Connecting MacBook Air 2015 to Dual Monitors

mya_03 wrote:

Hi there,

I am trying to set up my MacBook to two Philips monitors - I have the HDMI adapter to USB-C, then a USB-C to USB-A adapter to the MacBook. I know all the cords work but for some reason, when I connect it to the MacBook, the monitors show up with "no video input".

That definitely will not work.

One of the big advantages that USB-C has over USB-A is the ability to carry video, using DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt Alt Mode.

Using a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect an accessory to a USB-A port on your MacBook Air would work if the accessory wanted to speak USB protocol. Here, the USB-C to HDMI adapter is expecting to see a DisplayPort Alt Mode signal. There is no DisplayPort Alt Mode signal on your Mac's USB-A ports. Your USB-C to USB-A adapter can carry USB protocol from one side to the other, but it cannot create a video signal out of thin air.

What you need is something like

• A Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable
• A Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or adapter cable

plugged into your Mac's Thunderbolt 2 (Mini DisplayPort) port.

MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

Your MacBook Air has a single Thunderbolt 2 port that can serve double duty as a Mini DisplayPort. Your MacBook Air supports one external monitor.

"Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 by 2160 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors."

MacTracker indicates that your Mac can drive two of the old Apple Thunderbolt Displays. I don't know if that's true, but even if it is, that would be a special case.