Macbook Air will not detect being connected to TV

lukefromtanunda Said:

"I have a brand new M2 Air (literally only had it for a week) & I'm trying to hook it up to the TV so my folks can watch a few things we don't have TV apps for. I bought a USB-C > HDMI cable (j5create) but when I plug it in, the Air doesn't detect anything. [...]"Follow up- I found the setting & changed it to always allow, but still nothing..."

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Connecting an External Display to a Mac:

Three thoughts, for starters...

A. Verify the Connection:

Is there a TV Even Seen:

To Find Out:

1. Go to: Apple menu
2. Hold Down: option key
3. Click: System Informaition
4. View: Hardware on left-column
5. Click: Graphics/Displays
6. Confirm if the TV is Even Seen

B. Using an External Screen:

How exactly are you connecting this? This is the adapter that I use: USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple

HDMI is the connection going directly to the TV; USB-A is the connection for my Laptop Cooler; and USB-C is the connection for my charger.

C. Mirror the Screen to this External Display:

Performing the following will mirror the Home Screen, and allow you to use it as if it were you laptop's screen.

• Without Touchbar: Hold Down [command + F1]
• With Touchbar: Hold Down: [command + dull screen]

lukefromtanunda Said:

“Macbook Air will not detect being connected to TV […]E: Ok this is not clear to me... are you saying to hold down shift while booting into safe mode? Or boot into safe mode & then hold shift while I boot from there? Or just hold shift while booting normally?”

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If a Connected Display will not Show...

Didn't catch the “M2” in your OP. But take that for granted and use everything I’ve provided to troubleshoot this.

Letter C “(Mirror the Screen to this External Display)” in my previous reply seems to be what we need to succeed at here. So, see if this connection works while in Safe Mode.

How to Get in to Safe Mode on M2 (Silicon):

lukefromtanunda Said:

"Macbook Air will not detect being connected to TV: Ok well I've tried safe mode. Not sure if I'm supposed to do anything else from there but nothing appears to be happening. Still doesn't show the TV in displays. Attempting to mirror did not appear to do anything, in safe mode or not. Likewise have tried a new account, still the same result. Nothing... This thing is brand new what on earth is going on? Shouldn't be this hard... :("

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Give Apple Support a Call:

Having tried all of this, I recommend you give Apple Support a call. Show them this thread. Ask them if they can think of any other ideas.***

Take in for Service:

Set up a Genius Bar Appointment at your local Apple Store. There, it will be diagnosed, and you'll be provided with your options. IMPORTANT: Be certain to bring along a proof of purchase (i.e. sale receipt or original packaging) and the iPhone, itself.

***Apple Contact Us Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary
• Why the Wait:
• Phone calls are taking a bit to go through at the moment, due to lots of calls. With the Coronavirus Pandemic, many are at home at the moment, with much time on their hands to contact Apple. So, just stay on the line, and you will get through :)

lukefromtanunda Said:

"A: Nothing shows under displays other than the macbook screen itself. As I said, does not detect. B: As I said, I'm using a USB-C > HDMI Cable from j5create which works perfectly with an iPad. Currently unable to test C, will do so as soon as I can"

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If a Connected Display will not Show...

A. Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. updates), system configurations (i.e. for keyboard) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM. Perform each reset thrice . (Applies to Intel-Based Macs Only).

B. Single-Out this User:

For troubleshooting purposes, create a new Administrator user. Log into it, and then see if you get this error. If not, then it is an error with the current user. If so, then it is an error with the entire macOS. Trash this user once this has been tried.

C. Single-Out this Mac:

Plug this into a different Mac, seeing if you can get the ejection to work. If it works, then it is the Mac giving you the issue. If it doesn’t work, then it is the drive giving you the issue. On a Mac with no USB-A port, this would be the adapter to use: USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

D. Ask the Manufacturer for Feedback:

Contact the Manufacturer of this device. You'll find their Contact Us info in the Home Page of their Web site. Rear back what they have to say on this. Usually, an email would do just fine.

E. Boot into Safe Mode:

When you boot into Safe Mode, items load by default, with certain settings and caches set aside. So, hold down the shift key upon boot. See what happens then. Go here: Start Up your Mac in Safe Mode - Apple Support