Screen flicker when connecting HDMI over USB-C to high-DPI display

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Screen flicker when connecting HDMI over USB-C to high-DPI display

I have a Acer K272HUL bmiidp 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) Widescreen Display.

When I connect it to my MacBook Pro (late 2016) over USB-C to HDMI, the screen will flicker every 30 seconds. I've reproduced this problem with 3 different USB-C to HDMI adapters from different vendors.

I tried connecting to several 1080p displays using the same USB-C to HDMI adapters, and I don't get a flicker.

When I connect using a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter, there is no flicker, but the connection is difficult to initiate (display does not detect a signal until several minutes of trying). There is no flicker with either HDMI or DisplayPort using my old late-2013 MacBook Pro.

How can I get HDMI over USB-C working without a screen flicker with my high-DPI monitor?

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, 4 TBT3), macOS Sierra (10.12.3), 64-bit

Posted on Feb 14, 2017 9:42 PM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

Feb 16, 2017 8:12 AM in response to HeroicLife

Hey HeroicLife,

If I understand correctly when you connect an external display to the MacBook Pro the screen will flicker. It looks like you have already done some troubleshooting. I would recommend you read this article and use it to help troubleshoot the issue.

restart your Mac in safe mode to reset the display resolution to defaults.

If starting in safe mode doesn't resolve the issue, reset your Mac's NVRAM and SMC to reset the video ports on your Mac to their defaults.

Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Have a good one.

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