External monitors not working on MacBook Pro

Using a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" (2.4 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9), running MacOS Sonoma 14.6.1. I have traditionally used two external monitors with the laptop. The computer does not "see" the monitors and the monitors are receiving no signal from the MacBook. I have shut off/turned on, reset NVRAM, checked monitors (they work from my iPad), checked cables, connections, and adaptors. I THINK the issue may be in my plug and play on the MacBook, but I'm hoping someone can offer some suggestions. Thanks for any help you can give.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Aug 14, 2024 6:49 AM

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Posted on Aug 14, 2024 7:24 AM

The Mac does not rely on windows-like side-loaded "Drivers" which are actually packages of resolutions and settings for a specific display. Instead, it goes straight to the immutable source -- it asks the display itself.


To get a Mac display to become active, you need the Mac to query the display, and the display to answer with its name and capabilities. Otherwise, the display will not be shown as present, and no data will be sent to the display. "No signal detected" is generated by the DISPLAY, not by the Mac.

 

This query is only sent at certain times:

• at startup

• at wake from sleep — so momentarily sleeping and waking your Mac may work

• at insertion of the Mac-end of the display-cable, provided everything on that cable is ready-to-go

• hold the Option key while you click on the (Detect Display) button that will appear in Displays preferences (from another display)

 

so try doing some of those things and see if the display comes alive.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 14, 2024 7:24 AM in response to Everythingwasfine

The Mac does not rely on windows-like side-loaded "Drivers" which are actually packages of resolutions and settings for a specific display. Instead, it goes straight to the immutable source -- it asks the display itself.


To get a Mac display to become active, you need the Mac to query the display, and the display to answer with its name and capabilities. Otherwise, the display will not be shown as present, and no data will be sent to the display. "No signal detected" is generated by the DISPLAY, not by the Mac.

 

This query is only sent at certain times:

• at startup

• at wake from sleep — so momentarily sleeping and waking your Mac may work

• at insertion of the Mac-end of the display-cable, provided everything on that cable is ready-to-go

• hold the Option key while you click on the (Detect Display) button that will appear in Displays preferences (from another display)

 

so try doing some of those things and see if the display comes alive.


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External monitors not working on MacBook Pro

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