kitang
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Q: MacBook Pro cannot auto-detect second display or projector after upgraded to 10.10.3

I just upgraded my MacBook Pro from Mavericks to Yosemite (10.10.3) a week ago. I used to use my Thunderbolt to VGA cable (from Apple) for presentation every week before. After I upgraded to Yosemite, I found my Macbook Pro could not auto-detect the second screen or projector easily. It worked well before my upgrade. Some time playing with the "System Preference -> Display" for a while, it might work again (possibly the driver picked up some signal & detected the screen again, not necessary related to my actions). However, other times I just had to give it up and used my colleague's notebook PC, instead. I experienced this at different sites with different projector brands. They all worked well before my upgrade. I wonder if anyone has similar experience and has resolution to this issue.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013), OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on May 25, 2015 1:05 AM

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kitang

Q: MacBook Pro cannot auto-detect second display or projector after upgraded to 10.10.3

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  • by JimmyCMPIT,

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT May 25, 2015 4:57 AM in response to kitang
    Level 5 (7,771 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 25, 2015 4:57 AM in response to kitang

    there is a firmware upgrade for MINI to DVI that describes a possible similar issue. It was released by Apple on May 6, 2015

    About the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter firmware update - Apple Support

    I have been told by a few other techs there are some kinks in Thunderbolt for anything other than data transfer between drives.

    That being said there have been reported issues with external monitors of various brands and connection types on Yosemite and my Mavericks MBP does not appear to like my SONY TV at the initial connection. Generally unplugging the cable and plugging it back into the port on the computer in syncs them both up.

    Do you have another adapter, other than the Thunderbolt?

  • by kitang,

    kitang kitang May 25, 2015 6:22 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2015 6:22 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

    JimmyCMPIT, thanks for your help. I only have Thunderbolt ports & USB ports with my MBP. You are right that sometimes unplugging and plugging the adapter (together with the video cable) may help, but not every time. Further I did not need to do this in Mavericks to make it work before.


    Apparently the firmware update notice was first posted in 2009, I am not sure if it is still applicable to a newer hardware. So, I followed the steps to successfully download the firmware. But, when I tried executing the update, I received a message that the updater could not find a supported Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter using my own monitor. I think I will try connecting a different monitor or projector later to try. I will update you afterwards.

  • by JimmyCMPIT,

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT May 25, 2015 6:29 AM in response to kitang
    Level 5 (7,771 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 25, 2015 6:29 AM in response to kitang

    I do see this behavior sporadically on my Mavericks Mac Book Pro, from mini to VGA - it could be the signal from the receiving monitor, but from reading these forums there does seem to be a connection to it being more prevalent in Yosemite.

    WallyWorld (aka Wallmart) has the connector for $9, they also have MINI to HDMI for $8 which might be more reliable if your external supports it, but I was getting a lot of feedback from my purchasing department and other mac IT types who were not thrilled with Thunderbolt for video as a stable platform.

  • by kitang,

    kitang kitang May 25, 2015 7:03 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2015 7:03 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

    Interestingly I never had this problem before upgrading from Mavericks to Yosemite. Moreover, almost all projectors/monitors that I connect to have VGA port as standard offer, even newer monitors do have HDMI support as well. That is why I bought the Thunderbolt to VGA adapter, but not the HDMI adapter, from Apple Store when I first purchased my MBP as I had a lot of presentations to do. Actually I would prefer to AppleTV wireless connection for streaming but this is not that popular as standard display connection. ;-(

  • by kitang,

    kitang kitang May 26, 2015 7:03 PM in response to kitang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2015 7:03 PM in response to kitang

    Just to give everyone an update for those who are following this thread, I tried connecting another projector but had no luck to wake up the auto-detection, so I have had no chance to try the questionable firmware yet. I hope I will give another try later. Stay tuned.