How to Connect Two Monitors to Mac Mini

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How To Connect Two Monitors To Mac Mini – Getting Started

People usually look forward to using dual monitors for many reasons. Sound engineers, passionate gamers, and others in other fields require such a setup to boost their creativity.

However, hooking up another monitor to a Mac can sometimes be quite problematic. In reality, following a few simple steps and finding the right adapter can be a big help.

Moreover, connecting a non-Apple monitor to a Mac device without an HDMI port is quite a task.

Depending on the model of your Mac mini and monitor, you can use an adapter to convert HDMI to USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt.

However, it depends on the machine and its specifications. So, you can get options for building the connection to the external monitor by using the USB 3.0 port of the MacBook Air to the second monitor.

Connection with an Apple monitor

Due to Apple’s general incompatibility with non-Apple devices, connecting another Apple monitor to the Mac mini is easier than a non-Apple monitor.

This happens because non-Apple devices use different connectors. First, locate the Thunderbolt port or Mini DisplayPort on the MacBook laptop.

You have to do so depending on the machine’s version and age. Some later models come with a USB port instead of the Mini DisplayPort.

Right after the ports’ location, plug the cable from the second monitor into the appropriate port.

For a successful connection, you must turn on both devices and see that the laptop recognizes the second monitor automatically.

If the methods don’t work, you will have to build a connection with the second Apple monitor, just like the non-Apple one.

Connection with the non-Apple monitor

An HDMI cable is the easiest way to connect a non-Apple monitor to a Mac.

Again, if your Mac mini is the latest model, it does not have an HDMI port. Depending on your Mac mini model, an adapter that converts HDMI to USB-C or Thunderbolt works best.

However, it depends on your machine. If your monitor is older, it might only have a VGA or DVI port instead of HDMI.

You have to deal with the utilization of DVI. In addition to all feature adaptors, you will require a Mini display port to connect to the DVI adaptor.

Purchasing a USB-C to DVI multiport adapter can help handle connections to devices with HDMI, USB-A, and DVI ports.

Step-by-step process:

  • Once the cables and adaptors are in place, connect to the Mac mini. In the default desktop configuration, the second monitor is typically displayed to the right, but its position can be adjusted in display preferences. 
  • If you want to change it, go to settings and options.
  • There, go to system preferences. You can see it in the grey icon.
  • When you reach there, click on the first icon in the second row. It will have the title “displays” and a stylized monitor.
  • Then, click on the button that will show the windows.
  • You can see that the main screen will show you icons for both monitors connected to the system.
  • The very next step is to go to display preferences and make a selection of arrangements. When you do so, you can move freely with the items around to determine the type of configuration you want. Drag the main menu bar just between the two monitor icons. It will give you the additional option of opening one of the two monitors in the form of the main monitor. You will always see that the primary monitor will show you a newly opened Windows.
  • There is also an option to enable ‘Mirror Displays,’ which duplicates the content on both monitors instead of extending the display.

The bottom line for how to connect two monitors to a Mac mini

You can quickly resolve the issue of connecting two monitors to a Mac mini by following the abovementioned steps.

Still, be careful to pick the right adaptor to facilitate the connection between the devices. Though the task may initially be frustrating, the derived result will make it worth the effort.

See Also

MacBook Air Docking Station