Mac Mini M1 Multiple Display Issue (2 Monitors)

Everything was working before but now it seems like the mac mini is only allowing 1 display.

 

System Setup:

OS: Sequoia 15.2

Monitors: MSI 27" and Arzopa (Portable)

Cables Used:

  • Type C to DP on MSI (Main Monitor)
  • HDMI to Mini HDMI on Arzopa

Hagibis Docking Station

Display Settings:

Mirror

  • I usually use this settings because Mac still detects the second monitor even if its turned off
  • I only turn on the Arzopa if what I’m doing requires additional display

 

Issue:

When I turn on the Arzopa I only get a blank screen and its not detected when I check the display settings.

 

Troubleshooting:

I confirmed that it’s not a display issue (Arzopa) but using my Windows PC which I also use on both monitors.

Windows PC Setup:

Cable Used:

-       HDMI to HDMI on MSI

-       DP to Type C on Arzopa

 

I tried to use Type C to Type C to connect the M1 and the MSI monitor while using the same HDMI to Mini HDMI on Arzopa. The display on the Arzopa worked again. I tried restarting the system and it was still good. I also tried turning off the MSI and just use the Arzopa as the main display it still good. However, I think the following day or a couple of days after the issue reoccured.

 

So what I did was to switch Type C port to connect the cable still the same. And since then even the Type C to DP on MSI is not working anymore only the Type C to Type C.

 

I used another Type C to DP cable which I used before the current cable it still the same.

 

I was able to confirm that the old Type C to DP is working when I connected my work laptop to the MSI using it.

 

Also display is good when I use the Type C to Type C to connect to the MSI while I disconnected the HDMI cable on the Arzopa

 

I got a new HDMI to Mini HDMI today and tried this setup

Cable Used:

-       Type C to Type on MSI

-       HDMI to Mini HDMI on Arzopa (New)

But still the same

 

The new HDMI to Mini HDMI is working fine when I connect my work laptop to the Arzopa.


Current Setup: 

Cables Used:

-       Type C to Type C on MSI

-       Unplugged cable on Arzopa

 

So based so far on the things that I did. Could this be a glitch with the current OS?

Or do anyone can help me resolve for this.

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 12:32 AM

Reply

Similar questions

4 replies

Jan 11, 2025 09:56 AM in response to brayc

In simple terms, macOS polls the display(s) and then seals the connection(s) with a handshake.

If a display connection is lost, then a new poll and handshake is required to reestablish the connection.


Polling and handshaking, only takes place at certain times like startup, restart and display wake.

It's iffy, but you might force a poll and handshake, using a "Put Display to Sleep" Hot Corner and re-waking the displays.


Ideally if you want/need to use two displays with the Mac mini..?

I recommend connecting both displays to the Mac mini and then leaving them both connected and on.

Jan 11, 2025 10:55 AM in response to den.thed

Thank you for replying however I tried turning on both monitors before turning on the Mac mini however the Arzopa is getting blank/black screen.


If it's due to polling and handshaking, why using Type C to DP on the MSI while the Arzopa is disconnected to the Mac Mini, the MSI is not getting any signal from the Mac Mini.

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Mac Mini M1 Multiple Display Issue (2 Monitors)

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