Multiple HDMI monitors not working - Macbook Air M1

[tylerfrist]

I've been doing research and I'm aware that 2020 Macbook Air M1, does not natively support 2 HDMI monitors, but it can be achieved through hub or adapters.

I've tried to download multiple drivers and I've got a couple of adapters/HDMI converters. Not sure if I'm just missing something, but I can only get one monitor to come on at a time. I'll put the hardware info below, but if you can advise if I need to just get another compatible adapter or if I just need to download something or reconnect the items in a different order I'd appreciate the help. I've spent a couple of hours over the last few days researching and trial & erroring my way to no success.

I've used display link manager to connect my Sceptre and a portable USB to USB monitor, but I got a new 32" monitor for a new job and I'd like to use the 32" & 20" monitor to give myself 3 monitors.

I've tried to download DisplayLink, MacInstant View and neither driver recognizes "a usb device"

I've tried to connect my 32" monitor via HDMI and Display port to USB C while trying my Sceptre monitor via HDMI & USB C.

I've tried on separate USB C hubs and I've tried them on the same USB C Hub.

Nothing I've done and every combination possible has not worked.

I do notice that when I have both monitors plugged in, it does not go into power save mode, but the non-active montiors actually "stays on" depending on which monitor I plug in first.

Potential issues I see are that I have 2 60 Hz monitors and maybe I need them to be 30Hz? Maybe all of the USB C hubs are not compatible with DisplayLink or MacInstantView. Maybe the cords I have are not compatible with the drivers? I don't really know, but any help would be great!

Hardware below:

Comp - Macbook Air M1 chip

Monitor #1 - Samsung 32 in 60Hz display - https://www.samsung.com/us/computin...nch-4k-uhd-monitor-with-hdr10-ls32a700nwnxza/

Monitor #2 - Sceptre E205W-1600 20" 75Hz display - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S8W8QMG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Currently owned adapters
Belkin USB C Hub 4 in 1 - https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Multi...+Multi-Port+Laptop+Dock&qid=1685461290&sr=8-3

Hiearcool USB C Hub 7 in 1 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WPTG7NX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lention USB C Hub 6 in 1 - https://www.amazon.com/LENTION-Mult...la-803014264936&ref=&adgrpid=74513439485&th=1

Benfei USB C to HDMI adapter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HSY63VQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Displayport to USBC C - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081VKXFSC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[joevt]

The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) only supports one external display.
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP825

Additional displays need to be connected using something like DisplayLink.

DisplayLink is not just a driver.
https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/macos

You need a DisplayLink adapter or display or dock to go with the driver.
https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/displaylink-products
https://www.synaptics.com/products/...field_displaylink_category_value=usb_adapters

 

[tylerfrist]

Thanks Joevt. I did more research after and started to figure out that only certain adapters are compatible as you mentioned.

Fortunately, I had an old Dell D6000 dock that's displaylink compatible, but it doesn't have a power cord *face palm*

I ordered the power supply and can return all the other dongles, etc. that I ended up getting. Problem solved.

 

[Black Diesel]

See this thread for a solution of multiple displays:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/using-macbook-air-m1-as-a-desktop.2387997/page-3

 

[tylerfrist]

@Black Diesel - thanks for the link. I was actually able to resolve it (a few infuriating trial and error attempts later) by ordering the power supply for the dell D6000 dock I had.

Hooked up the 32" monitor via HDMI to D6000
20" monitor to Macbook air via dongle
And used displaymanager to get 32" monitor to be recognized via D6000

I had previously used a 2018 macbook air (Intel) and had a displaymanager capable portable screen and when I got upgraded to the 2020 macbook air it worked fine, but also got an additional large monitor and thought "great! now I can use 2 HDMI monitors that are larger." Just didn't realize the M1 limitations until I did research so I just kept buying different dongles and adapters until I figured it out.

Case closed!

 

[JPack]

The D6000 (now UD22) is the common solution. Retailers should just sell it next to the MBA.

 

[tylerfrist]

The D6000 (now UD22) is the common solution. Retailers should just sell it next to the MBA.

The only issue I have with it is that it doesn't recognize my logitech K/M. The simple solution is just plugging the usb adapter with the other dongle, but I have noticed it occasionally disconnects because I have an HDMI attached that seems to take up processing power from the dongle (probably using the wrong language there).

I have a couple of dongles and could try to swap them out, but any reason why the D6000 wouldn't recognize the USB when I plug it in? I think I saw a couple of people say they had to unplug and replug it in a couple times to recognize all the inputs on the docking station. Is that the case?

 

[JPack]

The only issue I have with it is that it doesn't recognize my logitech K/M. The simple solution is just plugging the usb adapter with the other dongle, but I have noticed it occasionally disconnects because I have an HDMI attached that seems to take up processing power from the dongle (probably using the wrong language there).

I have a couple of dongles and could try to swap them out, but any reason why the D6000 wouldn't recognize the USB when I plug it in? I think I saw a couple of people say they had to unplug and replug it in a couple times to recognize all the inputs on the docking station. Is that the case?

Try using the USB ports on the front for less interference. Do the firmware update for the dock.

The dock does need a reboot from time to time. Unplug the USB-C cable from the computer, unplug the barrel power from the dock, then reverse the procedure.

 

[tylerfrist]

Appreciate that insight. @JPack