User profile for user: bigtasty69
bigtasty69 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

M3 MacBook Pro: No video on Apple Cinema Display

Hi everyone,


So essentially I am trying to connect my M3 macbook pro to my Cinema Display from like 2004/2005. Here is what I have tried:

  • Connected the DVI cable to a DVI-HDMI adapter and then plugged it directly into the HDMI port on my macbook.
  • Connected the DVI cable to a DVI-Mini DisplayPort then to another adapter to USB-C and plugged it into any of the three USB-C ports on my MacBook.
  • I have also connected the USB 2 and FireWire 400 cables to USB-C adapters and connected everything to my macbook.

So far nothing has worked. When I plug in the HDMI adapter into my macbook, it does recognize the external display, but the only the backlight on the external display will turn on.


I have tried plugging the same HDMI adapter to my 2019 Intel i7 macbook pro and it does work.


I found videos of people connecting their M1 mac minis to these displays and so I was hoping it wasnt a compatibility issue with M-series processors.


Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 5:43 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Servant of Cats
Servant of Cats
User level: Level 8
36,101 points

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 6:23 PM

You may need to run a USB connection from the Apple Cinema Display to the Mac – as well as the video one. I may be mistaken, but I think that some of those old displays did not have power buttons, and took their cues as to when to turn "on" from the Mac.


As far as connecting the FireWire ports to adapters, I don't think that's necessary. Note that macOS Tahoe doesn't support FireWire in any way, shape, or form. Also, if you see any sort of adapter that claims to convert from USB to FireWire, that would be a fake adapter that wouldn't convert anything, and that possibly could damage your display, your Mac, or both. (You can convert from USB-C (Thunderbolt) to FireWire 400 using an Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter, daisy-chained with a discontinued Apple Thunderbolt-to-FireWire 800 adapter, daisy-chained with a third FireWire 800 to FireWire 400 cable. But it's pointless if you are not planning to plug a FireWire accessory into that old display, or if you are running Tahoe.)


Also, I would not suggest daisy-chaining a USB-C to MiniDisplayPort adapter with a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter. Daisy-chaining video adapters does not always work … and you can get USB-C to DVI adapters or adapter cables to carry out the conversion in a single step, eliminating that potential source of grief.

View in context
3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Servant of Cats
Servant of Cats
User level: Level 8
36,101 points

Feb 3, 2026 6:23 PM in response to bigtasty69

You may need to run a USB connection from the Apple Cinema Display to the Mac – as well as the video one. I may be mistaken, but I think that some of those old displays did not have power buttons, and took their cues as to when to turn "on" from the Mac.


As far as connecting the FireWire ports to adapters, I don't think that's necessary. Note that macOS Tahoe doesn't support FireWire in any way, shape, or form. Also, if you see any sort of adapter that claims to convert from USB to FireWire, that would be a fake adapter that wouldn't convert anything, and that possibly could damage your display, your Mac, or both. (You can convert from USB-C (Thunderbolt) to FireWire 400 using an Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter, daisy-chained with a discontinued Apple Thunderbolt-to-FireWire 800 adapter, daisy-chained with a third FireWire 800 to FireWire 400 cable. But it's pointless if you are not planning to plug a FireWire accessory into that old display, or if you are running Tahoe.)


Also, I would not suggest daisy-chaining a USB-C to MiniDisplayPort adapter with a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter. Daisy-chaining video adapters does not always work … and you can get USB-C to DVI adapters or adapter cables to carry out the conversion in a single step, eliminating that potential source of grief.

Reply
User profile for user: TheLittles
TheLittles
User level: Level 10
203,809 points

Feb 3, 2026 8:55 PM in response to bigtasty69

"M3 MacBook Pro: No video on Apple Cinema Display: [...]I have tried plugging the same HDMI adapter to my 2019 Intel i7 macbook pro and it does work. I found videos of people connecting their M1 mac minis to these displays and so I was hoping it wasnt a compatibility issue with M-series processors. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! M3 MacBook Pro: No video on Apple Cinema Display"

-------


Connecting a Cinema Display to an M3 Mac:

Without any model provided of these adapters, there is one petition one that may do the job. Use my User Tip: Configuring a USB-C Only Mac with a 30-Inch Apple Cinema Display - User Tip


The Adapter: Uptab USB-C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter 4K@60Hz - Silver


Reply

M3 MacBook Pro: No video on Apple Cinema Display

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up