How to connect two monitors to macbook air 2020 m1

Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024 by

The new MacBook Air 2020 M1 has been making waves in the tech world with its impressive performance and long battery life. But for those who need to work with multiple screens, the question arises: can you connect two monitors to the MacBook Air 2020 M1? The answer is yes, and in this article, we will guide you through the steps to set up a dual monitor setup for your MacBook Air 2020 M1.

Check your ports

Before you start connecting your monitors, it’s important to check the ports on your MacBook Air 2020 M1. This model comes with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, which can support up to two external displays. If you have more than two monitors, you may need to invest in a docking station or a USB-C hub to expand your ports.

Connect the first monitor

The first step is to connect your first monitor to your MacBook Air 2020 M1. You will need a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort cable, depending on the ports available on your monitor. Simply plug one end of the cable into your MacBook Air and the other end into your monitor. Once connected, your MacBook Air should automatically detect the external display.

Connect the second monitor

To connect the second monitor, you will need to use the second Thunderbolt/USB 4 port on your MacBook Air. If your second monitor has a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable. If not, you will need to use a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort cable, just like with the first monitor. Once connected, your MacBook Air should detect the second display.

Adjust display settings

Once both monitors are connected, you may need to adjust the display settings to your liking. To do this, go to System Preferences > Displays. Here, you can arrange the displays to your preference, choose the resolution, and adjust other settings such as brightness and color.

Use extended desktop mode

By default, your MacBook Air will mirror the display on both monitors. However, if you want to use the dual monitors as an extended desktop, you can change this setting in the Displays menu. This will allow you to have different windows and applications open on each monitor, increasing your productivity.

Troubleshooting

If your MacBook Air is not detecting one or both of the external displays, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure all cables are securely connected. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your MacBook Air. If the issue persists, you may need to update your macOS or check for any software updates for your monitors.

Conclusion

Setting up a dual monitor setup for your MacBook Air 2020 M1 is a simple process that can greatly improve your productivity. With the right cables and a few adjustments in the display settings, you can have two external displays connected to your MacBook Air in no time. Have you tried this setup? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.