How to Connect an Apple Mini Display Port to a VGA to a TV

Use the Mini DisplayPort to connect your Mac to external video devices.

If you have an Apple Mac computer equipped with a Mini DisplayPort connection, you can use this interface to send your computer's visual output to a TV. Several TVs with a computer input use a Video Graphics Array (VGA) connection. You can use the Mini DisplayPort, if you use the correct adapter to convert the connections.

Things You'll Need

• Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
• VGA monitor cable

Instructions

1. Connect the Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter to the Mini DisplayPort socket on your Apple PC or laptop.

2. Connect one end of your VGA cable to the VGA socket on the Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter.

3. Connect the other end of the VGA cable to the VGA input connection on your television.

4. Power on your TV and select the relevant input for the computer connection using your TV remote control or input selection buttons. Consult your TV documentation if you need assistance.

5. Set your Apple computer to the correct screen resolution for your TV. Click the "Apple" menu icon, followed by "System Preferences," then "Displays." If your computer hasn't automatically detected that you have plugged in your TV, you can click the "Detect Displays" button.

   Check your TV documentation if you are unsure of the correct resolution to set.

Tips & Warnings

• If you fail to set the resolution correctly, you may be unable to see some of your Mac OS desktop, or find that the image fails to fill the entire screen.

References

• Apple: Set Your Preferences