Macbook Pro not detecting Dell monitor

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Level 1

11 points

Macbook Pro not detecting Dell monitor

I have a MacBook Pro (from early 2015) running High Sierra, I've just purchased a new Dell monitor (a P2217H) and when I connect it to my MacBook, it fails to detect it. I've tried three different types of cables from different ports in my MacBook, which had no results (though I know the cables themselves work.) I tried turning off and restarting my computer, again to no avail. In my systems preferences, I held the option key to reveal the "detect displays" button, clicking it resulted in nothing. I also have an Acer monitor which my MacBook works perfectly with.

I tested the Dell monitor on my sister's newer MacBook Pro and it worked instantly, so the issue is not with the monitor. Dell doesn't provide any support for mac users so I'm at a loss. Any ideas how to get my MacBook to recognize my monitor? Thanks!

Note: I purchased the monitor from Amazon, Dell no longer sells this model from their website.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch,Early 2015), iOS 10.1.1

Posted on Sep 24, 2018 7:54 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

133,231 points

Sep 25, 2018 3:50 PM in response to meagsw

You generally cannot "stack" adapters. You must make the conversion from computer output port to display input port in at most ONE converter/adapter.

"Free" adapters on the computer side are plugging a Mini DisplayPort cable into a ThunderBolt-1 or 2 port.

"Free" adapters on the display side are [Mini] DisplayPort to [Full Size] DisplayPort cable/adapter.

Known to not work at all are ThunderBolt-3/USB-C to ThunderBolt-2 adapter (does not produce a usable display signal unless for genuine ThunderBolt display).

At most TWO "legacy" displays can be supported at once without ACTIVE adapters.

Best results are from DisplayPort family.

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Answer 2

chris_g1

Community Specialist

Sep 25, 2018 3:34 PM in response to meagsw

Hello meagsw,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. I understand you've had some trouble with an external monitor with your MacBook, and I have some information that may help.

Have a look at the article below for some helpful troubleshooting steps. You may have completed some of the steps already, but the others may help get things resolved.

Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac - Apple Support

If you run into any trouble, please reach out again.
Best Regards.

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Macbook Pro not detecting Dell monitor

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