Nothing could be simpler than connecting your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer to a TV using an HDMI cable. Our Mac screens are sometimes a little small depending on the model, it can be very appreciable to be able to connect the latter to a large screen or to be able to connect a projector and be able to enjoy a good movie night on Netflix. It's not that hard! You will find the steps to follow in order to be able to connect your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro device to a TV using an HDMI cable, which ports to use on your Mac, which ports to use on your TV as well as some advice if you are having difficulty to transfer sound between your Mac and your TV. Good reading!
Which ports should I use to connect my Macbook to a TV using an HDMI cable?
You can use multiple ports on your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro device to connect your Mac to your TV. The different ports vary depending on the model and année from your Apple device. The same goes for your television: it will have this or that port depending on its year. You will find all the answers to your questions below:
The ports of your Macbook
- For Macbook Pro (2016) devices, Macbook Air (2018) devices, and Mac Mini (2018) devices, you will be able to use the ports Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
- For Macbook Pro (2011-2015) and Macbook Air (2011-2017) devices, you will then be able to use the ports Thunderbolt or ports Thunderbolt 2.
The ports of your TV
On relatively recent TV models, there is a good chance that you will find a port HDMI. On the other hand, on older models, there may be only one port DVI. You will then need two DVI cables if you want to connect your TV to your Macbook computer, one for picture and one for sound. However, with the HDMI port, only one cable will be required because the HDMI connection ensures the transmission of high definition videos and sound simultaneously.
Which Adapter to connect my Macbook to a TV with an HDMI cable?
Good news, if your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer has an HDMI port, then you won't need toadapter. However, otherwise, you will need to equip yourself with a adapter. Here are the different adapters you can use on your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer:
- USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI
- USB-C Digital AV Multiport
- Mini displayport to HDMI
- USB-C Digital AV Multiport
Configuring video mirroring between your Mac and your TV
Here are the steps to follow in order to configure the video copy between your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer and your TV:
- Make sure your TV is turned on and connected to your Macbook device
- Go to the menu Apple (the little black apple located at the top left of your screen)
- Click on System Preferences
- Click on Moniteurs
- Make sure that the box Video Copy is checked. If not, click on the corresponding box to check it.
What if the sound does not come out of the TV?
If you are having difficulty with the sound of your videos, do not hesitate to check if your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer is able to transfer sound to your TV. Here are the steps to check it:
- Go to the menu Apple (the little black apple located at the top left of your screen)
- Click on About This Mac
- Click on Preview
- Click on System Report
- Click on Audio
Si HDMI Output ou HDMI / DisplayPort appears in the list of devices, it means that your Mac can transfer sound.
Here are the steps to take to make sure that the sound comes out of your TV and not from your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer when connecting them:
- Go to the menu Apple (the little black apple located at the top left of your screen)
- Click on System Preferences
- Click on Conclusion
- Click on Trip and select the desired output
We advise you this article if you want to connect your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro computer to your TV without having to use an HDMI cable.
