Acer Monitor (H277HU) USB-C -> 2018 Mac Mini

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Level 1

17 points

Acer Monitor (H277HU) USB-C -> 2018 Mac Mini

Unable to connect via Thunderbolt 3 on 2018 Mac Mini. Works on MacBook (using the same Acer-provided USB-C cable and also with the Apple- USB-C cable that came with the laptop) but says "no cable connected" for the Mini. Connects to Mac Mini via HDMI 2.0 port just fine. Also connects to Mac Mini using Thunderbolt to HDMI adaptor just fine but direct USB-C to USB-C connection does not work. Have latest firmware. Called Acer support (monitor is still under warranty) and when I told them I was connecting to a Mac, their response was "Well there's your problem." 😢

Anyone else have this monitor up and running with their 2018 Mac Mini using only a USB-C cable?

Thank you!

Mac mini, macOS Mojave (10.14.1), (2018, Model 8,1, 3.0GHz i5)

Posted on Nov 9, 2018 3:45 PM

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Answer 1

esome Author

Level 1

17 points

Dec 1, 2018 12:37 PM in response to shaymanjohn

Yes. If I ever happen to have reasonably convenient access to a Windows machine I’ll give it a shot. I managed to get a combination of buttons pushe to give me a screen that appears to reference a firmware number but it’s not one that corresponds to others I’d seen, so I’m not sure if it’s really a firmware number or something else. And if iit is, I still can’t tell if it’s the most recent. I did see reference to someone in the MacRumors thread seeing “202” where I see 201. So that might indicate a more recent firmware is available, despite what Acer told me.

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Answer 2

esome Author

Level 1

17 points

Nov 10, 2018 7:49 AM in response to bradomail

Thanks bradomail. To clarify, have you succeeded in getting an Acer H277HU to work with your 2018 Mac Mini via USB-C, or just your LG? I know there are many monitors that work fine with the Mini this way. It’s just the Acer that I’m having trouble with. Thanks again.

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Answer 3

wunsch00

Level 1

4 points

Nov 11, 2018 12:57 AM in response to esome

Me too. I’ve got 2018 Mac mini with USB-C to hdmi dongles and then HDMI into two monitors. Works fine until they turn off then don’t turn back on. I have to unplug and re plug them in and hope for the best. I’ve ordered some USB-C to HDMI cables to see if it’s the dongles but I’ve never had much luck with usb-c to x anything.

Apples official usb-c to av adapter works for my MacBook Pro but it’s so big and has two additional ports I don’t want for Mac mini. And it’s £75...

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Answer 4

esome Author

Level 1

17 points

Nov 12, 2018 1:12 PM in response to esome

I spoke with Apple Support by phone this morning. They determined that the problem is likely with the Mac Mini as the monitor and cable seem to work fine with other computers, though they were unable to determine if it is a software or hardware problem. However, it would be helpful to verify that this particular monitor can in fact be used via USB-C with the new Mac Mini by anyone out there who has succeeded here.

If you own an Acer H277HU and you have successfully used that monitor via USB-C with a 2018 Mac Mini, please report back here.

Of note to those of you who have experienced similar problems with other monitors, the specialist I spoke with suggested that there were quite a few folks in general who hare having issues with connecting monitors to their new Mac Mini. I encourage you to post your own threads and to contact Apple support. To the extent that Apple is aware of the number of people with similar issues, they may be quicker or more likely to offer a software fix (assuming that is the nature of the problem). Thank you.

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Answer 5

Nov 13, 2018 12:57 PM in response to esome

Just confirming the same issue - Acer H277HU works fine on my Macbook Pro, but not the 2018 Mac Mini.

Hope there's a fix soon, it's nice to use the monitor as a USB hub (at least for now, works fine with an HDMI cable).

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Answer 6

Nov 13, 2018 1:06 PM in response to esome

Could you recommend me some monitors that work fine with the Mac Mini this way? Or is just the Problem connecting via USB-C? Doesn't via HDMI cable also working? I want just to choose inexpensive monitor for new Mac mini. Thank you.

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Answer 7

tmmase

Level 1

4 points

Nov 14, 2018 1:06 AM in response to esome

I have the same problem with Acer H277HK monitor (4k). USB-C cable worked just fine with MacBook Pro (2017) but not with 2018 Mac Mini. However, after booting up Mac Mini to desktop, I can switch back to using USB-C cable (instead of HDMI).

My bet is that this has something to do with T2 chip.

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Answer 8

Nov 14, 2018 6:36 AM in response to tmmase

Some info here which might be related:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mbp-2017-usb-c-possible-issue-with-acer-h27 7hu.2055239/

Firmware update for the monitor and/or better cable might be the solution?

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Answer 9

Nov 14, 2018 6:46 AM in response to esome

same problem... i posted on another thread for my monitor... but I have a LG 27MU88-W, works with a PC and MBPro over HDMI, but not on Mac mini 2018.

USB C does not work either.

On the phone with apple now... i'm guessing they'll be telling me the same thing..... hrrrrmmmm

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Answer 10

Nov 15, 2018 10:52 AM in response to shaymanjohn

Now working for me on H277HU.

Bought a new cable (usb c 3.1 gen 2) as I wasn't sure if the existing cable was the older type - but no change.

Updated the monitor firmware (link to the firmware is on the above thread) - video and usb hub immediately working...

Hardest thing for me was finding a windows laptop to do the firmware update...

Happy days!

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Answer 11

esome Author

Level 1

17 points

Nov 30, 2018 11:08 AM in response to esome

Just to follow up: After considerable troubleshooting by Apple support specialists, they recommended that I send the new Mac Mini back in to them and they sent me a replacement. The replacement unit exhibits the same problem. I believe that this particular monitor (Acer H277HU) simply is not compatible with the 2018 Mac Mini when used via USB-C (thunderbolt 3).

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Answer 12

esome Author

Level 1

17 points

Dec 1, 2018 8:39 AM in response to shaymanjohn

Please see original post in which I already stated that I have the latest firmware. That said, I have no easy way to confirm that because, as I understand it, it requires a PC running windows, which I do not have. However, the Acer support person I spoke with assured me that, based on the purchase date, my monitor would definitely have the latest firmware.

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Answer 13

hcsitas

Level 6

11,414 points

Dec 20, 2018 8:17 AM in response to science_core

Per the Acer manual, the only options for connecting the Acer H277HU to a display are HDMI, DVI, VGA and DP. The USB C port doesn't appear to be designed to connect displays, just 3.1 data.

Furthermore, the Mac mini Essentials book by Apple mentions 4K and 5K displays only.

Based on the above, my suggestion would be to quit trying to make this setup work and stick to HDMI. Connect only Apple-tested monitors to the Thunderbolt port (LG).

2019 should see Apple re-introduce standalone displays that'll work out the box dongle-free. Should be worth the wait. Correction: better be worth the wait.

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Answer 14

Dec 20, 2018 11:13 AM in response to esome

Similar issue. Two Dell USB-C monitors connected to 2018 Mac mini. Work fine when both plugged in via USB-C after the mac mini has started, but if the Mac restarts, just get blank screens. Need to connect one of them via HDMI to be able to see a screen, and then move it back to USB-C again once started.

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Answer 15

hcsitas

Level 6

11,414 points

Dec 20, 2018 11:40 AM in response to danfrombs

Similar answer: Dell have washed their hands off Apple Thunderbolt ports for monitor connectivity. They offer Windows drivers only and do not respond to Apple connectivity questions other than to shrug. If you can make it work, great! But don’t expect fixes from either vendor.

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Acer Monitor (H277HU) USB-C -> 2018 Mac Mini

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