Can I connect an external monitor after resetting MacBook Air using Migration Assistant?

If I reset and erase everything from the migrate assistant tool will I be able to start my MacBook Air m1 with an external monitor


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Resetting MacBook Air

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 11:41 AM

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1 reply

Dec 4, 2025 12:47 PM in response to shaney274

Are you asking about the case where your internal display is not functioning? In that case, the Mac will typically boot with the internal display as primary, so all you will see is the blank desktop on the external (and if you've using FileVault, the external display may not come on until you enter your password).


A workaround to force the Mac to use an external display as primary is clamshell mode – connect an external keyboard and mouse/trackpad, the display, and AC power.

Can I connect an external monitor after resetting MacBook Air using Migration Assistant?

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