Why is my Mac mini M4 Pro display resolution low and how can I adjust it?

I have a MacBook Pro M1, and a 5k LG monitor with 5120 x 2160 res. When I use it I can use the "default" setting which is 3840 x 1620 and it is perfect for me.

I just got a new Mac mini M4 pro. Its default for the same monitor is 3360 x 1418, and the resolution kinda sucks. But there is only one high res option at 5120 x 2160 which is way too small to see things.

Is there a way around this that I am not aware of? would the same issue be on the studio? I do not understand where the limitation comes from unless it has something to do with the MacBook Pro m1 having a certain res on the built in display. But that would make me think the mini should be able to do that res no matter what because there is no built in display.

both are using same thunderbolt cable.

Also both are using same OS version.

here is the options :

Thanks,

Brandon

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 14, 2024 06:58 PM

Top-ranking reply

DutchMacFan

Level 1

22 points

Posted on Nov 29, 2024 02:27 PM

Same here. Utterly annoying.

My M1 MBP works well with the 5k LG Ultrawide, and 3840x1620 is a splendid resolution (72Hz).

BTW, it shows HiDPI on my tool (BetterDisplay), it looks crisp.

While I can select the same resolution on my Mac Mini M4, it doesn't show HiDPI, and it (indeed) looks worse. De HiDPI settings available are 5120 x 2160 (way too small) and 3008 x 1270 (too big imho).

I'm glad I'm not the only one, so it isn't an issue on my device.

On the other hand, I'd rather have a DOA as I could return and switch.

It's quite odd that the latest and fastest (M4) processor and the same OSX version) isn't able to use my monitor as should be. And that it beats the M1 (??)

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55 replies

MatNeh

Level 1

28 points

Jun 6, 2025 06:40 AM in response to brandonfromsaint charles

So here we are 7 months later, and as of 15.4.1 this issue is still not fixed. Has anyone else found a decent workaround? BetterDisplay works (kind of) if you go through the hoops of using a virtual monitor. I say kind of because my mouse pointer then disappears and it randomly locks up :(

Dec 2, 2024 06:47 PM in response to brandonfromsaint charles

I just got the new Mac mini M4 Pro, same issue with the same monitor. I have my MBP M1 Pro plugged in, and the 3840x1620 is the best resolution for me since the 5120x2160 makes things very small.

I'm trying to look for a fix for this, unfortunately if nothings comes up, I will return the Mac mini. I had bought the regular Mac mini and had the same problem, I thought it could be the non-pro chip, unfortunately it wasn't.

Mranand

Level 1

12 points

Jul 16, 2025 06:47 AM in response to foxxx

How dd you get this working with BetterDisplay ? I have the same monitor as you, but get only a native 5120x2160 (everything too small) option or 167% 3072x1296 (everything big) option. No the one you mention.

MatNeh

Level 1

28 points

Dec 13, 2024 08:13 AM in response to foxxx

Just to confirm -- you are using 3840x1620 with BetterDisplay, but it's NOT HiDPI mode right? The HiDPI 3840x1620 is what's missing with the M4 chip.

nlel

Level 1

53 points

Dec 20, 2024 04:29 AM in response to brandonfromsaint charles

I’ve got a Dell 32” AW3225QF 4K 240 Hz monitor and I run it at 3008 x 1692 at 120 Hz and that’s perfect for me. Full 4K 3840 x 2160 without any scaling is to small for me.

MatNeh

Level 1

28 points

Dec 20, 2024 07:45 AM in response to nlel

The issue in this topic is mainly with larger monitors (40” widescreen here) where the perfect dpi resolution 3840x1620 disappeared on the M4 inexplicably.

MatNeh

Level 1

28 points

Dec 31, 2024 09:44 AM in response to georg_peter_p

That’s correct. I have the exact same monitor connected over Thunderbolt. The “looks like” 3840x1620 option is missing going from M1 to M4. You’ll get the option of 3360x1418 instead.

Jan 3, 2025 08:01 AM in response to MatNeh

Thank you for confirming this issue - I am new to this "discussion panel"; is there anyone from Apple who will respond to this problem?

Jan 10, 2025 10:22 AM in response to georg_peter_p

Since is 5k, no problem. the problem is 4k

wxhsu

Level 1

8 points

Jan 23, 2025 07:27 AM in response to brandonfromsaint charles

Having the same issue with my Mini M4 and LG Ultrawide 40WP95C

Very disappointed, anyone know if a fix is in the pipeline?

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Why is my Mac mini M4 Pro display resolution low and how can I adjust it?