This article shows you how to connect a MacBook Pro to a High Definition TV. You can use an HDMI or Thunderbolt cable to connect the laptop to any type of high-definition device. Alternatively, you can use a wireless connection using an Apple TV.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Cable
Step 1. Determine the type of video port on your Mac
- MacBook Pro manufactured from 2016 onwards: These computer models only use Thunderbolt 3 ports that leverage USB-C cables. In this case, you will need to purchase a USB-C to HDMI cable consisting of a USB-C connector on one end and an HDMI connector on the other.
- MacBook Pro manufactured until 2015: These computers have an HDMI port, so you can use a simple HDMI cable.
Step 2. Purchase a video cable
Depending on your Mac model, you will need to purchase a USB-C to HDMI cable or a standard HDMI cable.
Step 3. Plug one end of the cable into the Mac's video port
Plug the USB-C connector into your computer's Thunderbolt 3 port (if you're using a 2016-later MacBook Pro) or plug one end of the HDMI cable into the respective port on your Mac (if you're using a 2015-released MacBook Pro). The Mac connection ports are located along the right or left side of the case.
The connector fits securely into the communication port, but no excessive force is required
Step 4. Connect the other end of the cable to the TV
Insert the HDMI connector into one of the free ports on the back of the device. The HDMI ports have a rectangular shape with two rounded corners.
Depending on the number of HDMI input ports on your TV, you may need to disconnect another HDMI device to establish the connection
Step 5. Make a note of the HDMI port identification number you used to connect the Mac to the TV
The name or number is placed next to the port used. You will need this information to select the correct video source on your TV.
Step 6. Turn on the TV
Press the Power button with the symbol
Step 7. Select the correct video source
This is the channel linked to the HDMI port you connected the cable to (for example HDMI 3). Normally you can perform this step by pressing the key Input or Source placed on the remote control or directly on the body of the TV, until you have selected the correct source.
After choosing the right port, the image displayed on the Mac should also appear on the TV screen
Step 8. If necessary, change your Mac's audio and video settings
If the picture on your TV appears distorted or cut off, or if the sound is still playing from your Mac's speakers instead of your TV speakers, you'll need to change your computer's configuration settings using the "System Preferences" window.
Method 2 of 3: Use the Apple TV's AirPlay function
Step 1. Make sure both the Apple TV and the MacBook Pro are connected to the same LAN
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for the AirPlay connection between the Mac and the Apple TV to work properly.
Step 2. Put the Apple TV into operation
Turn on the TV and make sure the input channel that the Apple TV is connected to is selected. Now press any button on the Apple TV remote.
Step 3. Activate the Apple TV's AirPlay connection
Follow these instructions:
- Access the section Settings of the device.
- Choose the voice AirPlay.
- Select the option AirPlay located at the top of the screen.
- Choose the voice All.
Step 4. Enable the AirPlay connection on the MacBook Pro
Follow these instructions:
-
Open the menu Apple clicking the icon
Macapple1 - Choose the voice System Preferences ….
- Click the icon Monitor.
- Access the card Monitor.
- Select the "AirPlay Monitor" menu.
- Choose the option Get activated.
- Select the "Show duplicate options on menu bar when available" checkbox.
Step 5. Enter the "AirPlay" menu
It has a square icon with a triangle in it and is located in the upper right corner of the Mac screen. A list of options will appear.
Step 6. Select the TV name
Select the name of the Apple TV to which you want to cast the image displayed on the Mac screen, located in the "AirPlay on" section. The Mac desktop should appear on the TV screen.
You can deactivate the AirPlay connection by clicking the appropriate icon visible on the menu bar and choosing the option Turn off AirPlay.
Method 3 of 3: Change the Audio and Video Settings
Step 1. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 3. Click the Sound icon
It features a loudspeaker and is visible in the "System Preferences" window. The "Sound" dialog will be displayed.
Step 4. Go to the Output tab
It is located at the top of the window.
Step 5. Select the TV speakers
Choose the option TV or HDMI TV displayed in the "Choose a device for audio output" box at the top of the window. This way you can be sure that the audio signal will be reproduced by the TV speakers and not by the built-in speakers in the Mac.
Step 6. Return to the "System Preferences" window
Press the "Back" button at the top left of the window.
Step 7. Click the Monitor icon
It features a computer monitor and is visible in the center of the "System Preferences" window.
Step 8. Go to the Monitor tab
It is located in the upper left part of the appeared window.
Step 9. Change the video resolution
Select the "Resized" button, then choose the resolution that best fits your TV screen.
Remember that it is not possible to use a resolution that is higher than the native resolution of the panel installed in the TV (for example you cannot choose a "4K" resolution if the TV is "Full HD")
Step 10. Change the size of the image displayed on the screen
Drag the "Underscan" slider at the bottom right of the "Monitor" tab to the left so that a larger portion of the Mac screen appears on the TV screen, or move it to the right to zoom in slightly.
