Top 10 Ways to Fix HDMI Port Not Working on Mac

Following a short absence, the HDMI port returned in the latest MacBook Pro line up. Mac Mini and Mac Ultra also have HDMI ports to connect a monitor or projector. But you may feel like you’re in a soup when the HDMI port stops working on Mac out of the blue.

Here are the best ways to fix the MacBook not working with HDMI. The Mac users face this problem quite frequently. If that happens with you sometimes or often, continue reading to fix HDMI issues on your Mac.

1. Restart Your Mac

Most Mac users keep the devices on sleep mode to enjoy the instant wake up and excellent standby time. That helps to pick up work or movie wherever you left it off. However, it’s recommended to reboot your Mac occasionally to fix glaring issues like the HDMI port not working.

Step 1: Click the Apple icon at the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select Restart from the context menu.

2. Check Cable and Adapter

It’s a good idea to closely inspect the HDMI cable. If there is a loose connection on either side or physical damage, it won’t transmit the video and audio feed to the connected display or device. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to replace the HDMI cable with a new one from the local shop or Amazon.

While you inspect the cable and the ports, clean the HDMI port from any dust or debris using a microfiber cloth. Avoid using q-tips or anything that leaves behind lint.

3. Use Another Port If Possible

HDMI isn’t the only port to connect your Mac to an external display like a TV or monitor. If your device has a DisplayPort, use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. It’s also a neat alternative to HDMI and can come in handy if your MacBook doesn’t have an HDMI port. That said, USB-C to DisplayPort cables are hard to find. However, we’re shortlisted some of the top USB-C to DisplayPort cables.

4. Use an Adapter

If your MacBook’s HDMI port malfunctions, it’s time to get a new adapter. A dedicated multi-port adapter unlocks several USB ports, Ethernet, and HDMI ports for your MacBook. It’s a must-have accessory for MacBook Air users since the latest models only come with USB Type-C ports to utilize.

We have compiled a list of top adapters for MacBook. You can pick any adapter and connect your MacBook to an external device via the HDMI port.

5. Manually Detect Display

You can manually mirror or extend your MacBook’s display to eligible devices.

Step 1: Press the Command + Space keyboard shortcut and enter System Settings in the Spotlight Search. Hit Enter.

Step 2: Scroll to Displays. Click the + icon.

Step 3: Select the relevant device.

The ability to mirror your MacBook display wirelessly is available to devices with AirPlay support only.

6. Check Privacy Settings

Are you trying to use a new HDMI adapter on your Mac? You need to tweak a privacy setting to function as expected.

Step 1: Press the Command + Space keyboard shortcut and enter System Settings in the Spotlight Search. Hit Enter.

Step 2: Select Privacy & Security from the left sidebar in the System Settings window.

Step 3: In the right pane, scroll to Security and select ‘Automatically When Unlocked’ under the ‘Allow accessories to connect’ menu.

7. Keep Your MacBook on Charge

When you connect your MacBook to an external display via the HDMI port and close the lid, you need to put the MacBook on charge. Otherwise, you will only see the black screen on the connected device.

8. Reset SMC (Intel Macs)

Resetting SMC is another effective way to deal with common Mac problems, provided you’re using a Mac with Intel processor inside. The modern Apple M-series chip-based Macs need a simple restart and you can’t perform the old SMC reset procedure on it.

Here’s how to reset SMC on Intel processor-based Macs.

Step 1: Shut down your Mac. Connect it to a power source.

Step 2: Keep pressing the Shift + Option + Control keys and the power button simultaneously.

Step 3: Release all the keys and power on your Mac.

9. Check Resolution Settings

Your Mac may not connect to an external display if you’ve set an incompatible resolution setting. Here’s how to check that and change it.

Step 1: Press the Command + Space keyboard shortcut and enter System Settings in the Spotlight Search. Hit Enter.

Step 2: Select Displays from the left sidebar. From the right pane, pick a relevant text size and resolution for the external device and try again.

Do note that using a scaled resolution may affect the Mac’s performance.

10. Update Mac

Outdated macOS version can cause issues with the HDMI connection. Follow the steps below to install the latest macOS update.

Step 1: Press the Command + Space keyboard shortcut and enter System Settings in the Spotlight Search. Hit Enter.

Step 2: Select General from the left sidebar and choose the Software Update menu from the right pane.

Download and install the latest macOS update.

Bigger Is Better

Your upcoming sales and marketing pitch can turn into a nightmare when HDMI connections stop working on Mac. Before you settle on a small screen, the tricks above to fix the problem in no time.