System Settings no longer provides the option to add an additional display after updating to macOS Tahoe

I have a MacBook Pro 16" 2019 Intel, running Tahoe 26.1. I've looked for the version 26.2 and, frankly, see nothing there I need.

My problem with Tahoe appears to be unique which I find odd. From Ventura to Sonoma, I ran two external displays off the laptop without issue. The set up was simple and effective. With the "upgrade" to Tahoe, System Settings no longer provides the option to add an additional display. To preempt the response, yes, you're right; it should but that doesn't change anything. For the first few weeks after uploading the Tahoe 26 version with the + (plus) not displaying, I could click off "Displays;" click back on and it would usually display the +. Then, I had to restart the laptop to get the option to add a display.

I've now reached the point where nothing, including a full shut down, allows the option to appear as it should.

Suggestions? I really need to have both external displays. Having two that mirror the laptop is neither helpful nor productive.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Tahoe Problems

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Jan 20, 2026 3:18 PM

Top-ranking reply

neuroanatomist

Level 9

61,675 points

Posted on Jan 22, 2026 11:31 AM

To be very clear – the (+) you are seeing, whenever you see it, is only for AirPlay and Sidecar displays. It is NOT for displays connected by a cable. Your hub is not doing what you thought it was doing. That is true in Tahoe, it was true in Sequoia.

Here's the demonstration of that, and I did it in Sequoia to confirm for you that it was that way prior to Tahoe.

1) External display connected, AirPlay and Sidecar displays available:

2) I turned off Wi-Fi, which is how the Mac would connect to the AppleTVs. Note that only the iPad (Sidecar) remains:

3) With Wi-Fi off, I also turned off Bluetooth so the iPad is not available either. Note how the (+) button is now gone:

(Also the Arrange tab, for completeness; in your screenshot you are mirroring the displays, I am extending onto the Thunderbolt external display that is actually connected via a TB3 hub).

Likewise, the Arrange tab only shows up if there's another display connected (either wired or AirPlay/Sidecar). My prior screenshot (previous post) did not have an Arrange button because it was in clamshell mode, using only the external display. If I connect the iPad (or an AppleTV), I get the Arrange button.

It's the same in Tahoe, though the (+) button is down next to the Arrange button – the AirPlay/Sidecar choices go away when not available in Tahoe just like in Sequoia, and when they're all gone the button itself goes away as well, just like Sequoia.

So as I see it, you have two choices:

1) Troubleshoot your AirPlay connection. You may need to check the settings on your TV(s) to see why they're not showing up for AirPlay.

2) Get a (or a pair of) high quality USB-C to HDMI cable(s) and connect one (or both) TVs directly to two of the four ports on your Mac.

Personally, I'd go with option 2. If you use the hub to connect other stuff besides the one TV (as stated above, it's only driving one of them), then get one cable for the other and keep the hub. If the hub is only for the TV, ditch it and connect both directly.

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20 replies

Jan 21, 2026 10:36 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Absolutely agree as it was a simple process prior to Tahoe. The hub doesn't use any additional software; it's completely plug-and-play. I find it difficult to understand what could have changed within the OS that would prevent continued use of the two external drives.

Jan 22, 2026 11:22 AM in response to neuroanatomist

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the patience being displayed here!

My Sequoia and Sonoma, sadly both in the past, displayed the menu as illustrated in my attached graphic. This one is from Tahoe but the order of menu and the options displayed under each section didn't really change. As you'll see, in the location where the shared images show the + and -, I only have the Arrange option and then, when clicking on Arrange, I get nothing but the two displays, the built-in and the smaller Samsung.

I know that differences exist between desktop and laptop displays of the various OS and that's been fairly standard throughout over the 30+ years I've used Macs.

Is it possible the difference between my System (Preferences) Settings and the arrangement of the shared images is a result of this?

I also am confused by the several suggestions of "connecting directly to the Mac." How would the use of a cable or adapter differ from the use of a hub? And, of course, something is required as the Macbook Pro only has the 4 C ports.

As I've mentioned, my current setup of hardware hasn't changed for a few years. With the two HDMI cables attached via the hub, the only procedure I've had to use was booting up the laptop, opening System (whatevers), adding the "third" display and getting to work.

Thank you all for continuing to help me understand what might have changed.

Initial opening of Displays in System Settings.

After opening Arrange.

[Edited by Moderator]

Jan 22, 2026 10:43 AM in response to TheRamblinRogue

There is no "-" anywhere that I can see.

As for the "+" in there, it may or may not appear. It is supposed to appear only if you have available displays using Airplay or Sidecar, like an Apple TV, iPad, another Mac, or some smart TV sets that support Airplay (like most recent LG, Samsung and others, but not most older ones).

Another thing: if you place the Screen Mirroring icon on your menu bar, it will perform the same function as the + button. Just set to always show in the menu bar section of System Settings:

and you can select it from the menu bar - again, this will only show displays available via Airplay or Sidecar.

Jan 20, 2026 4:11 PM in response to TheRamblinRogue

How are the displays connected?

Jan 21, 2026 8:38 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Both are connected via hub with HDMI cables.

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System Settings no longer provides the option to add an additional display after updating to macOS Tahoe