How do I enable a second monitor on my iMac 5K?

Question

Level 1

10 points

How do I enable a second monitor on my iMac 5K?

I have a Dell Monitor that I would like to use as a second monitor on my iMac 5K, I was in the UK last week and visited the Milton Keynes store and was told that a Mini Display port adapter to DVI would do the trick and that it was a simple case of connecting it up and it would work! But on connecting up the monitor it does nothing and I cannot see any way to add a second monitor in the settings, I have tried a reboot with the second monitor switched on but still nothing, please has anyone got any ideas?

Posted on Aug 31, 2015 7:58 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Ralph9430

Level 7

21,726 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:08 AM in response to jamessawle

What do you see when you open System Preferences and select Monitors?

Reply

Answer 2

jamessawle Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:12 AM in response to Ralph9430

ONLY the iMac 5K.

I take it you mean 'Displays', I don't see an option for Monitors.

Reply

Answer 3

El Deanio

Level 3

804 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:25 AM in response to jamessawle

Hi James.

It may be the wrong adaptor. There's DVI-I, then there's DVI-D.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact =8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCLmEmfTO08cCFWEG2wod…

Are you certain you have the right adapter for your monitor/display? With the correct adapter your iMac should autodetect what additional display you are using.

Reply

Answer 4

jamessawle Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:26 AM in response to El Deanio

My monitor only works with a DVD-D lead, and the adapter does seem to be the right type as it does not have the extra pins, and it was the only one that they seamed to do that had this type of connection, they did have a standard 15 VGA adapter and the HDMI, but neither of these will work with my monitor.

Reply

Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,418 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:30 AM in response to jamessawle

jamessawle@manxdesigns.im wrote:

ONLY the iMac 5K.

I take it you mean 'Displays', I don't see an option for Monitors.

The system preference is Displays. Set the preference in there that you want and please carefully read OS X: How to use multiple displays with your Mac in Mountain Lion and earlier - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 6

jamessawle Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:38 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I am following that but I do not get this 'Arrangements' options, I take it that it is not seeing the second monitor and therefore it is not giving me this option, but as I was told in the Apple shop that this would work, cannot take it back to see them as I don't live in the UK and the nearest Apple dealer is a ferry journey away costing well over £500 return trip...

Reply

Answer 7

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,418 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:41 AM in response to jamessawle

You have to drag the arrangement graphic in Displays system preference to get it to the orientation you prefer. If you continue to have problems, either call AppleCare and they can walk you through it or schedule a Genius appointment at your local Apple Store to have someone show you how it's done.

Reply

Answer 8

jamessawle Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:47 AM in response to rkaufmann87

The 'Arangement' option does not appear at all?

Reply

Answer 9

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,418 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:53 AM in response to jamessawle

Please call AppleCare or visit your local Apple Store Genius. It appears, you have to click the Arrangement tab. Are you saying you cannot see the arrangement tab per the article?

Reply

Answer 10

jamessawle Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 31, 2015 8:59 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Yep

Reply

Answer 11

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,418 points

Aug 31, 2015 9:13 AM in response to jamessawle

Restart the computer in the Recovery Partition (Command + R) and re-install OS X with all the external peripherals disconnected. Once the install is completed, restart normally, connect the external display and then open System Preferences - Displays.

Reply

Answer 12

El Deanio

Level 3

804 points

Aug 31, 2015 9:34 AM in response to jamessawle

Is there a 'Gather Windows' button at the bottom right that you may click on?

Reply