How to set up DUAL SCREEN external monitors on an Intel Macbook using HDMI to USB-C dongles

[@katygilbert1420]

Thank you for sharing this! Super clear and helpful. I now have both monitors up and running and I had no idea I could close the laptop and keep my screens going! Awesome info!!!

[@In30minutes]

Love to hear that the video helped other people. Thank you!

[@revanslacey]

Another thing worth noting is that if you want full screen applications on both monitors it requires a little trick. If you go full screen on one monitor it makes the other one shut off. Instead go to the green button on the top left and press the 'option' button on the keyboard: the 'full screen' option becomes 'zoom'. Click 'zoom' and the window fills the monitor without going into full screen mode.

[@In30minutes]

Good tip ... thanks for sharing!

[@sunshinecycling]

It would be so nice if a $2.5 trillion computer/tech company would just make multiple monitor setups better natively.

[@raptplaysgames1786]

Which green button?

[@stevenwise7301]

Finally, a very detailed and fluid example setting up dual monitors with MacBook Pro. Nice job!

[@wesleyswart4933]

This was the clearest "how to" video on this i watched - thank you

[@Escoaud]

Thank you so much for this! I have an iMac and a new monitor that I couldn't figure out the configuration on. Your video allowed me to arrange the monitors as I needed to! Thank you!!!

[@In30minutes]

Glad it worked for you, too!

[@מאיהשקד-ש2י]

thank you very much! i was having a hard time figuring it out. i do want to point out that i did not need an Apple adapter just two separate onesto make it work.

[@MelissaBazany]

Definitely had to disconnect/reconnect before I was able to see both monitors, but now I'm running 3! Thank you so much! Didn't know I needed the Apple Adapter!

[@samanthanixon1084]

I was struggling to get my second display be an extended version til you said drag to the LEFT!! 😮 Thank you for pointing that out!!

[@sarafrisina3377]

OMG bc of this video i was able to set up my dual monitors in 5 mins...after a year or so without...thanks!

[@In30minutes]

I am so glad to hear that this solution helped with dual monitors on your mac!

[@ArtDivision-s9s]

Thank you so much. I spent ages trying to get this to work and you showed me in no time at all!!

[@Kleefinland]

Finally!! I bought 2 different adapters and neither one of them worked! Not even a flicker! Reset the smc and it got the monitors to turn on but then they were only mirrored! I'm going to try this. Thank you!

[@In30minutes]

Let us know how it goes!

[@Kleefinland]

Welp, it didn't work. My macbook i think is a different model (m1 chip, thunderbolt 3, 2020) and this method doesnt work. 🤬

[@KathRush17]

@@In30minutes Same model (m1 chip, thunderbolt 3, 2020) and didn't work

[@jackeymorataya]

Thank you so much!! This has been a problem with Mac for a long time and no information seems to be accurate to extend both monitors.

[@MrDegmh]

Thank you I bought a second monitor and was about to return it after a couple of hours because I didn't see the benefit this video made me change my mind and its working great thanks again

[@BIGBMH]

Thank you! It seemed like I wasn't able to move between the two screens, but the positioning bit at 6:50 was my problem.

[@mistalee]

I have a m1 Mac air... doesn't work... I'm glad you got it to work

[@ReyMendozaJr]

yup it doesnt work on macbook air - one officail apple adapter and one non official, so frustrating! hehehe

[@Innaashvets]

THANK YOU!!!! Spent months trying to figure this out😭

[@donnahoenie3744]

Perfect finally a clear explanation and most importantly it worked - Thank you

[@oregon_tails]

My second monitor just stays offline when I plug them in. (4:10) I used the same Apple adapter and two different HDMI to USBC adapters. It doesn't register the second on my computer either. any ideas?

[@dyanegomes3193]

Same problem with me...

[@MrRUSSWILL]

Hello! Thanks for the information! I have a question . If I want to do what you did in this video couldn’t I use 2 of the apple adapters one for each screen and get the same result? I recognize it may be obvious but I really am not computer savvy thank you for your video

[@bharathkinnera]

Thank you very very much . exactly I got struck at a level where your video helps me a lot. People like you saves many like us

[@akintolamichael6107]

Thank you for sharing. very helpful. I have MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017), with only a thunderbolt video output. I have 2 monitors, can I achieve same thing? and with what adapter/converter? Thank you again

[@In30minutes]

If you have two outputs on the MBA you can try like I did in the video. Purchase the adapters from Amazon (links in the show notes) and if it doesn't work out you can return them.

[@susan-adellewarren9358]

Thank you. This is exactly what I needed!

[@bsteezyy901]

This video was the most helpful one I found , thank you so much

[@lout.3501]

Great video- great simplicity!!! Can’t wait to get home and try it

[@gitboxman1791]

I would like to see you do a video on using the screens. I don’t know how to say it, but everybody just goes through click and then change and never that they don’t really stop to show you slowly how to get these monitors up and running like if you have a desktop Apple, how do you get information from the Apple iMac to the monitors? So I have my main page on the iMac, but if I want information off of that page to go to the monitor, how do you do that without putting the entire page on the monitor if you see what I mean, thanks for your time.

[@howielipton5898]

My Macbook Air has only one thunderbolt 2 port, and 2- USB-3 ports, so what ports do your adapters plug into? Just wondering if your solution will work for me to run different programs on dual monitors. Thanks.

[@09183704232]

Same concern. Do you have a solution for this? Thank you

[@nickwarrington6865]

Have you tried this with the newer M2 processor? I am not having as much luck as you did.

[@fitness_wit_prince]

I also bought the cheap adapter. Pissed me off. Thanks for the info!

[@julianstraughter7465]

Well Done! Great Illustration. Thanks for Sharing.

[@jbdiamondhands]

Thanks for the video. Super helpful. I have a question... Could you use all 3 screens as 3 separate displays without closing the MacBook? So the 2 external and the MacBook screen as 3 displays on an M1 MacBook Pro?

[@kellydimasgonzalez5162]

This is my question too!! Did you get yours to work?

[@shaleenrivera5302]

Men you have save me around $250, because I already have an off brand dock station and the 2 monitor where showing the same thing!! Thanks for the info!!

[@waltermacapaz8368]

greetings! Thanks for videos! Unfortunately, after purchasing your suggested Apple Display dongle and an additional docking display hub by Ugreen, my 2nd monitor is still not active --- using a Macbook Pro M2.

[@In30minutes]

Wow. With an M2? There is already an HDMI output on that, right? Or only USB C?

[@jeffmartin8335]

Thanks for sharing this. It was very helpful.

[@zeroarst]

Does that mean if you have two adatpers both connect to separate usbc, then connect to separte monitor, then it should work?

[@do6407]

you say this works with M1 macbooks as well, but the apple website says apple silicon only supports one external display? unless you are using displaylink adapter and software

[@melissameyer7405]

Thank you! This was very helpful and I appreciate it.

[@Stoltzy21]

Ur a life savior thanks dude!

[@Shel_loud]

So if I bought a 2020 mbp intel 10th gen would I be able to use a dell WD19s adapter to support multiple monitors?

[@stephanieruiz1397]

Do these monitors have a dual monitor mount that works? Can you share other monitor options? I am afraid to purchase a different monitor brand and miss some specs. I prefer Samsung. What are the specs that are absolutely necessary? Or can you just share some more monitor links that have the bracket ability in the back.

[@chriscash782]

Can you use an HDMI hub to connect 2 MacBooks to one monitor. For instance, you have the two MacBook screens. And which ever you want to display on the bigger monitor they are connected to with ability to scroll that one between the two laptops?

[@In30minutes]

No, I don't think you can do this. Sorry. The built in mac monitor is tied to that device, and can't be overridden by another.

[@kieranknight1447]

Thanks for the video. Do you have to use two separate hubs for it to work or could you use one with two HDIMI's ports in?

[@sunshinecycling]

Would this be the same setup if you got a Mac Studio and two monitors?

[@gilbertkoktemir8963]

hi there does this setup works also on a MacBook Air with M1 chip

[@SergioBuenoGarcía-z3y]

I 2 adapters too, but the screen only works in the first y plug in. Both work independly, but if I plug 1 first and later i want to plug the second adapter with other hdmi, this one not load. Any idea?

[@shanehussey1012]

hey man. I have a macbook air (2020), intel i5. would two of the apple hdmi adapters work to get both external monitors working in extended mode?

[@chuckyxqlusiv8328]

What I my MacBook only have one type c port how would I get it to run 2or 3 monitors?

[@dentonnguyen8657]

by connecting the 2 monitors through separate dongles that go into each single port, does it allow you to use all 3 screens (2 monitors and MacBook screen) to do different things? (can you move windows from screen to screen between all of the 3 screens?)

[@In30minutes]

No, only two screens. The third screen (in my case, the laptop) will mirror one of the external monitors if I have the MBP open.

[@diegogonzalezroca493]

@@In30minutes But isn't that what was going on at 4:09?

[@kmcg101]

@@diegogonzalezroca493 agreed. the answer is infuriating unless we are misunderstanding something.

[@ruchitajain2725]

Hi, it’s a helpful video. Can you please tell how did you connect the keyboard in this case to the MacBook?

[@In30minutes]

Bluetooth keyboard using macOS System Preferences > Bluetooth settings

[@dhakaboy1]

I have an older Macbook Pro 2011 which has a Thunderbolt port, and a few USB-A's. No USB-C's. Whats my solution please ?

[@marcosmos7478]

hey how about the refresh rate i have 2 144hz monitors would it work with that refresh rate?

[@nerminfoundas1070]

I did exactly what you outlined and my second monitor still didn't respond. what am I missing?

[@allansunny9960]

You got the answer to this?

[@ryanterwilliger9309]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@sushantasamantaray7140]

My monitors support usb c dock with charging.. does that mean with only 1 apple adapter can I do a dual monitor set up along with charging laptop ? 1st monitor connected to usb c of adapter and 2nd monitor to hdmi.. can the 1st monitor charge mac along with extended display ? If this works, at least we can avoid the 2nd adapter

[@BrettRV]

I bought a USB-hdmi cable for my macbook pro 2015 so i can use it for one of my external monitors and it is not working (monitor is acer just like yours) any advice??

[@ghengis-connie]

I have the M1 Macbook Air and using the Apple Adapter and a cheaper adapter did not work for me. Not sure what I'm missing!

[@exotic938]

I'm trying to set up my MacBook Air and wasn't able to get both monitors up. When i used the MOKIN adapter both displays populate but both monitors are mirrored. I bought the apple adapter and now only one monitor shows even when the second one is hooked up. Any ideas that could help me set both monitors up?

[@johnhawk8624]

You saved me, many thanks!

[@BreyannajOnas]

Hi! Would this work with a lenovo thinkpad and macbook pro m1?

[@amitpall6400]

Great video - very useful!

[@G78956]

Does this work with 2 moniters in Portrait mode?

[@RodrigoCervantes1]

I have a M2 Macbook with Monterrey and I am not able to get the 2 external monitors to work. Do you have any recommendation as to what to do

[@In30minutes]

Sorry, this video was about older Intel macs.

[@amg1667]

do you need the apple adapter? or will a thrid party usb-c to HDMI adapter get the job done. I have a late 2016 MacBook Pro and was gonna have 2 monitors going through 2 hdmi to usbc adapters.

[@In30minutes]

As I said in the video, you need two separate dongles, one of which MUST be an Apple dongle. The no-name dongles from Amazon will just mirror displays.

[@expresso49]

@@In30minutes what if you're using one monitor that has a usb c cord connected and one that has an hdmi cord on it all connected via one apple dongle? Also it's an m1 macbook air.... i am struggling to get this to work.

[@papaya3874]

Okay, this was way easier than trying to change the name of the displays so my macbook pro would identify the monitors as separate entities. I dunno why apple doesn't have an easy fix for this, given that most people will have identical monitors when they're using a dual display.

[@papaya3874]

FYI - This worked for me using a generic dock from amazon I already had and a lenovo thinkpad dock I use with my work computer.

[@TruthRightNow]

@@papaya3874 I am in the same situation. It worked without buying the apple adapter.

[@AiRE.8TD]

It worked for me, thank you

[@murdomacleod4962]

Thanks for the video. I'm wondering if you need an apple own adapter or would two separate unofficial adapters with Hdmi ports work?

[@In30minutes]

As I said in the video, one of them must be an Apple adapter.

[@murdomacleod4962]

@@In30minutes Thanks for the quick response just wasn’t sure if it was initially two hdmi ports on one unofficial

[@siddharthaeri3527]

What if I use two of these cheap adapters to power separate displays?

[@In30minutes]

I don't know the answer to that question.

[@ramonyusijfdebruijn790]

I had 2 USB-C to HDMI adapters and it worked for about 12 months, until I upgraded to macOS Ventura. Now I cannot use any external monitor. It constantly crashes, shuts down my iMac. So now I am forced to use the HDMI adapter from Apple for this to work? @€80 each

[@abusayed6254]

Will it work on with MacBook m1 chip 2020?

[@designcrft]

I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) and this isn't working for me. I just bought an official MacBook dongle for the first port and have several cheap USB-C to HDMI dongles that I'm testing out. None of them work for the secondary display. This is so frustrating.

[@julia-ig7ri]

Does anyone know why I can´t use Usb C to Usb C cable to connect my Macbook with a monitor that has a Usb C input?

[@riazahmedpatel6093]

Hi does this work for the macbook air 2020 m1 processor - i have tried and the second screen doesnt load up at all

[@In30minutes]

Some commenters say that using an Apple adapter with an M1 mac will allow split dual screens.

[@victordias5614]

Did you have any heating problem using two external monitors? I mean, can you use the Mac without listening the fans and it still works fine?

[@In30minutes]

No. I use a 2017 Intel MBP with 16GB of memory, and there is no problem using two monitors at the same time. What usually triggers the fan are processor intensive apps or processes, like uploading KZbin videos, running certain applications, etc.

[@jacobjames7426]

I cant get it to work on 2021 M1 macbook air. I have two official apple dongles like in your video. each screen works when only one is plugged in which ever is plugged in first is the working one, the second screen never turns on when plugging it in second. any advice?

[@In30minutes]

Sorry, not sure how it works for M1 Macbooks. Someone suggested that the output for some Macs may be limited depending on the screen resolution and other factors.

[@BananasPostale]

Can both HDMI cables (1 from each display) connect through 1 adaptor into 1 port on the MacBook? I’m trying this but it doesn’t extend the display, only mirrors my laptop to both displays.

[@In30minutes]

No, as I explained you need two separate dongles, one of which MUST be an Apple dongle. The no-name dongles from Amazon with two HDMI cable slots won't work, it will just mirror displays like you experienced.

[@JULIOAIS]

What if I have only one monitor and i want to use my Mac separetly from the monitor?

[@daniellemartinez2382]

Will this work with my Macbook air 2020 version? I really want to have work with two different things when I am doing school work

[@In30minutes]

Mixed reports. Some people say the new M1 Airs can't handle multiple high-resolution monitors. But others have tried it and it works.

[@daniellemartinez2382]

@@In30minutes Well I will try it and see if it works for me. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@daniellemartinez2382]

@@In30minutes worked like a charm. Thank you!!

[@In30minutes]

@@daniellemartinez2382 Awesome! Was at least one of the dongles to connect to the monitors an Apple dongle (the white one shown in the video)?

[@daniellemartinez2382]

@@In30minutes yes I got the apple dongle and it worked for me

[@djtough_]

Wow thanks so much it worked

[@FatChick350Ibs]

Does this work on newest version of MacBook Air?

[@ReyMendozaJr]

tried it, nope it doesnt

[@mylessorensen8990]

Hello, thanks for your informative video. I have a 2017 Macbook, which only has one USB C port. Can I still make this work? I would connect the generic USB C hub, with one HDMI cable running to a monitor out of that. Then I would connect the Apple hub into that hub via USB C, and connect another HDMI cable from the apple hub to another monitor. And then run power into the apple hub - into the generic hub - into the computer. Think that would work? thank you!

[@In30minutes]

Wow, I did not know Apple made a Macbook with only 1 USB port! You can try it as you described, I have no idea if it will work.

[@mylessorensen8990]

@@In30minutes Thanks for your response. Yeah it is the 2017 Macbook, which is neither a Macbook Air nor a Macbook pro, they seemed to have made this model for only a couple years, so extra hard to figure out how to set up two extended monitors with it that aren't mirroring. I actually do have it working now with a USB to HDMI adapter, but that screen is basically using Airplay, so it has a lag which is annoying. Hoping if I do it your way there won't be a lag. thanks

[@vancraven7688]

Will this work for MacBook Air 2019

[@In30minutes]

Maybe not. MacBook Airs have limited power for external displays.

[@TOryanLee]

Hi - you mentioned you’ve tried this on an M1 and it worked for you. Did you do anything different than what was demoed here? I’ve tried on my end with no luck. 🙁. My adapters are exactly same as yours, ie. Apple adapter + generic, but the 2nd screen doesn’t pop up. I’ve switched the adapters and HDMI around and still no luck.

[@mortgageinsight]

Same :(

[@sabrinarowan9961]

Same here! I can use my MacBook and 1 screen as two separate monitors but I’d really prefer to just have 2 external monitors

[@femiolowofoyeku5852]

Helpful, I appreciate.

[@akashnkm1]

the exact process won't work on my macbook pro 13 inch M1 2020; :( Only 1 of the two monitors work even with the apple adapter

[@donnym100]

Any luck getting this to work with a 2020 (not 2021) M1 MacBook Pro (2 Thunderbolt ports)?

[@In30minutes]

I was able to do this on a 2020 M1 MBP (not Air) using the same method as shown in the video.

[@donnym100]

@@In30minutes Thank you for your quick response!

[@bluelghtning]

You didn't really specify in the very beginning, but did you actually have 3 separate displays with the Macbook display itself or was one of the monitors just a mirror of it? Very helpful video as I'm trying to figure out multiple displays with my 2018 Macbook Air.

[@In30minutes]

The macbook itself is not a third display. It will be mirrored on one of the external monitors.

[@bluelghtning]

@@In30minutes Actually, I was able to get 3 displays working just fine using an adapter that plugs into both thunderbolt ports and has 2 HDMI ports on it plus other ports. I have 2 two 24" displays plus my 2018 Macbook Air each having their own screen.

[@kellydimasgonzalez5162]

@@bluelghtning that’s awesome!! So do you have 3 different working screens ??

[@bluelghtning]

@@kellydimasgonzalez5162 Yes I do.

[@kieranknight1447]

@@bluelghtning what adapter please?

[@ImPapiJuancho]

so i have 2 adapters. one apple, one that is not and has extra ports for my webcam and charger. The apple adapter only has one hdmi and its not working, any idea what im doing wrong?

[@In30minutes]

Do some basic tests in this order: 1) Restart computer with monitors plugged in. 2) Try switching the monitors to use the other adapters. 3) If that doesn't work, try switching the USB C ports used for each of the adapters.

[@ReyMendozaJr]

Unfortunately doesnt work on M1 Macbook air - one officail apple adapter and one ugreen usb c dock. The only way I got a 2nd extended monitor via airplay - which means you have to buy an apple TV or ipad. The apple support really says you can only use 1 extended monitor , probably physically that is

[@paulheiman2517]

macbook pro 13 inch 2020 with apple adapter still can't get both externals to turn on??

[@In30minutes]

The video is for Intel macs. M1s have different behavior.

[@Murad-Musayev]

hello its possible for 2019 macbook air no M1 ?

[@Murad-Musayev]

and second problem my monitors both vgi port

[@ilkinguliyev5918]

does it support in M2 pro 2022

[@AlexanderFromTheStarDimension]

Before I try, I'm wondering if all three displays could be functional... if I could use my Macbook and BOTH of the external monitors.

[@In30minutes]

You mean, 3 screens showing different things? I haven't been able to get that functionality - the Macbook screen always shows what's on one of the monitors.

[@charaanddadtrades1009]

Did the same thing u did not still only detects one monitor but not the other

[@Bilhardas]

why you use 2 different adapters since you mentioned that you bought a couple o mac ones?

[@In30minutes]

One Apple dongle, one generic.

[@Bilhardas]

@@In30minutes 2 generic would do the job, no need to buy a 50 eur adapter

[@In30minutes]

@@Bilhardas Incorrect. I tried. Others tried. If you have a video that shows otherwise (using Intel Mac with two generic adapters showing two DIFFERENT screens) then please share it here.

[@alonzosantiago332]

This didn't work for me. I have the apple adapter and a cheap one. One screen stays black. Switched cables around to see if that was an issue but it had 1 screen just black still.

[@emilyhenson6008]

I have the same set up except the two monitors still mirror eachother. When I click the mirroring box then all 3 of the screens mirror eachother. Any thoughts on that?

[@In30minutes]

Are you using an Apple dongle? At least one of the connectors to the monitors must be an Apple dongle in my experience.

[@CaseySammons-m1o]

I have a MacBook Pro with an M1 and it does not work. Am I doing something wrong?

[@chrisweis3845]

I have the same apple adapter and a USB-C - HDMI Dongle but when I plug it in my second Monitor doesn't seem to be recognized. I thought it might be the second dongle but it works fine on its own. Any ideas? Macbook has an M1 chip.

[@In30minutes]

Sorry, not sure about M1 chips but I will say that even the regular Apple dongle on an Intel MBP can be moody, as I found today when I plugged it in when I got to work. Screen wouldn't come on, display sizing was 720p instead of 1080i ... had to restart the Macbook to get it to work.

[@shang8667]

Did you get it to work Chris?

[@raulalvarez8317]

Very helpful thank you

[@eshaanc9779]

Is it healthy for the max tho? Won't there be any problem later

[@In30minutes]

Shouldn't have any impact.

[@thebobfunk]

THANK YOU!!