Trouble connecting MacMini (2024) with M4 chip to a Dell U2311H monitor.

Question

Trouble connecting MacMini (2024) with M4 chip to a Dell U2311H monitor.

Hello! I just recently bought a MacMini (2024) with M4 chip. I wish to connect it to a DellU2311H monitor. From the MacMini, I am using a new HDMI-to-DisplayPort cable to connect to the Dell monitor's DP port. The cable is 3.3 ft long (1m) and is 4K@60HZ. The monitor is not recognizing a signal at all. When it is connected, the monitor goes into power save mode. I am wondering if the monitor is even compatible with the MacMini (I hope it is). I can't even set up my MacMini because I can't see anything. Any suggestions/recommendations? The Dell monitor also has a VGA port and DVI-D port, so it's a little dated. The MacMini has 5 USB-C ports and an HDMI port, which is where I am running the cable from. I don't want to buy a new monitor. Thanks! :)

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Mar 23, 2026 3:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MartinR

Level 7

26,894 points

Mar 23, 2026 4:58 PM in response to macmini_to_dellmonitor

Also, check the specifications for your HDMI-to-Displayport cable. Make sure it is an "active adapter" not a "passive adapter" and that it is bi-directional. That means that the adapter (cable) has the necessary electronics inside it to convert HDMI to DP. Passive adapters (cables) only work from DP to HDMI .... not HDMI to DP.

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

97,998 points

Mar 23, 2026 4:59 PM in response to macmini_to_dellmonitor

The Mac mini's HDMI port is expecting a high speed HDMI cable and a 4K or better HDMI display.

I would connect that 1920 x 1080 Dell monitor to Mac mini using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

for a couple of example's:

https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-uni-Thunderbolt-Compatible-More-Gray/dp/B0C7BY2CKB/ref=sr_1_3?

https://www.amazon.com/acer-DisplayPort-Aluminum-Thunderbolt-Compatible/dp/B0DQP5WS85/ref=sr_1_5?

For reference:

Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

26,894 points

Mar 23, 2026 4:25 PM in response to macmini_to_dellmonitor

Have you selected the DP input as the input source in the Dell monitor's setup menus?

Reply

Answer 4

Mar 23, 2026 5:05 PM in response to MartinR

Hi! Yes I have selected the DP input as the input source and even tried auto detect - still no luck. I am thinking it is the cable (It is supposedly an HDMI (source) to DisplayPort (monitor) cable). Like you said, it may not be "active". I ordered a USB C to Display Port cable (not the other way around) to see if that may work. Looking around, I have read that that may be recommended other than a HDMI>DP. We shall see. Thanks!

Reply

Answer 5

Mar 23, 2026 5:12 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you! Yes I ordered a USB C > DP cable and will try that. That's good to know.

Reply