Fix Second Monitor Not Working When Connected To Mac

Second monitors are known to offer an easy and effective way to improve productivity or enhance gaming experiences. But sometimes, when you connect a second monitor to your Mac computer, it might not work. This problem occurs due to incorrect display settings or outdated software issues. However, there are several troubleshooting methods you can use to solve the problem quickly. By following the below procedures, you can fix the “second monitor not working when connected to Mac” issue.

VERIFY THE CONNECTION OR RESTART YOUR MAC

Before you conclude that a driver, a system update, or a recent software installation is causing this problem, make sure your hardware isn’t malfunctioning.

First, check if your Mac and the second monitor are connected properly.

If there is any issue with the connection cable, replace it with a new one.

Now, check whether the second monitor is working with your Mac computer.

If the problem persists, restart your Mac.

Close all the applications you have opened on your Mac computer.

Choose the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the window.

Click the Restart option from the drop-down list.

Now, your Mac will take some time to restart.

Once your Mac turns on, check if the second monitor is working with your Mac.

If the issue continues, check the display preferences on your Mac by following the below steps

CHECK THE DISPLAY PREFERENCES

Go to your Mac computer’s main screen and click on the Apple icon at the top-left corner.
Select the System Preferences option from the drop-down list.
In the next window, choose the Display option from the list.
Under the Display tab, select the Scaled option in the Resolution section.
Now, hit and hold the Option key on your keyboard. Immediately, you will see the hidden “Detect Display” button at the bottom-right of the window.
Click on the Detect Display button to scan for the second monitor that is connected to your Mac.
Now, check if the issue is solved.
If it does not work, check for software updates on your Mac by following the below instructions.

CHECK FOR SOFTWARE UPDATE

On your Mac, select the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the screen.
Next, pick the System Preferences option from the drop-down list.
Choose the Software Update option from the list.
If any updates are shown, click on the Update Now button. It will also update your Mac’s firmware, which may solve the “second monitor not working” problem.
When the update is over, check if the second monitor is working with your Mac computer.
If the issue is not yet resolved, reset the PRAM or NVRAM on your Mac by following the below steps.

RESET PRAM OR NVRAM

First, click the Apple icon at the top-left corner of your Mac’s screen.
Click the Shut Down option from the drop-down list.
Now, turn on your Mac.
Immediately after turning on your device, hit and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys together on your keyboard.
Hold the keys together until your Mac restarts or until you see the Apple logo on the screen. This process will take some time.
After resetting the PRAM/NVRAM on your Mac, check if the issue is solved.
If the second monitor still does not work, reset SMC on your Mac by following the below instructions.

RESET SMC

Choose the Apple icon at the top-left corner of the window.
Click the Shut Down option from the drop-down list.
Now, hit and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the keyboard. At the same time, hit and hold the Power button on your Mac.
Hold down all the keys together for 10 seconds and then release them.
Now, hit the Power button to boot your Mac.
Once your device turns on, check if the “second monitor not working” problem is solved. By now, the issue should be resolved and the second monitor must work just fine.

You can fix the “second monitor not working when connected to Mac” issue by following the above troubleshooting methods. In case of further clarifications, contact us.