12" MacBook connecting to LG 27" display

I have a brand new MacBook 12" and I want to connect it to the LG Superfine 27" display. I understand the power USB-C won't work with the MacBook (charging and power display) but can I use a USB-C to HDMI cable to drive the monitor? Will the camera, microphone and speakers work? It's OK with me if the display produces only 4K I just want the bigger monitor and camera/microphone to work

MacBook, iOS 10.3.2

Posted on Jul 3, 2017 8:21 AM

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7 replies

Jul 4, 2017 7:34 AM in response to Mikeaze1

As I said before, this monitor is not compatible with the 12" Retina MacBooks. The USB-C port on the 12" Retina MacBook is not Thunderbolt compatible. The USB-C ports on the new MacBook Pros are compatible with Thunderbolt 3.


No combination of adapters will allow that monitor to work with a 12" MacBook. If you bought it from Apple, you have 14 days to return it. Otherwise, you'll need to return the 12" MacBook to exchange for a MacBook Pro.


Pay attention to this paragraph from the Apple web site:


User uploaded file

Jul 3, 2017 8:54 PM in response to kaz-k

12" MacBooks are not capable of Thunderbolt, so please don't recommend to anyone to buy USB-C to Thunderbolt adapters.


Additionally: The OP did not specifically identify whether he was talking about the LG 4K or 5K version of the monitor. The 5K won't be able to be used with the 12" MacBook, it uses a Thunderbolt connection. The 4K model may work, but it uses a USB-C connection rather than a HDMI connection. The OP also needs to clarify "Superfine" vs "Ultrafine." I can find no reference to a LG Superfine model.

Jul 4, 2017 7:17 AM in response to Lanny

Thanks Lanny, my bad on the description of the display, it's the LG Ultrafine 5K 27" Display sold by Apple and it has 1 powered USB-C and 3 regular USB-C. When I plug the powered in the charging begins but the Macbook says the hardware isn't supported. I'm hoping to use one of the other USB-C plugs to go from USB-C to HDMI and plug it into the Macbook through the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

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12" MacBook connecting to LG 27" display

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