HOW can I connect a 2nd monitor to my M1 Mac Mini?

[HappyDude20]

I have the M1 Mac Mini and love it. It’s connected to an Azus 27 inch monitor via HDMI to HDMI cable connected obviously from the Mac mini to the monitor.

Am wanting to connect a 42 inch TV as well to act as a second monitor and play movies while I’m getting work done.

Obviously since the hdmi port is being taken up already on my Mac mini I am left wondering how to best connect this 2nd 42 inch TV to my Mac mini. I haven’t bought any of the necessary cables yet which is why I ask.

I see on eBay cheap hdmi to usb-c cables but am wary.

Am considering maybe buying another hdmi to hdmi cable and also buying an Anker Usb-c to hdmi adapter.

I’m sure there are many options which is why I ask and hope the members of the Mac Mini community can un-muddy the waters for me.


Thank you.

 

[Chicago Keri]

What is the primary interface of the Asus?
If, for example, it is DisplayPort, it might be best to hook up the Asus with a Thunderbolt3 - to - DisplayPort adaptor and use the HDMI for the TV set. If HDMI is the only interface on the ASUS, a TB3 > HDMI adaptor should work.

Do be wary of cheap adaptors. You might save a few dollars over an Apple part or it might be a complete waste of time and money. Apple or other brand name adaptors cost a little more but are more likely to work well.

The M1 Mini is limited to two monitors at the current stage of development, one on either of the two Thunderbolt 3 ports and one on the HDMI port. Though there is much speculation, no one seems to know if this is set in hardware or just a firmware/software feature.

 

[HappyDude20]

What is the primary interface of the Asus?
If, for example, it is DisplayPort, it might be best to hook up the Asus with a Thunderbolt3 - to - DisplayPort adaptor and use the HDMI for the TV set. If HDMI is the only interface on the ASUS, a TB3 > HDMI adaptor should work.

Do be wary of cheap adaptors. You might save a few dollars over an Apple part or it might be a complete waste of time and money. Apple or other brand name adaptors cost a little more but are more likely to work well.

The M1 Mini is limited to two monitors at the current stage of development, one on either of the two Thunderbolt 3 ports and one on the HDMI port. Though there is much speculation, no one seems to know if this is set in hardware or just a firmware/software feature.

Thank you for the quick reply.

Just looked in the back and see it says VGA.

I used to purchase numerous cheap third party adapters many years ago and learned my lesson after spending/wasting so many dollars. I now usually stick to either Apple or Anker among a few others.

My current Asus monitor is right next to my Mac Mini but the TV w/ HDMI will be about 15 feet away. I’ll primarily be moving Netflix and YouTube onto that TV screen 99% of the time.

 

[casperes1996]

Thank you for the quick reply.

Just looked in the back and see it says VGA.

I used to purchase numerous cheap third party adapters many years ago and learned my lesson after spending/wasting so many dollars. I now usually stick to either Apple or Anker among a few others.

My current Asus monitor is right next to my Mac Mini but the TV w/ HDMI will be about 15 feet away. I’ll primarily be moving Netflix and YouTube onto that TV screen 99% of the time.

You do not want to use VGA. VGA is an old analogue connection. If it just has VGA and HDMI, stick to HDMI.

Another option for that type of content is to AirPlay from your Mac Mini to the TV - a lot of TVs support AirPlay natively or you might have an AppleTV or something to target it to. That’s a no cable solution.
Otherwise yeah you want just any USB-C/Thunderbolt -> HDMI adapter/cable that isn’t a non-standard-conforming bit of junk

 

[HappyDude20]

You do not want to use VGA. VGA is an old analogue connection. If it just has VGA and HDMI, stick to HDMI.

Another option for that type of content is to AirPlay from your Mac Mini to the TV - a lot of TVs support AirPlay natively or you might have an AppleTV or something to target it to. That’s a no cable solution.
Otherwise yeah you want just any USB-C/Thunderbolt -> HDMI adapter/cable that isn’t a non-standard-conforming bit of junk

Just took your advice and bought an Anker HDMI to USB-C adapter


Thank You

 

[casperes1996]

Just took your advice and bought an Anker HDMI to USB-C adapter


Thank You

Cheers. Hope you get good results