Headless Mac Mini shows a black screen

Question

Headless Mac Mini shows a black screen

Hello,

I have a Mac mini (late 2009) running the latest version of OS X, and I use it as a headless server. Almost everyday I use Screen Share (or Chrome Remote Desktop by Google if I'm using my mobile devices) to manage it and now I noticed when I connect a monitor (via VGA), my Mac doesn't recognise it and it doesn't show anything. I think it has something to do with Screen Share/Chrome Remote Desktop. Do you know what do I have to do in order to solve it? If I restart it it will find the monitor.

Thank you for your time!

Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Oct 16, 2016 5:07 AM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Oct 16, 2016 5:18 AM in response to isidorosr20595

Do you have put Display yo sleep in Prefs? How about Wake for admin usage?

Both in Energy Saver.

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Answer 2

Oct 17, 2016 2:49 AM in response to BDAqua

Yes but that's not it. The display doesn't turn on if I click the mouse or press the power button.

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Answer 3

Roumbel

Level 1

4 points

Oct 17, 2016 6:52 AM in response to isidorosr20595

I've got the same thing, but with Samsung TV(monitor)

😢

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

92,326 points

Oct 17, 2016 8:09 AM in response to isidorosr20595

What Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter are you using?

Shut down, turn monitor off, disconnect everything and reconnect everything in this order.

1. Plug VGA cable into monitor.

2. Connect the adapter to VGA cable.

3. Plug the adapter into Mac Mini.

4. Turn on the monitor.

5. Startup the Mac Mini.

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Answer 5

Oct 21, 2016 11:13 AM in response to isidorosr20595

Since you're running Sierra, see what Display Menu can do for you. I am running it on El Capitan headless and we've had reports on Sierra headless it prevents the black screen.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/display-menu/id549083868?mt=12

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