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Connecting 2 or 3 displays to a MacBook: what each model supports
A MacBook Air M1 accepts only one external display; a MacBook Pro M3 Max accepts four. It all depends on the chip: here is the table, then how to connect and set everything up.
How many external displays for your Mac?
Number of external displays supported by Apple, in addition to the built-in display unless otherwise stated.
| MacBook | External displays | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M1 (2020) | 1 | Only one, whatever the adapter (except DisplayLink, see below) |
| MacBook Air M2 (2022, 13- and 15-inch) | 1 | |
| MacBook Air M3 (2024) | 2 | Only with the lid closed, built-in display off |
| MacBook Air M4 (2025) | 2 | Lid open, in addition to the built-in display |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 or M2 | 1 | |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (base chip) | 1 | |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 (base chip) | 2 | |
| MacBook Pro 14- or 16-inch M1 Pro, M2 Pro, M3 Pro, M4 Pro | 2 | |
| MacBook Pro 14- or 16-inch M1 Max, M2 Max, M3 Max, M4 Max | up to 4 | One of the four goes through the HDMI port |
| MacBook Pro 15- or 16-inch Intel (2016-2020) | up to 4 | At 4K; fewer at 5K or 6K |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch Intel Thunderbolt 3 (2016-2020) | up to 2 | At 4K, or a single 5K display |
| MacBook Air Intel Retina (2018-2020) | up to 2 | At 4K, or a single 5K display |
Connect and set up, step by step
1. Find your ports
Recent MacBooks have USB-C / Thunderbolt ports; 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models since 2021 also have an HDMI port. Older MacBook Pro Retina models (2012-2015) have HDMI and Thunderbolt 2.
2. Choose the cable
A USB-C monitor connects with a single USB-C cable, which carries the picture and often charging too. For an HDMI display, a direct HDMI cable or a USB-C to HDMI adapter is enough.
3. Extend or mirror
In System Settings, under Displays, choose for each display whether it extends your desktop or mirrors the built-in display, for example for a TV.
4. Arrange the displays
Still in Displays, drag the displays into the same positions as on your desk, so the pointer moves naturally from one to the other.
More displays than expected: DisplayLink adapters
On a MacBook limited to one external display (M1, M2, base M3), a DisplayLink adapter or docking station lets you add more. It works with an app you install, which compresses the image.
- Perfect for office work, spreadsheets and the web.
- Less suited to gaming and video editing: the image is compressed.
- Some protected videos may not display on the DisplayLink screen.
Which monitor to choose for a MacBook?
The simplest option is a USB-C monitor that charges the Mac: a single cable for the picture, charging and sometimes USB ports. At 27 inches, a 5K resolution gives macOS a sharpness comparable to that of the MacBook's Retina display.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect two displays to a MacBook Air M1?
Not directly: the M1 chip supports only one external display. With a DisplayLink adapter, you can add one or more, for office use.
How do I show my Mac's screen on a TV over HDMI?
Connect the TV (HDMI cable or USB-C to HDMI adapter), then in System Settings, under Displays, choose to mirror the built-in display.
Can the monitor charge my MacBook?
Yes, if it is a USB-C monitor that supplies power through the cable. Check its wattage: it should be close to that of your MacBook's charger.
Why does my second display stay black?
Most often, the Mac has reached its maximum number of external displays (see the table), or the adapter is not passing the picture through.
