how to connect a monitor to macbook pro

Your 2019 16 inch MacBook Pro has 4 Thunderbolt-3 (Also known as USB-C) ports available on it. You, therefore, have to make a connection from the USB-C port of your MacBook Pro to one of the available ports on your external display. You will have to check which input ports are available on your external display. (You did not mention which make and model is your external display).

Most external displays have at least one HDMI port for input. Some have multiple input ports available, such as a USB-C port, a Mini Display port and/or a HDMI port. Figure out what you have on the external display and then you will have to get a cable and possible an adapter to make the connection. Your connection will be from the output port of your MacBook Pro (USB-C) to the input port of your external display (depending on which port(s) is/are available).

Can you tell us which make and model external display do you have? Thanks.

Axel F.

Please disclose which MacBook Pro model you have. Let us know which macOS you are using. Finally, let us know which display you are using including the available ports on the external display. Thanks.

More information here ➔ Connect a display to your Mac

Axel F.

The fundamental way this works in a Mac is that you connect an appropriate cable, your Mac queries the display about its capabilities, and everything is set up for you automatically. No additional Drivers. No additional settings.

All you need to do is provide an appropriate cable that makes the conversion from computer output to display input in at most ONE adapter. 'Stacking" adapters is not supported.

The Apple adapter (if that is what it is) does not specify how much power it can supply.

This 1 meter Monoprice adapter/cable says it supplies up to 3.0 Amps:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=27934

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<< I used an adapter to connect the USB to Mac USB-C. >>

¿EXACTLY what is that adapter?

what make, what model?

does it provide enough power (8 watts, or 1600 mA at 5 Volts) for the display to light up?

 menu > about this Mac > (System report) > USB ...

... then locate the device itself and see what it is asking for power.