Apple ’s MacBooks are first-class content - use machines , but even the roomiest16 - in MacBook Procan’t equivalence to take in your favorite shows on a expectant TV . Whether you ’re watching a movie or playing one of thebest Mac game , it ’s much skilful to enjoy it on a spacious TV than on a constrained MacBook display .
But how do you connect your Apple laptop to a boob tube ? Do you demand a specific character of MacBook , or a exceptional variety of cable ? Do you even need a cable television , or can you do it wirelessly ? Our guide is here to serve all those questions and more , so have ’s see how it ’s all done .
How to connect a MacBook to a TV using a cable
One of the easiest ways of connecting your MacBook to a TV is by using a cable . But although this is a fairly aboveboard appendage , there are a few key things you need to be aware of .
For example , the latest MacBook Pro laptops come up with an HDMI expansion slot , and most modern video should too . When that ’s not the case — such as if you have a MacBook Air or a very old TV — you might require an adapter .
footstep 1 : To get started , you ’ll need either an HDMI , Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable’s length . stop up one end of your cable into your MacBook and the other into your boob tube .
stride 2 : After connecting , enter the System preferences app and go toSound > Output . Here , ensure macOS has selected your desire output signal ( whether that ’s your TV , your MacBook or a attached speaker ) .
dance step 3 : You might ask to adjust your video ’s resolution . If so , go toSystem options > Displaysand nibble a resolution , or selectDefaultto have macOS mechanically pick out the best one .
Step 4 : quell in theDisplayssection of System configurations and pick whether you need your television receiver to mirror your Mac ’s screen or stretch it . you could also deepen the arrangement of your tv set and MacBook presentation , if required .
Step 5 : observe that getting audio to route from your MacBook to your TV call for a Mac with an HDMI , Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort slot . If you use Mini DisplayPort , you demand to assure your select cable support both audio and video . To do so , go toSystem configurations > General > About > System Report . In the sidebar , selectHardware > sound recording . If you seeHDMI OutputorHDMI / DisplayPort Outputlisted , your MacBook ’s Mini DisplayPort connection can send audio to your television set .
How to connect a MacBook to a TV using AirPlay
What if you do n’t have the right overseas telegram or adapter to connect your MacBook to a television ? In cases like that , you could do it wirelessly thanks to a feature article in macOS calledAirPlay .
This allow you send mental object over the airwave without ever receive to hook up your devices with cables . It ’s simple to use and can be preferable to fiddling about with a snarl of wires . Here ’s how you may set it up .
Step 1 : First , ensure that both your MacBook and your TV are on the same web .
gradation 2 : Select the Control Center ikon in your Mac cover ’s top - right corner , then pickScreen Mirroringand choose your TV from the list .
Step 3 : Here , you might be involve to enter a four - fingerbreadth codification to pair your devices .
Step 4 : you may either mirror your Mac ’s display onto your goggle box or extend it ( which uses the telly as a separate 2nd screen ) . To choose , go toControl Center > Screen Mirroringand pluck eitherMirror work up - in Display(to mirror your Mac ) orUse As Separate Display(to extend your Mac ’s screen ) .
As you’re able to see , connecting a MacBook to a television is a pretty simple-minded procedure . But there are times when it might not go accord to program . In that case , you might necessitate to do a little troubleshooting .
If you ca n’t see your MacBook ’s desktop on your telecasting , even though everything seems to be connected as it should be , there ’s a method you may try . First , unplug everything and conclude your MacBook ’s lid to send it to sleep , then tie in your Mac to power and plug it back in to your television set . Now , connect it to a USB keyboard and mouse ( or a radio set you ’ve antecedently paired with your laptop ) . Wait a few seconds , then press a key on your keyboard or black eye to fire up up your MacBook . Hopefully , that should lead in your Mac ’s CRT screen appearing on your boob tube .
What if you could get your TV to exhibit your Mac ’s content , but that content does n’t satiate your TV ’s screen ? In that position , open System configurations and go toDisplays , choose your television , then selectOverscanon the right . Not every TV will have this option , but it ’s deserving essay if you ’re experiencing this problem . take down that overscan will stretch out your Mac ’s screen beyond the bounds of your TV , so some message might get clipped off - screen .
