If you have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air produced in 2016 or later, your MacBook supports both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C output ports. Both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports have a small pill-shaped port. MacBooks that support Thunderbolt 3 have multiple output ports on them. You can use a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C cable in any one of the output ports. If you have a MacBook produced after 2015 and it has a single pill-shaped port on the side, your MacBook supports a USB-C connection, but not Thunderbolt 3 connection. Be sure to purchase a USB-C cable and not a Thunderbolt 3. If you have a MacBook Pro produced between 2011 and 2015, or a MacBook Air produced between 2011 and 2017, your MacBook may have a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 output port. These ports are rectangle-shaped with the corners cut out of the bottom. They also have a label that resembles a lightning bolt next to them. Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 output ports are the same shape and size as a Mini DisplayPort, but they are not the same as a Mini DisplayPort. Pay attention to the label next to the port to know what cable you need to purchase. If you have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air produced between 2008 and 2010, your MacBook uses a Mini DisplayPort. It has a rectangle-shaped port with the bottom corners cut out. It also has a label that resembles a TV screen with two lines on both sides. Mini DisplayPorts are the same size and shape as Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 ports, but they are not the same. Check the label next to the port to know what cable you need to use. Some MacBook models have an HDMI port on the side. This can be used to connect to a TV without an adapter. HDMI ports resemble a 3/4 inch pentogonal-shaped port with the bottom corners rounded inward. Some TVs let you connect a laptop to them using a USB connection. For this to work, your TV needs to have a USB input port and support a display over USB.
If your MacBook has an HDMI output, no adapter is needed.
If your TV has more than one HDMI port, note which HDMI port you are connecting to.
For 2011 through 2015 MacBook models, the Thunderbolt cable will connect to the rectangle-shaped port that has a label that resembles a lightning bolt. For 2009 through 2011 MacBook models, the Mini DisplayPort end of the cable will plug into the port that has a label that resembles a TV screen. If you are using a USB-C adapter to connect to a TV, make sure your MacBook is charged before you begin.
Alternatively, you can click the resolution you want to display. A standard HDTV display is usually 1920 x 1080. A 4K Ultra HDTV is usually 3840 x 2160. You can’t use a resolution that’s higher than your TV’s built-in resolution (e. g. , 4K).
If your TV’s name is highlighted, your MacBook is already using your TV’s speakers. Pre 2009 MacBook models can only supply video (no audio) through a Mini DisplayPort. You can connect to external speakers using the headphone jack on your MacBook.
On some smart TVs and devices, you may need to download Apple’s TV app from the digital store.
Click the Wi-Fi icon, which resembles arching lines over a dot. It’s in the menu bar at the top. Click the wireless network you want to connect to. Enter the wireless password for that network.
Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner. Click System Preferences. Click Displays. Click the checkbox next to “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available. "
If you have multiple devices connected to the same network, you may see these options listed below each device.
To stop screen mirroring, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of your MacBook desktop. Then click Turn Off AirPlay.
