So you just bought a beautiful BenQ monitor. And now, you’re trying to figure out how to connect your MacBook to your BenQ monitor. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
BenQ sells amazing external monitors that you can use with your MacBook. In this BenQ monitor setup guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about using HDMI cables, adapters, and other cables to connect the two devices. We’ll also cover some helpful troubleshooting tips, so read on!
Connecting MacBook to BenQ Monitor Using HDMI
If your MacBook has an HDMI port, you can connect the monitor to your MacBook using a secure HDMI connection. Simply plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your BenQ monitor and the other end into the HDMI port on your MacBook.
If your MacBook only has a Thunderbolt port, an HDMI connection is still possible, but the BenQ monitor HDMI setup will be slightly more complicated. You will need an HDMI to USB-C cable. If you can’t find one in your BenQ monitor box, you might need to buy a third-party one.
Connect the HDMI end of the cable into the HDMI port on your BenQ monitor and the USB-C side into the Thunderbolt port on your MacBook.
You can also use an HDMI to USB-C adapter. Connect one end of the HDMI cable into your BenQ monitor and the other end into the adapter. Then, plug the adapter into the Thunderbolt port on your MacBook.
If you are using HDMI, make sure to choose the right monitor input selection on your BenQ monitor. It should be set to HDMI.
Connecting MacBook to BenQ Monitor Using Thunderbolt/USB-C
If your MacBook has a Thunderbolt port (which looks just like a USB-C port), it’s recommended to use a USB-C/Thunderbolt connection to connect the two devices. Thunderbolt and USB-C are two compatible standards that allow for high-speed data transfer between two devices.
Take the USB-C cable and insert one end into your BenQ monitor’s Thunderbolt/USB-C port and the other end into your Mac’s Thunderbolt port. The MacBook monitor setup is as simple as that!
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Here’s how to troubleshoot MacBook monitor connection issues you may face after connecting your BenQ monitor to your Mac, such as a “No Signal” alert.
- Try turning both devices on and off.
- Make sure you have a secure cable connection. The cables should be inserted entirely into the ports.
- Make sure you put the cables into the correct ports.
- You might have a faulty cable. Try a different cable. Ideally, use the cables in the BenQ monitor box, not third-party cables.
- Select the correct input source (either HDMI or USB-C/Thunderbolt) on your BenQ monitor using the on-screen display. You can use the joystick on the back of the monitor to control it. Go to Input Settings and select the correct source there.
Compatibility of BenQ Monitors with MacBooks
BenQ monitors are compatible with Mac computers. BenQ offers a wide range of monitors designed specifically for M1 and M2-based MacBook Pros. To ensure optimal performance, we recommend connecting BenQ monitors to these devices directly via HDMI or USB-C cables. This way, you will avoid the need for adapters. It will provide you with the best image quality and performance.
Adjusting Display Settings on MacBook
Once you’ve connected the monitor, I recommend going into your MacBook’s display settings to optimize your BenQ monitor. You can select from two types of displays: The BenQ monitor can either mirror your Mac screen exactly, or it can extend it. I recommend mirroring your display if you want the exact same display on a larger screen, such as when watching a movie. If you have many files cluttering your home screen, an extended display might make it easier to manage your files.
In the System Preferences, click on Displays, where you can find those settings and also adjust the monitor’s resolution, brightness, and other settings.
Using Multiple Monitors with MacBook
Do you want to use multiple monitors with your MacBook? Depending on your MacBook model, you may be able to use multiple monitors to extend or mirror your screen.
- If your Mac has the Apple M1 chip: You can connect one display.
- If your Mac Mini has an M1 chip: You can connect two displays.
- If your Mac has a Mini DisplayPort: You can connect two displays.
- If your Mac has Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt 2, or Thunderbolt 3 ports: You can connect as many displays as you have ports. For example, if you have two Thunderbolt ports, you can connect two displays, one to each port.
- If your Mac has Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI ports: You can connect as many external monitors as you have ports. Some devices allow up to eight monitors to be connected.
Of course, having eight displays is quite a lot. Make sure to arrange the displays in a way in which is convenient for you.
Note that you may also be able to chain monitors if they all support the same connection standard. For example, you can connect a monitor to your Mac’s Thunderbolt port, and then you can connect a second monitor to the first monitor via the first monitor’s Thunderbolt ports.
Conclusion
Well, that’s how to connect a MacBook to a BenQ monitor. Using external monitors is a great option if you work at home and need a larger display or if your Mac’s small display is straining your eyes.
We’ve gone over some successful connection tips as well, such as choosing the optimal display settings on your Mac to match your MacBook.
Enjoy!