Use an external display with your MacBook Air
You can use an external display, such as the Apple Studio Display, a projector, or a TV with your MacBook Air. The USB-C ports on your MacBook Air support video output.
Before you begin
Check the documentation that came with your display and make sure you have the correct cable to connect your display.
When you connect a display, you can select a resolution and refresh rate (Hz) for that display. If you increase the refresh rate for your display, you should select a lower resolution for best performance. Use Displays settings in System Settings to adjust the refresh rate and resolution of your display.
To learn more about what type of display your MacBook Air can support, you can check your Technical Specifications. Open System Settings, choose Help > MacBook Air Specifications, then locate Display Support (you may need to scroll).
Connect a display to MacBook Air
Use a USB-C port to connect one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz.
Make sure your display is connected to power, then connect your devices using the correct cable and ports. See the Apple Support article If your external display is dark or low resolution.
What cable do I need?
To see where your ports are located on your MacBook Air, see Take a tour: MacBook Air with M2 chip or Take a tour: MacBook Air with M1 chip. You can learn about each port and what it looks like with the Apple Support Article Identify the ports on your Mac, and make sure you have the right adapters with Adapters for your MacBook Air.
Connect a VGA display or projector: Use a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter to connect the display or projector to a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port on your MacBook Air.
Connect an HDMI display or TV: Use a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter to connect the HDMI display or TV to a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port on your MacBook Air.
Connect a USB-C display: Connect the display to a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port on your MacBook Air.
Use an adapter to connect a display. If your display has a connector that doesn’t match the port you want to use, you may be able to use it with an adapter (sold separately). 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 product. See Adapters for the Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port on your Mac.
Use an Apple TV with AirPlay. If you have an TV connected to an Apple TV, you can use AirPlay to mirror your MacBook Air screen on your TV screen. See Stream content on a larger screen with AirPlay for details.
Adjust and arrange displays. After you connect an external display or projector, go to System Settings and click Displays in the sidebar to set how the displays are arranged, choose which to use as your main display, and adjust resolution. If you want to mirror your screen, click the display that you want to act as a mirror, then choose the mirror option from the “Use as” menu.