Connect additional displays to your iMac
The HDMI and Thunderbolt / USB-C ports on your iMac support video output, so you can connect an external display, a projector, or a high resolution TV.
Note: This topic covers iMac. Most steps apply to all models, but display specifications vary. If you have an older model, you can use the dropdown at the top of this page to find your model.
Find what model of Mac you have
Before you begin
You may need to connect your display to power before you connect it to your iMac. You may also need to turn on your display. Consult the documentation that came with your display.
Step 1: See how many displays your iMac supports
You can connect either one or two displays to the Thunderbolt ports on the back of your iMac, depending on which model you have.
iMac (two Thunderbolt ports) | iMac (four Thunderbolt ports) |
|---|---|
One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz. | Two external displays, each with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz. Or one external display with up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz. |
Note: Native resolution is the sharpest image quality your display can show; Hz is how smoothly motion and scrolling appear.
Step 2: Identify the video ports on your Mac
Your iMac has Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports that support video output on the back. The four-port model of iMac has four Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports. The two-port model of iMac has two USB 4 / Thunderbolt
ports.
Tip: You can plug both USB-C and Thunderbolt devices into a Thunderbolt port. Depending on the Thunderbolt technology, data transfers at different speeds. Sometimes a Thunderbolt port or device has a Thunderbolt icon .
For more information on the different ports available on your iMac, see Take a tour of iMac.
Step 3: Make sure you have the correct cables and adapters
If your display came with a cable that matches the ports on your iMac: Use that cable to connect the display.
If your display doesn’t have a cable: Get the required cables. Check the documentation that came with your display to get more information on the display’s video ports and cables.
If you have the cable that came with your display, but the connector doesn’t match the port on your iMac: You may be able to use an adapter (sold separately); see Adapters and cables for your iMac. Visit apple.com, your local Apple Store, or other resellers for more information and availability.
See the Apple Support article Adapters for the Thunderbolt or USB-C port on your Mac to identify what type of adapter you need, see what it looks like, and learn what it can be used for.
To connect this device to iMac | Use a cable, or an adapter and cable |
|---|---|
Apple Studio Display | The Thunderbolt cable that came with your display or any supported Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or Thunderbolt 5 cable. |
Apple Studio Display XDR | The Thunderbolt cable that came with your display or any supported Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or Thunderbolt 5 cable. |
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) display | Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable. |
USB-C display | USB-C (USB 3.1) cable. |
Thunderbolt 2 display | Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and the cable that came with your Thunderbolt 2 display. |
HDMI display or HDTV | USB-C to HDMI adapter or a USB-C Digital AV Multiport adapter. |
VGA display or projector | USB-C VGA Multiport adapter and the cable that came with your display or projector. |
DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort display | USB-C to DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort adapter and the cable that came with your display. |
DVI display or projector | USB-C to DVI adapter and the cable that came with your display or projector. |
Step 4: Connect your displays
If your display needs to be connected to power, plug it in. Connect your display to your iMac using the identified video ports, cables, and adapters (if needed).
When connecting multiple displays, connect the display with the highest resolution first.
Note: If you connect a display and it’s dark, see the Apple Support article If your external display is dark or low resolution.
Step 5: Adjust display settings
After your displays are connected, you may want to adjust their settings. Open System Settings, then click Displays in the sidebar to see your displays’ settings, including resolution, brightness, and color profile. You can set your display to extend or mirror your Mac desktop across your external displays.
Need more help?
For troubleshooting information, see “If the external display isn’t working” in Connect one or more external displays with your Mac.
If the display has a blank or black screen and you can’t use its highest resolutions or refresh rates, see the Apple Support article If your external display is dark or low resolution.
To learn more about using an 8K display with your iMac, see the Apple Support article Use an 8K display with your Mac.