Connect to HDMI from your Mac

Mac computers can use an HDMI cable or adapter to connect to an HDTV, display, or other HDMI device.

Right side of MacBook Pro showing the HDMI port location

Check if you need an adapter

Check specifications

Mac computers that have a built-in HDMI port comply with HDMI 1.4 or later depending on the Mac model and support:

  • 1080p and 4K at 30Hz on Mac models that support HDMI version 1.4 or later.
  • 4K at 60Hz on Mac models that support HDMI version 2.0.
  • 8-channel/24-bit audio at 192kHz, Dolby Surround 5.1, and traditional stereo.
  • HDCP-encrypted playback from iTunes and QuickTime Player (version 10). Safari in macOS Sierra or later also supports HDCP-encrypted playback, if the web page is HTML5-enabled and the content is FairPlay Streaming-enabled and delivered using Media Source Extensions or HTTP Live Streaming. To play HDCP content on an external display, HDCP playback requires an HDCP compatible display.
  • HDR on compatible Mac models.

If using an adapter, check the specifications of the adapter to learn about supported resolutions and other details.

Mac computers that support HDMI version 2.0

  • Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later
  • Mac Pro introduced in 2019
  • MacBook Pro introduced in 2021

Mac computers that support HDMI version 1.4, 1.4a, or 1.4b

  • Mac mini introduced in 2012 through 2014
  • Mac Pro introduced in 2013
  • MacBook Pro introduced in 2012 through 2015

If your display isn't recognized

If your Mac doesn't recognize your HDTV, display, or other HDMI device after making the connection:

  1. Turn off the HDMI device while your Mac is turned on.
  2. Unplug the HDMI cable from your Mac, then plug it in again.
  3. Turn on the HDMI device.

If your display isn't showing the whole picture

If the video on your HDTV or display extends beyond the borders of the screen, press Option-F1 on your keyboard to open Displays preferences, then adjust the Underscan slider* for a better fit.

System Preferences - Displays - Extended display (HDMI)

If your Mac goes to sleep while a video is playing or paused, you might see an HDCP error. Quit the app that is playing the video, then open the app again. If the issue continues, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Energy Saver and adjust the settings so that your display doesn't turn off.

* The Underscan slider appears for only some configurations and resolutions.

If your HDMI device isn't receiving audio

If your HDMI device isn't receiving audio from your Mac:

  • Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Sound. In the Output pane, make sure that your HDMI device is selected.
  • If you're connecting using a Mini DisplayPort adapter, make sure that your Mac can send audio over Mini DisplayPort.
  • If you're connecting from a Mac mini, unplug any audio device that is plugged into your computer's Audio-Out port.

System Preferences - Sound Output

Mac computers don't support using CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to control HDMI devices.

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