Connect an external display to MacBook Air
The Thunderbolt ports on your MacBook Air support video output, so you can connect external displays, a projector, or a high-resolution TV. After you connect a display to your MacBook Air, you can close the lid and continue to use it with connected accessories.
Note: This topic covers MacBook Air with M5. 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 or see the Apple Support article How many displays can be connected to MacBook Air for your display specifications.
Before you begin
You may need to connect your display to power before you connect it to MacBook Air. You may also need to turn on your display. Consult the documentation that came with your display.
Step 1: Learn how many displays your MacBook Air supports
You can connect up to two external displays to your MacBook Air using the Thunderbolt ports.
Your MacBook Air supports the following display configurations and resolutions:
One display: With a native resolution up to 8K at 60 Hz or 5K at 120Hz or 4K at 240Hz.
Two displays: Both with a native resolution up to 6K at 60 Hz or 4K at 144Hz.
Native resolution is the sharpest image quality your display can show; Hz measures how smoothly motion and scrolling appear.
Note: Your Mac automatically uses the best settings when connected to an external display. To confirm that your display will work at its full quality, check the documentation that came with it to understand its specifications.
You can connect both displays to a single Thunderbolt port in your MacBook Air, which frees up your other port to charge your Mac, as well as to connect accessories, storage devices, and other peripherals. For more information, see How do I connect multiple displays to one port?
Note: Enabling scaled resolutions higher than the native resolution of the external display may impact availability of some refresh rate modes or HDR modes in display preferences.
Step 2: Identify the video ports on your Mac
You have two Thunderbolt ports on the left side of your MacBook Air. You can connect a display to either port. For more information on the different ports available on your MacBook Air, see Take a tour of MacBook Air.
Step 3: Make sure you have the correct cables and adapters
If your external display came with a cable that matches the ports on your MacBook Air: Use that cable to connect the display.
If your display doesn’t have a cable: Obtain 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 MacBook Air: You may be able to use an adapter (sold separately); see Adapters and cables for your MacBook Air. Visit apple.com, your local Apple Store, or other resellers for more information and availability.
Review the display’s documentation or check with the display’s manufacturer to make sure you choose the right cables and adapters.
Step 4: Connect your displays
If your display needs to be connected to power, plug it in to an outlet. Connect your display to your MacBook Air using the identified 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 or not working as expected, 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 display’s settings, including resolution, brightness, and color profile. You can set your display to extend or mirror your Mac desktop across your external displays.
After you connect an external display to your MacBook Air, you can use the display and accessories to use your MacBook Air, even when the lid is closed.
Need more help?
For troubleshooting information, see If the external display isn’t working.
If the display has a blank or black screen or you can’t use its highest resolutions or refresh rates, see the Apple Support article If your external display is dark or low resolution.
If you have an older model and want information on the number of displays it supports, see the Apple Support article How many displays can be connected to MacBook Air.
For information on the ports on your Mac, see Take a tour of MacBook Air or the Apple Support article Identify the ports on your Mac.