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How to connect a Thunderbolt Display to a Macbook Pro M3 max?

I have a Macbook Pro M3 Max running MacOs 14.6.1. I am trying to connect my thunderbolt display to the Macbook Pro using the ThunderBolt-3 <-> Thunderbolt-2 adapter, with no luck so far. I really like the thunderbolt display. Is there a way to connect it to the M3?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Sep 17, 2024 9:10 AM

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Sep 21, 2024 1:18 PM in response to goette

It’s working now.

For some reason, the new macOS requires authorization for the Thunderbolt display to access via USB-C. I was on the phone with Apple support, but they couldn't figure it out either. What finally worked was:

  • I changed the resolution of my MacBook Pro display.
  • This change triggered the OS to detect a device trying to connect via USB-C/Thunderbolt.
  • I authorized the access.

After that, the Thunderbolt display worked without any issues!

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Sep 18, 2024 3:17 PM in response to goette

Apple made two similar 27" displays.


  • The Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch) (model A1407) has a hydra cable with TWO heads: Thunderbolt (Mini DisplayPort connector) and MagSafe. It requires Thunderbolt input.
  • The LED Cinema Display (27-inch) (model A1316) has a hydra cable with THREE heads: Mini DisplayPort, USB-A, and MagSafe. It requires DisplayPort input.


Another difference between the displays is that the Thunderbolt Display has FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet hub ports. The LED Cinema Display does not.


The Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter is appropriate for connecting a Thunderbolt Display, but not for connecting a LED Cinema Display. A third-party USB-C (male) to Mini DisplayPort (female) adapter is appropriate for connecting a LED Cinema Display, but not for connecting a Thunderbolt Display. You must match not just the connectors – but the type of signal being carried over those connectors.

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Sep 18, 2024 3:18 PM in response to goette

If this is indeed a Thunderbolt Display, but it doesn't work with the Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter, the "hydra" cable may be faulty.


You may be able to get around that by running a Thunderbolt 1/2 cable from the TB2 side of the adapter to the TB daisy-chaining port on the Thunderbolt Display – bypassing the bad "hydra" cable.

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How to connect a Thunderbolt Display to a Macbook Pro M3 max?

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