Mac mini running macOS Sequoia 15.5 experiencing brief 2 second blackouts

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Mac mini running macOS Sequoia 15.5 experiencing brief 2 second blackouts

I have a 2020 Mac Mini running Sequoia 15.5 and use an Asus 4K display which functions perfectly. I just started experiencing brief 2 second blackouts and never experienced this previously. The only change I've made is the addition of the Zoom app, though it doesn't run in the background nor is it launched during bootup. If I restart, it seems to be OK. Is anyone else noticing this? I'm going to uninstall Zoom to see if it makes any difference. Thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Periodic short display blackouts with 15.5

Posted on Jun 22, 2025 04:38 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

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88,798 points

Jun 22, 2025 05:59 PM in response to jontalk1

What model # is the Asus display..?

What type cable are you using..?

Sounds like you may need to upgrade the cable or switch cable types.

for reference: see > Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

100,225 points

Jun 23, 2025 01:53 AM in response to jontalk1

Definitely follow the advise by @den.thed and get a High Quality Cable

I too have an older Asus 27" VP 278 Display

I came with their HDMI Cable for counting to a M4 Mac Mini

Yup, occasional Wink Out to Black and back to normal at Startup and same behaviours several time during the day

Replace their cable as suggested

No more winking outs, at all

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Answer 3

Old Toad

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214,296 points

Jun 23, 2025 04:07 PM in response to jontalk1

A number of users, including myself, are experiencing the same issue. It seem to cross Mini models, systems, cables and monitor makes. The following are a couple of topics on the same subject:

Mac mini M4 screen go black randomly - Apple Community

Mac mini M4 Pro sporadically loses connec… - Apple Community

Based on the fact that it's appearing on different Mini models, different system, different monitor makes and cable types I got to think it's within the hardware.

I've learned to ignore it but it may be more annoying to others. We can only report the problem to Mac Mini Feedback and watch this Apple site to see if there's a "recall/fix" program offered by Apple in the future: Apple Service Programs - Apple Support

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Answer 4

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 25, 2025 11:06 AM in response to den.thed

Wanted to let you know that after uninstalling Zoom, there have been no short blackouts on my display. Logic would dictate that there's some sort of bug in 15.5 on an M1 Mini with Zoom.

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Answer 5

den.thed

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88,798 points

Jun 23, 2025 09:29 AM in response to jontalk1

These new Mac mini's do not do well using cheap long poorly shielded video cables.

I would test a short ultra high speed HDMI 2.1 cable.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HXPZ1PQ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?

Or optionally use a short high speed 8K USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 cable.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NVV76FH/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?

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Answer 6

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 24, 2025 11:19 AM in response to Old Toad

I appreciate the reply and info..I've reported the issue to Apple and after researching found countless reports about Zoom running in the background, causing problems with displays etc. The HDMI cable in use is brand new, so I uninstalled Zoom since its not immediately needed. Since the problem hasn't shown up again, I have to think it was due to the app running in the background and the possibility its doesn't play well with Sequoia 15.5

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Answer 7

den.thed

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88,798 points

Jun 25, 2025 11:54 AM in response to jontalk1

jontalk1 wrote:

Wanted to let you know that after uninstalling Zoom, there have been no short blackouts on my display. Logic would dictate that there's some sort of bug in 15.5 on an M1 Mini with Zoom.

Thank you for the update. 👍

I've never had or used Zoom, but I'll keep that in mind when helping other with blackouts issues.

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Answer 8

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 25, 2025 12:49 PM in response to Old Toad

While I've sent a report to Apple about this issue, the more reports they receive, the better. From the way it appears its affecting M1 Minis, though it might affect M2's as well, though its obvious an issue with 15.5 of which there have been many

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Answer 9

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 27, 2025 10:01 AM in response to Old Toad

Am curious if you've had any since removing it. I had a number of days without any until today when it 'blinked' twice about 45 minutes after booting. Fortunately I had a short high speed HDMI and replaced the other cable that came with an Asus FHD monitor which appeared to be new

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Answer 10

jontalk1 Author

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28 points

Jun 27, 2025 12:02 PM in response to Old Toad

Good to hear..I'm not sure what causes the winking at this point. I had an Asus Pro Art FHD display before this one and never noticed it. That said, I wanted to try using the AI app Grammarly this week but after installing decided against it. Due to how it installs, when its sent to trash it left behind files, so I just ran Disk Doctor..regardless am keeping my fingers crossed the winking won't be a problem with the shorter HDMI cable

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Answer 11

Owl-53

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Jun 23, 2025 05:15 AM in response to Owl-53

Self correction and should read

" I came with their HDMI Cable for connecting to a M4 Mac Mini "

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Answer 12

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 23, 2025 09:05 AM in response to den.thed

Asus MX27UC, HDMI cable is brand new..uninstalled Zoom yesterday and started up without any problems. If I continue to notice this will get another cable as suggested

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Answer 13

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 23, 2025 09:50 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks..I have another of the type you mention, so I'll switch it out. The blackouts just began a week ago, and don't happen often

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Answer 14

den.thed

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Jun 23, 2025 10:17 AM in response to jontalk1

You're welcome. Please let use know if that helps.

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Answer 15

jontalk1 Author

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Jun 23, 2025 03:11 PM in response to den.thed

So far so good..too early to tell, but it appears that the zoom app may have been the problem since the display has yet to blink for 6+ hours of continual use. Keeping the spare HDMI handy

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Mac mini running macOS Sequoia 15.5 experiencing brief 2 second blackouts

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