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My macbook pro 2019 is not recognizing my external monitor when I plug it in. I am using an adaptor.
When I go to displays it does not recognize that another on is plugged in
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 10.15
Confusing terminology, but the Lightning Connector is what's used by iPhones. That lightning bolt signifies a Thunderbolt connection, in this case you have Apple's Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. Since your display is a Dell, I presume it's not a Thunderbolt 2 display but rather you have connected a mini-DisplayPort plug.
Thunderbolt 3 is the same plug as USB-C, and the TB3 ports on your Mac are fully compatible with USB-C. Thunderbolt 2 is the same plug as mini-DisplayPort, and while if you have an older Mac with a TB2 port you can directly connect a mini-DP cable, that does not work with the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (but you could use that adapter to connect Apple's Thunderbolt Display, for example).
Instead, what you need is a USB-C-to-miniDP adapter. Here's an example:
https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Adapter-Feovino-Thunderbolt-MacBook/dp/B07JGCK58M/
Confusing terminology, but the Lightning Connector is what's used by iPhones. That lightning bolt signifies a Thunderbolt connection, in this case you have Apple's Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. Since your display is a Dell, I presume it's not a Thunderbolt 2 display but rather you have connected a mini-DisplayPort plug.
Thunderbolt 3 is the same plug as USB-C, and the TB3 ports on your Mac are fully compatible with USB-C. Thunderbolt 2 is the same plug as mini-DisplayPort, and while if you have an older Mac with a TB2 port you can directly connect a mini-DP cable, that does not work with the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (but you could use that adapter to connect Apple's Thunderbolt Display, for example).
Instead, what you need is a USB-C-to-miniDP adapter. Here's an example:
https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Adapter-Feovino-Thunderbolt-MacBook/dp/B07JGCK58M/
I have tried holding the option key to detect displays when I click it nothing happens. It's a Dell monitor
I am using a Apple lighting cable converter
What cable types and what specific adapter? What monitor?
First thing to try is hold option key in the Displays pref pane and click Detect Displays.
Connecting MacBook pro 2019 to a external monitor
