Connect to HDMI from your Mac

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

Connect your HDMI device

Mac computers that have any of the following ports can connect to HDMI devices:

• HDMI port: Connect directly to HDMI with an HDMI cable. For 8K connections, use an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps HDMI cable such as the Belkin UltraHD High Speed HDMI cable.

• Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port: Connect to HDMI with an adapter such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.

• Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort: Connect to HDMI with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable such as the Belkin 4K Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter.

Identify the ports on your Mac

Check specifications

Mac computers that have a built-in HDMI port support these video and audio specifications:

• Up to 8K at 60Hz on compatible Mac models.

• Up to 4K at 240Hz on compatible Mac models.

• Up to 4K at 60Hz on compatible Mac models.

• Up to 4K at 30Hz on compatible Mac models.

• 8-channel/24-bit audio at 192kHz, Dolby Surround 5.1 and traditional stereo.

  • Some Mac computers with HDMI ports don’t support multi-channel audio. Check the tech specs for your Mac.

• 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 find out about supported resolutions and other details.

If your HDMI display isn’t detected

Find out what to do if your Mac doesn't detect your HDTV, display or other HDMI device after making the connection.

If your display isn’t showing the whole picture

If the video on your HDTV or display extends beyond the borders of the screen, fix overscan or underscan on your TV or projector. The underscan slider appears for only some configurations and resolutions.

If your Mac goes to sleep while a video is playing or paused, you may see an HDCP error. Close the app that is playing the video, then open the app again.

If your HDMI device isn’t receiving audio

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

• Choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click Sound. In the Output pane, make sure that your HDMI device is selected.

• If you’re connecting from a Mac mini, disconnect any audio device from your computer's headphone jack.

If your display turns off unexpectedly

If your display isn’t turning on or off, or turns on or off unexpectedly, try enabling or disabling HDMI-CEC in your display’s settings.