Mac mini M4 2nd external display (portable monitor via USB-C) not working

My mac mini m4 was working perfectly fine with 2 monitors before - one is my TV connected via an HDMI to usb-c adapter into the mac mini, and one portable monitor connected to the mac mini via a usb-c to usb-c cable, which also powers the portable monitor.


The cable for the portable monitor does support display port which should work with thunderbolt 4 plug at the back of the mac mini m4. Also, the setup has been working for about 1 month, but then it suddenly stopped working yesterday - the only events happening recently that I can remember was a power cut that happened while the mac mini was on and connected to both displays.


Now, the mac mini m4 only connects to the TV while both displays are plugged in. On startup, both display screens up, with one having the login screen, but the cursor only works on one of them. After login in, only the TV display works, and the portable monitor just freezes.


I have tested the portable monitor and the cables with a window laptop and it worked just fine. Also, connecting the mac mini with JUST one display either the TV or the portable monitor also works - they just don't work when connected together. It's perplexes me that my setup has been working for over a month and now it suddenly stops working.





[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Jan 31, 2025 08:54 PM

Reply

Similar questions

2 replies

Feb 1, 2025 02:09 AM in response to Rudegar

Thanks for your reply. I should clarify that the usb-c cable supports display port, which I think should be compatible with thunderbolt 4.


Also, it has been working for the last month - with both the TV connected to hdmi port and the portable monitor connected to usb-c (thunderbolt 4) port. Only yesterday did the portable monitor stopped getting detected by the mac and blacks out/freeze.


It might be possible that it is the portable display's issue. However, this portable display still works when connected separately to the mac as pictured below. It is only when connected to the TV at the same time does it not get detected.


Feb 1, 2025 01:43 AM in response to manyk-nguyen

usb-c is a broad term, it's it's not thunderbolt then it will likely require software on the mac mini to work if it's meant to be display input at all some monitors use the usb3/4 to power stuff like touch or USB hub or the likes


if it was me then I would try to use the displayport or the HDMI port on the monitor which one knows for sure carry display data unlike normal USB which is raw data

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Mac mini M4 2nd external display (portable monitor via USB-C) not working

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.