Select 'Default for Display' to set the resolution automatically or select Scaled to manually set a resolution.But if you feel like the resolution isn't the best for streaming movies or playing games, here's what you should do: With this setup, you can use the TV like an external display and do most of the things you need to. With your Mac-to-TV cable at the ready, you’re just about set to start viewing.īy running the cable from your Mac to the TV's HDMI port and choosing the correct output, your computer should instantly recognize the TV and automatically extend your desktop. These are available from Apple and third-party manufacturers, but for performance, you’re better off sticking with Apple. If your system has a Thunderbolt 3 port, a USB-C to HDMI adaptor is what's needed. They are, however, widely available on Amazon and eBay, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding one. While Apple does offer HDMI-to-HDMI cords for Mac, they don’t make Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI cables. If your Mac has a Thunderbolt 2 or Mini DisplayPort connection, you’ll need a Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable.If your Mac has USB-C ports, you can use an adapter, like the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, to connect to HDMI.If your Mac has an HDMI port, you can connect directly to HDMI with an HDMI cable.Macs that are equipped with any of the following ports can connect to HDMI devices: Now it’s time to look at the ports on your Mac. The first thing you need to do is see what kind of ports you’re working with.Īs far as your TV is concerned, HDMI has been standard in all TVs for the past seven or eight years, so that’s one end of the cable sorted. That’s what this post is all about: showing you what you need and how it’s done.īefore we get into choosing a Mac-to-TV cable and streaming your content, though, there’s some general housekeeping to take care of.Ĭhoosing the right cable to connect your MacBook to a TV However, there are different ways of connecting to a TV and different cables for doing so. You can be up and running in a couple of minutes. Hooking your Mac up to a TV is easier than you might think. It’s particularly useful if you’re giving a presentation of some kind. It’s also a more accessible way for people to view the contents of your Mac, rather than having to gather around a small display. A big-screen TV makes for an impressive external monitor from which to stream Netflix or enjoy a Hollywood blockbuster. There are plenty of reasons for wanting to connect your MacBook to a TV, and all of them are great. But to help you do it all by yourself, we’ve gathered our best ideas and solutions below.įeatures described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X. So here’s a tip for you: Download CleanMyMac to quickly solve some of the issues mentioned in this article.

Macbook hdmi port