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

Learn 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 on the end of the cable meant to plug into your computer.

Thunderbolt 3Thunderbolt icon or Thunderbolt 4Thunderbolt icon

No alt supplied for Image

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-CUSB icon

No alt supplied for Image

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

No alt supplied for Image

If you're using a USB-A cable with your device, use a USB-C to USB-A adapter like 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

No alt supplied for Image

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

No alt supplied for Image

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 Adapter.

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

Mini DisplayPortMini DisplayPort icon

No alt supplied for Image

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 its manufacturer for compatibility with your Mac and display model.

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

HDMI

No alt supplied for Image

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

DisplayPort

No alt supplied for Image

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

VGA

No alt supplied for Image

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 Belkin USB-C to VGA Adapter.

DVI

No alt supplied for Image

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

Learn more

Learn how to connect an external display to your Mac.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: