Thunderbolt to VGA adapter not working with Macbook Pro Retina

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Level 1

8 points

Thunderbolt to VGA adapter not working with Macbook Pro Retina

Hi folks,

I wanna connect my large HDMI screen and not so large VGA screen to my new Macbook Pro Retina,

HDMI works fine thanks to the newly added direct HDMI port on the Macbook Retina but when I use my
Thunderbolt to VGA adapter I get no signals. No reaction at all not on my Mac and not even on my screen
whereas when I try the exact same screen, and thunderbolt adapter with my older Macbook pro it works
immediately without a glitch.

What do you recommend I do here?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on May 12, 2015 10:15 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

norm123

Community Specialist

May 14, 2015 10:45 AM in response to shahub

Hello shahub,

To make sure we are on the same page, plugging in through HDMI is working fine, but using the VGA adapter is not showing that it is connected. The first thing that comes to mind is that the resolution that it is trying to use is not supported with the external monitor. I would take a look is in System Preferences and see if it shows that it is connected. If it is, see if you can Gather Windows to bring all the windows to your built in display. From there, you can change the resolution to something that it can support. If you do not see that option, then look at the second article to troubleshoot the issue further.

OS X Yosemite: Options pane of Displays preferences

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH19049

Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201177

Regards,

-Norm G.

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Answer 2

shahub Author

Level 1

8 points

May 15, 2015 4:08 AM in response to norm123

Thanks Norm for your reply.

There seems to be no connection between my 19" display and my 13" Macbook retina at all!

Nothing happens when when I connect the screen using VGA to Mini Display Adapter,

neither on the screen nor on Macbook's display settings whereas when I do exactly the

same thing on my older 15" Macbook Pro it connects in split of a second without touching the

settings!

Hope this would shed more light on the situation and help you help me.

Thanks again.

Cheers,

Shahab Y.

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Answer 3

jeremy_v

Community Specialist

May 18, 2015 9:20 AM in response to shahub

Hello Shahab,

Thank you for replying to provide some additional details.

It sounds like your 19'' display is working normally with your older 15'' MacBook Pro, but doesn't respond at all when connected to your new 13'' MacBook Pro.

Based on this, I'd recommend trying these specific steps from Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays on your new MacBook Pro, testing your display in between each step:

Reset the system

You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.

Reset the resolution

Start up in Safe Mode.

From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.

Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.

Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.

Restart your computer.

At this point, if the display still doesn't receive a signal, try testing your 13" MacBook Pro with another Thunderbolt adapter or display, if possible. This will help to further isolate the issue to the display, adapter, or MacBook Pro.

You can also seek more help from an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider:

If you tried all of these steps for your display and the video issues persist, contact Apple technical support or take your Apple computer to the nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for diagnosis. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail Store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).

All the best,

Jeremy

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