2020 macbook air (M1 processor)--how to connect to 2 external monitors

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mookie
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Joined: Sun Jul 12, 2015 1:35 pm

2020 macbook air (M1 processor)--how to connect to 2 external monitors

Post by mookie »

I have two Acer monitors that I'd like to connect to my 2020 Macbook Air. I used to do this with my 2018 Macbook Air, by connecting each with an HDMI cable to a USB-C hub (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K7 ... UTF8&psc=1), but this configuration does not work with the 2020 Macbook Air--only one external monitor can be connected. I read that if you download this DisplayLink program (https://www.displaylink.com/), then you can do it, but it's still not working for me. I tried connecting one with HDMI/USB-C hub as before, and then the second with HDMI to USB-C cable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CW ... UTF8&psc=1) then USB-C hub from before, but that one still does not connect.

Does anyone know how to do this, preferably without an (expensive) docking station? If so, can you include links to the specific cables you use?
Case59
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Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:31 am

Re: 2020 macbook air (M1 processor)--how to connect to 2 external monitors

Post by Case59 »

Have you tried a Mac Air forum? You might have more luck there.

https://discussions.apple.com/community ... acbook_air
"Most quotations on the internet are incorrect."-Mark Twain
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typical.investor
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Re: 2020 macbook air (M1 processor)--how to connect to 2 external monitors

Post by typical.investor »

See this: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ho ... s.2274691/

The first post has a PDF with a good diagram.
onourway
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Re: 2020 macbook air (M1 processor)--how to connect to 2 external monitors

Post by onourway »

That diagram at Macrumors is for the Mac Mini. The Macbook Air M1 only supports 1 external monitor unless you use a solution like DisplayLink.
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typical.investor
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Re: 2020 macbook air (M1 processor)--how to connect to 2 external monitors

Post by typical.investor »

onourway wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 4:53 am That diagram at Macrumors is for the Mac Mini. The Macbook Air M1 only supports 1 external monitor unless you use a solution like DisplayLink.
Oops yeah, you are correct.

An article on using DisplayLink is here. It warns it may not work indefinitely, and the article seems to contradict itself ... you can use the monitors in clam shell mode ... you can't ... Anyway here it is.

https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/how-c ... c-3799794/
mookie wrote: Mon Jun 21, 2021 8:03 pm
Does anyone know how to do this, preferably without an (expensive) docking station? If so, can you include links to the specific cables you use?
The article above suggests you need a docking station and lists several ... not sure on their prices. It also suggests a USB-C hub might work. Anyway, have a read. Maybe there is a better article out there ... somewhere.
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