Adapters for the Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac

Find out about different adapters for the Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac.

The adapters and cables in this article work with Mac computers with Thunderbolt 4 ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports or a USB-C port. If your Mac only has one port, it doesn't support Thunderbolt connections.

If you're using a USB-C or Thunderbolt adapter to connect a display, the adapter must be compliant with DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4.

To find the right cable or adapter for your Mac, check the connector at the end of the cable that plugs into your computer.

Thunderbolt 3Thunderbolt icon or Thunderbolt 4Thunderbolt icon

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If you're using a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 cable, such as the Apple Thunderbolt 4 Cable with your display or other device, it will connect to your Mac without an adapter.

The Apple Studio Display, Apple Pro Display XDR and LG UltraFine 5K Display use Thunderbolt 3.

USB-C USB icon

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If you're using a USB-C cable, such as the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable with your device, it will connect to your Mac without an adapter.

The LG UltraFine 4K Display uses USB-C.

USB-AUSB icon

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If you're using a USB-A cable with your device, use a USB-C to USB-A adapter such as the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter, the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter to connect your device to your Mac.

To charge an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port without one of these adapters, you can use the Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable instead.

EthernetEthernet icon

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If you're using an Ethernet cable with your device, use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. If your Mac has an Ethernet port, you can connect your Ethernet cable without an adapter.

ThunderboltThunderbolt iconor Thunderbolt 2Thunderbolt icon

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If you're using a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable with your Apple Thunderbolt Display or other device, use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 AdapterApple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort Mini DisplayPort icon. They are the same shape, but have different symbols on the cable and port.

Mini DisplayPort Mini DisplayPort icon

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If you're using a Mini DisplayPort cable with your display, use a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable, such as the mophie USB-C Cable with Mini DisplayPort Connector. Check with the manufacturer about compatibility with your Mac and display model.

Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 Thunderbolt icon. They are the same shape, but have different symbols on the cable and port.

HDMI

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If you're using an HDMI cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter If your Mac has an HDMI port, you can connect your display to your Mac without an adapter.

DisplayPort

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If you're using a DisplayPort cable with your display, use a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or cable.

VGA

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If you're using a VGA cable with your display, use a USB-C to VGA adapter, such as the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter or the Belkin USB-C to VGA Adapter.

DVI

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If you're using a DVI cable with your display, use a USB-C to DVI adapter or cable. Check with the manufacturer about compatibility with your Mac and display model.

Learn more

Find out how to connect an external display to your Mac.

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