Quick Answer: You can connect MacBook to TV or external monitor using a USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, HDMI adapter, or wirelessly via AirPlay. The right method depends on your MacBook model and the ports available on your display.
So you just got a new MacBook — or maybe you’ve had one for a while — and you’re trying to figure out how to get it connected to your big TV or a second monitor. Maybe you want a larger screen for working from home, binge-watching Netflix, or editing photos and videos without squinting at a 13-inch display.
Good news: connecting your MacBook to an external screen is totally doable, even if you’ve never done it before. The tricky part is knowing which cable or method to use — because Apple has changed ports multiple times over the years, and it’s easy to get confused.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every method, step by step, so you can get your MacBook connected in under 10 minutes.
Read: How to Stop Screen Recording on MacBook Air
What You Need to Know First: MacBook Port Types
Before buying any cables or adapters, you need to know what ports your MacBook actually has. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Modern MacBooks (2019 and newer) — These have Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 ports, which look exactly like USB-C. Some models (like the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro) also have an HDMI port built in.
Older MacBooks (2012–2018) — These typically have USB-A ports, Thunderbolt 2 (looks like a Mini DisplayPort), and some have HDMI built in.
MacBook Air M1, M2, M3, M4 — These have two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports only. No HDMI, no SD card, no extras.
MacBook Pro 14″ and 16″ (M1 Pro, M2 Pro, M3 Pro, M4 Pro and above) — These have a dedicated HDMI 2.0/2.1 port plus Thunderbolt 4 ports.
To check your specific model: click the Apple menu → About This Mac → More Info, and you’ll see your exact model name and year.
Method 1: Connect MacBook to TV or Monitor Using USB-C / Thunderbolt Cable (Best Quality)
This is the cleanest, most reliable method if your TV or monitor has a USB-C or Thunderbolt port.
What you need: A USB-C to USB-C cable, or a Thunderbolt 4 cable if your monitor supports it.
Step 1: Plug one end of the USB-C cable into your MacBook.
Step 2: Plug the other end into the USB-C or Thunderbolt port on your TV or monitor.
Step 3: Your Mac should automatically detect the display within a few seconds.
Step 4: If nothing happens, go to System Settings → Displays and click Detect Displays in the bottom right corner.
That’s genuinely it. If your display supports it, you’ll get up to 4K resolution and crystal-clear picture quality through a single cable.
Pro tip: Not all USB-C cables carry video. Look for cables labeled “Thunderbolt” or “USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode” — cheap USB-C charging cables often don’t work for video.
Method 2: Connect MacBook to TV Using HDMI Adapter (Most Common Method)
Most people use this method because almost every TV in the world has at least one HDMI port.
What you need: A USB-C to HDMI adapter, or a USB-C to HDMI cable.
Option A: If Your MacBook Has a Built-In HDMI Port
Some MacBook Pro models already have an HDMI port built in. Check the side of your laptop — if you see an HDMI port, you’re already set.
Step 1: Grab a standard HDMI cable.
Step 2: Plug one end into your MacBook’s HDMI port.
Step 3: Plug the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV.
Step 4: On your TV, press Source or Input on the remote and select the correct HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.).
Step 5: Your Mac screen should appear on the TV automatically.
Option B: If Your MacBook Only Has USB-C Ports
This covers MacBook Air M1, M2, M3, M4, and older MacBook Pros.
Step 1: Buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter. You can find reliable ones on Amazon for $10–$25. Look for brands like Anker, Belkin, or Cable Matters — avoid super cheap no-name adapters as they can cause flickering.
Step 2: Plug the adapter into one of your MacBook’s USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.
Step 3: Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV or monitor.
Step 4: Switch your TV input to the correct HDMI source.
Step 5: Your MacBook screen should appear on the TV. If it doesn’t, go to System Settings → Displays → Detect Displays.
What resolution can you expect? Most USB-C to HDMI adapters support up to 4K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz. If you want 4K at 60Hz, make sure you’re buying an adapter that specifically says “4K@60Hz.”
Method 3: Connect MacBook to TV Wirelessly Using AirPlay (No Cables Needed)
If your TV supports AirPlay 2 — which most smart TVs from 2019 onward do, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio — you can connect wirelessly without any cables at all.
Compatible TVs for AirPlay: Samsung (2018+), LG (2019+), Sony (2019+), Vizio (2019+), and virtually any Apple TV.
Step 1: Make sure your MacBook and your TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This step trips up a lot of people — if they’re on different networks, AirPlay simply won’t work.
Step 2: On your MacBook, click the Control Center icon in the top-right menu bar (it looks like two sliders).
Step 3: Click Screen Mirroring.
Step 4: You’ll see a list of available AirPlay devices. Click your TV’s name.
Step 5: A 4-digit code may appear on your TV. Type it into the prompt on your Mac.
Step 6: Your MacBook screen is now mirrored on your TV.
To stop AirPlay: Go back to Control Center → Screen Mirroring → click your TV name again to disconnect.
Heads up about wireless quality: AirPlay works great for movies, presentations, and general browsing. But if you’re doing video editing or gaming, a wired connection will always give you better performance and less lag.
Method 4: Use a USB-C Hub or Docking Station (Best for Desk Setups)
If you’re working at a desk and want a permanent setup with multiple monitors, a keyboard, mouse, and charging — all through a single cable — a USB-C hub or docking station is the way to go.
What you need: A USB-C hub with HDMI output (usually $30–$80) or a full Thunderbolt dock ($150–$300 for professional setups).
Step 1: Plug the hub into your MacBook’s Thunderbolt/USB-C port.
Step 2: Connect your HDMI monitor to the hub’s HDMI port.
Step 3: Connect any other peripherals (keyboard, mouse, USB drives, charging cable) to the remaining hub ports.
This is what most people who work from home end up using because it turns your MacBook into a full desktop replacement with just one plug.
Recommended hubs: Anker 7-in-1 Hub, CalDigit TS4 (premium), HyperDrive 6-in-1 Hub. All work seamlessly with MacBooks.
Method 5: Connect MacBook to an Older TV Using VGA or DVI (Older Displays)
Got an older monitor at the office or at home? These often use VGA (blue trapezoid connector) or DVI (white rectangular connector) instead of HDMI.
What you need:
- For VGA: A USB-C to VGA adapter
- For DVI: A USB-C to DVI adapter
The process is the same as the HDMI adapter method above — plug the adapter into your MacBook’s USB-C port, run the VGA or DVI cable to your monitor, and switch the monitor input to the correct source.
Keep in mind: VGA is an analog signal, so it won’t give you the sharpest picture. If your monitor has an HDMI or DisplayPort input, use those instead.
How to Adjust Display Settings After Connecting
Once your MacBook is connected to an external display, you’ll want to set it up properly. Here’s how:
Open Display Settings: Go to Apple Menu → System Settings → Displays (on macOS Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia) or System Preferences → Displays (on older macOS).
Mirror vs. Extended Display:
- Mirror Display shows the same thing on both screens — great for presentations.
- Extended Display gives you a second workspace — great for productivity. Your cursor moves between screens as if you have one giant monitor.
To switch between them, click Arrangement in the Displays settings and check or uncheck “Mirror Displays.”
Changing Resolution: In Displays settings, you can click on your external display and choose a different resolution. Click Scaled to see all available options.
Setting a Different Screen as the Primary Display: In Arrangement view, drag the white menu bar (shown at the top of one screen icon) to the display you want to be your “main” screen.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
MacBook not detecting the external display:
Go to System Settings → Displays, hold the Option key, and click Detect Displays. Also try unplugging and re-plugging the cable.
Display showing in low resolution:
Some adapters default to a lower resolution. Open Display Settings, click your external display, choose Scaled, and pick the correct resolution.
Screen flickering or going black:
This is almost always a cable or adapter issue. Try a different USB-C port on your MacBook or replace the adapter with a higher-quality one.
AirPlay not showing available devices:
Both your Mac and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Also make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV — on Samsung TVs, go to Settings → General → Apple AirPlay Settings and turn it on.
External display works but audio still plays from MacBook:
Go to System Settings → Sound → Output and select your TV or monitor from the list to redirect audio.
MacBook gets hot when using external display:
This is normal — running two screens requires more GPU power. Make sure your MacBook has good airflow and isn’t sitting on a soft surface like a bed or couch.
Which Connection Method Should You Use?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Best picture quality + reliability: USB-C/Thunderbolt direct cable or HDMI
- Most convenient for everyday desk use: USB-C hub or docking station
- No cables, living room use: AirPlay to a smart TV
- Budget-friendly, most TVs: USB-C to HDMI adapter
For most people setting up a home office, I’d recommend picking up a good USB-C hub that has an HDMI port built in. It’s a one-time purchase that solves all your connectivity needs and keeps your desk tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect two external monitors to a MacBook Air?
Most MacBook Air models (M1, M2) officially support only one external display. However, the M3 MacBook Air supports two external monitors when the lid is closed. The MacBook Pro M2 and above supports multiple displays natively.
Does connecting to a TV drain MacBook battery faster?
Yes, running an external display increases GPU load, which uses more power. If you’re not plugged in, expect noticeably shorter battery life.
Can I use my MacBook in clamshell mode (lid closed) with an external display?
Yes. Connect a power cable, external keyboard, and mouse to your MacBook, close the lid, and your external monitor will become the main display. This is called “clamshell mode” and works great for desk setups.
What’s the maximum resolution I can get on an external display?
MacBook Pro with M-series chips supports up to 8K resolution on external displays via Thunderbolt 4. MacBook Air supports up to 6K. The resolution you actually get also depends on what your display supports.
Why does my 4K monitor look blurry on my MacBook?
This usually happens because the resolution is set incorrectly. Open System Settings → Displays, click your external monitor, choose Scaled, and select the 4K or HiDPI option that matches your monitor’s native resolution.
Can I connect a MacBook to a projector?
Absolutely. A projector with an HDMI input works exactly like a TV or monitor — just use the USB-C to HDMI adapter method described above.
Final Thoughts
Connecting your MacBook to a TV or external monitor is one of the best upgrades you can make to your work or entertainment setup. Once you figure out which cable or adapter you need, the whole process takes less than 5 minutes.
If you’re buying accessories, my top recommendation is to invest in a quality USB-C hub — it future-proofs your setup and means you only need one cable going to your MacBook, no matter how many devices you’re using.
Got stuck at a specific step? Drop your MacBook model and TV/monitor type in the comments and I’ll help you figure out the exact solution.
