Macbook External Display no Signal

Question

I use MBP 13" early 2011 and tried to connect with external moniter ACER X163w but the monitor displays a "no signal" error.

I use official cable Display MiniDVI to VGA and run OS X 10.6.8.

Might the external monitor be too small or how else can I troubleshoot this?

[Update] I have tried on my bigger monitor 25". Still says no display. it seem the problem is with my current OSX. I searched in google, some people also have same problem.

Can you confirm that the external monitor that you tried works by connecting it to another computer? — sameetandpotatoes, Aug 06 '13 at 13:10
@sameetandpotatoes Yes, i had confirm it. I normally use the monitor for my PC and it work well — GusDeCooL, Aug 06 '13 at 13:34
@BartArondson I don't know yet. I will try tomorrow testing it with my Friend Monitor — GusDeCooL, Aug 06 '13 at 14:10

score 9 · Answer 1 · edited Jun 15 '20 at 08:04

9

Here are some troubleshooting steps that I would try:

Reset the System

Reset your Mac's parameter RAM and SMC

Try another Cable

Although you are using the official MiniDVI to VGA adapter, it is possible that it might be damaged, so I would try connecting your monitor with another official adapter.

Reset the Resolution

Start up in Safe Mode (Power + Shift on startup)
Apple Menu => System Preferences
Choose Displays from the Views menu.
Select another resolution and refresh rate.
Restart.

Software Update

It is also possible that you need to update to Lion (Maybe even Mountain Lion if you want).

Other Links and Resources

Another Apple user who was using a Powerbook with the Acer x163W had issues too. That question was answered here and recommends a different monitor because of the Acer monitor's lower resolution than his Mac.

edited Jun 15 '20 at 08:04

Community

1

answered Aug 06 '13 at 13:56

sameetandpotatoes

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I already have the latest OSX version and firmware. But now i will try to reset with safe mode. Do you have any suggestion what refresh rate and resolution i should use? – GusDeCooL Aug 06 '13 at 14:11
A fairly low resolution because your monitor will not support a higher resolution than your Mac. – sameetandpotatoes Aug 06 '13 at 14:12
Already tried this. But still no result :( – GusDeCooL Aug 11 '13 at 18:31
GusDeCool, I never asked you this but in your Display Preferences in System Preferences, is the external monitor detected? – sameetandpotatoes Aug 11 '13 at 18:54
@sameetanpotatoes No, my mac not detected external monitor in system preferences. – GusDeCooL Aug 12 '13 at 16:07

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 30 '17 at 16:16

 -> System Preferences -> Display

Press Option -> "Detect Displays" on bottom right corner

If fails, try to tick "show mirroring options in the menu bar when available"
On AirPlay menu bar, try different option and see if second display responds.

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 15 '15 at 12:05

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I had the same problem and I used gfxCardStatus v2.3 to switch to Discrete only graphics card and now it works.

answered Jul 15 '15 at 12:05

davidhq

1,419

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Mar 10 '14 at 11:32

0

I had the same problem and what worked for me was Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). I did it couple of times.

answered Mar 10 '14 at 11:32

Rafał Sroka

101

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Mar 26 '14 at 09:34

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Resetting NVRAM / PRAM did the trick for me (having mavericks).

answered Mar 26 '14 at 09:34

AlikElzin-kilaka

278

score 0 · Answer 6 · answered Apr 04 '16 at 07:58

0

Changing the resolution of the external monitor, in the system preferences, usually solves the problem for me. I can then switch back to the optimal one, and the image stays on. No restart is needed.

answered Apr 04 '16 at 07:58

Michael Schmid

456

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You can't change the resolution on a monitor you can't detect. – furtive Aug 08 '16 at 20:45

score 0 · Answer 7 · answered Mar 28 '17 at 07:36

One thing to try- I was getting the 'No signal' message on my external monitor, and couldn't work out why it wouldn't connect, as I was using the correct cable and it has worked many times before.

After trying many things, I unplugged the cable from my laptop, turned it upside down, and plugged it in again. It worked! So, unlike a USB, this cable fits both ways, but only works if it's the correct way up. When it's the right way up, it has a little image of a rectangle on it. (This may differ depending on your cable.)

I know, super obvious, but I was puzzled for a bit.

It shouldn't fit both ways, unless you used excessive force. See http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/273105/is-the-thunderbolt-2-port-reversible/273121#273121 — Tetsujin, Mar 28 '17 at 08:36

score 0 · Answer 8 · answered May 08 '17 at 01:18

0

I had a similar problem that I solved by passing the HDMI signal through a powered HDMI Splitter box from Matrix.

answered May 08 '17 at 01:18

menns

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