors can get into a strange state that a restart can resolve.

1. Update Software:

• • Make sure your macOS is up to date. Sometimes, software updates include fixes for display-related issues. Check for macOS updates and install any available updates.

1. Reset NVRAM/PRAM:

• • Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (parameter RAM) on your MacBook can sometimes resolve display issues. To do this, restart your MacBook and hold down Option + Command + P + R until you hear the startup chime twice. Your MacBook will restart.

1. Check for Projector Firmware Updates:

• • Some projectors have firmware updates available. Check the manufacturer's website for any available updates for your projector model.

1. Alternate Adapter:

• • If possible, try a different adapter or cable. Sometimes, compatibility issues can arise from specific adapters.

1. Test on Another Projector or Display:

• • If you have access to another projector or external display, test your MacBook on that to see if the issue is specific to the projector or if it's a MacBook-related problem.

1. Contact Support:

• • If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Apple support for further assistance.

if you get a picture on the projector -- any picture including plain blue background -- your projector is working as designed.

Extended desktop with Mirror Displays UN-checked will give you this sort of arrangement:

what model-year MacBook Pro 13-in?

EXACTLY what cables, adapters and Docks are in use, form which port on the Mac. please mention EVERY item.

Any suggestions in terms of adapters? Should the standard Apple digital AV adapter work to connect to an AV system with a projector?

Unfortunately I’m unable to buy an actual cable as the cable is already provided and hardwired to the AV system in my university classroom and would need to use an HDMI to USB-C adapter but the one I tried yesterday doesn’t work. Mac recognises av system in displays, but showing blank.

I bought the adapter and HDMI cord from the Apple Store and problem solved! I may not have needed the HDMI cable from Apple—the employee said I could buy that somewhere else—but I didn’t want to risk it. I just bought both cords there.

Hey all,

I work in professional AV for a campus(Not going to name any names) and in my experiences on said campus, one of the best ways we have overcome MacBook problems with projectors is by using an MD - HX Cross Converter box by Decimator Design. Whatever miscommunication is happening between the projector and MacBook can usually be fixed with this box.

I just went through the same thing trying to set up my Mac Studio with and M2 Max chip running Sonoma for my church. Turns out after lots of testing it was just the HDMI cable. If it’s not high rated enough and not new enough it won’t work. It’ll just pause up or flicker on a screen. So that may work for it too

if you check the checkbox to [√] Mirror displays, you get this instead:

>> to TOGGLE the sense of 'Mirror displays', type:

Command-BrightnessDown