MacBook Pro not recognizing Thunderbolt Display via adapter

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MacBook Pro not recognizing Thunderbolt Display via adapter

I recently upgraded from a 2017 MacBook Air to a 2023 MacBook Pro. I have an Apple Thunderbolt Display that connects to the Air directly from the cable from the display into the Thunderbolt 2 port on the Air. I bought a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter to connect the display to the MacBook Pro and cannot for the life of me get it to work. I've unplugged everything and plugged everything back in and shut down and restarted to no avail. The MacBook Pro does not recognize the display. The display still works when connected to the Air. Could I just have a faulty adapter?

Posted on Dec 9, 2025 4:53 PM

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Servant of Cats

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Dec 9, 2025 9:04 PM in response to Ramou

Apple made two old 27" displays that look similar, but have different input requirements.

The 27" Apple Thunderbolt Display has a "hydra" cable with two heads: old-style Thunderbolt (Mini DisplayPort connector) and MagSafe. It needs a Thunderbolt signal and you would use an Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter to connect it.
The 27" Apple Cinema Display has a "hydra" cable with three heads: Mini DisplayPort, USB, and MagSafe. This one needs a DIsplayPort signal and you would use a third-party USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter. It might also be necessary to connect the USB head.

"Mix and match" the adapters and you will get "No signal." Your 2017 MacBook Air has a Thunderbolt 2 port, with a Mini DisplayPort connector, that can provide either type of signal as needed. But adapters only provide one type of signal, so you must make sure to match the adapter to the display.

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