SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.
Connect an external monitor
Add a second screen to see more at once.
Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.
STEP 1 OF 8
Check the connection
Connect the monitor with a cable or adapter that supports video, then turn it on. Check your Mac model supports the display setup you want.
Need a little more help?+
A connector fitting into a port does not by itself confirm that the cable supports video.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+
STEP 1
Check the connection
Connect the monitor with a cable or adapter that supports video, then turn it on. Check your Mac model supports the display setup you want.
A connector fitting into a port does not by itself confirm that the cable supports video.
STEP 2
Open the Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
STEP 3
Open System Settings
Click System Settings.
STEP 4
Open Displays
In the sidebar on the left, click Displays.
STEP 5
Select the monitor
Click the name of your monitor.
STEP 6
Open Use as
Click the Use as menu.
STEP 7
Choose Extended display
Choose Extended display to get extra workspace.
Want both screens to show the same thing? Choose the mirror option instead.
STEP 8
If the monitor is missing
In Displays, hold Option to reveal Detect Displays, then click it. Check the monitor is on and the cable is secure if it is still absent.
IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT
A little help along the way.
Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.
I cannot find that option+
Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.
I need to go back a step+
Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.
Are these pictures of my device?+
They are example screens showing exactly where to click. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.