27" Thunderbolt Display not working with Mac Mini M2

bobo_562 wrote:

@samtenor

I only see ppl using the port on the display for daisy chaining a second monitor, assuming the first one works. But I'll give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

FWIW, I have the same TB Display and the built in cable went bad and used a TB cable from the TB connector on the back of the display to the computer for several years. This does not necessarily mean it will solve your problem but does confirm that you can use that port as an input from a computer.

To test and setup the Mac mini M2 connect it to an HDMI TV or an after-market display.

Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

Do you have a new official Apple TB2 to TB3 adapter...?

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

If so, try connecting the displays cable into the adapter first and then plug the adapter into the Mac mini last.

To test the Mac mini connect it to an HDMI TV or an after-market display.

Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

Plus all new Mac's come with 90 free complimentary support...

Apple Complimentary Support - Official Apple Support

or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (800-692-7753)

Malcolm J. Rayfield wrote:

Are you sure you have the Thunderbolt display, not the similar Mini DisplayPort display. The cable of the Thunderbolt display has two plugs: Thunderbolt (with lightning bolt icon), and MagSafe, The other display's cable has three plugs: Mini DisplayPort (same as Thunderbolt plug but no lightning bolt icon), USB, and MagSafe.

The Apple Thunderbolt adapter won't work with Mini DisplayPort, even though the plugs will fit. For Mini DisplayPort you need a non-Apple USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter, such as:https://www.startech.com/display-video-adapters/cdp2mdp

Plug the adapter into one of the computer's Thunderbolt ports.

Good catch Malcolm. That could very well be the problem.

I knew that there was a 27" Thunderbolt Display.

Apple Thunderbolt Display - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

But had forgotten about the earlier 27" LED Cinema Display with Mini DisplayPort.

LED Cinema Display (27-inch) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

bobo_562 wrote:

Just bought the Mac Mini M2 to replace the old MAC Mini (Late 2014). Tried to connect to the old TB display which works beautifully with the old Mini but unsuccessful. Tried 2 different TB2 to TB3 (USB C) adapter as suggested repeatedly in the forum and else but none work.

If this is a 27" Apple Thunderbolt Display, whose hydra cable has TWO heads, you will need an Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter. A USB-C (male) to Mini DisplayPort (female) adapter will not work. While the physical connectors on both sides would be the same, the Thunderbolt Display needs a Thunderbolt signal, not a plain DisplayPort one.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

I know of only one other Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter: a StarTech one. It costs more than the Apple adapter, and is less functional (the Apple one is bidirectional, and the StarTech one is not).

If this is a 27" Apple LED Cinema Display, whose hydra cable has THREE heads, you would want to AVOID using the Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter. It does not know how to present a plain DisplayPort signal on the TB2 side.

Are you sure you have the Thunderbolt display, not the similar Mini DisplayPort display. The cable of the Thunderbolt display has two plugs: Thunderbolt (with lightning bolt icon), and MagSafe, The other display's cable has three plugs: Mini DisplayPort (same as Thunderbolt plug but no lightning bolt icon), USB, and MagSafe.

The Apple Thunderbolt adapter won't work with Mini DisplayPort, even though the plugs will fit. For Mini DisplayPort you need a non-Apple USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter, such as:https://www.startech.com/display-video-adapters/cdp2mdp

Plug the adapter into one of the computer's Thunderbolt ports.

You have the Thunderbolt adapter (Lightning bolt icons). The question is does the plug on the display have the lightning bolt icon.

The Thunderbolt ports on the new Mac are compatible with older Thunderbolt devices when the Thunderbolt adapter is used. No settings to change.

bobo_562 wrote:

Thanks, den.thed. I certainly will contact support.

You're welcome. Please let us know what the out come of that is.

Yes, the end connector from the display also has the same lighting bolt symbol/icon.

That should work, unless you happen to buy two bad Apple adapters.

Again, I would test the Mac mini by connecting an HDMI TV or an after-market to it.

Then if the TV or other display works, I would plug in the Apple Display and see if it works in a dual display setup.

Make sure the adapter is plugged into one of the Thunderbolt ports on the Mac (Lightning Bolt icon). The Mac also has non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. Those will not work with the adapter, even though the plug will fit.

I have M1 M2 Mac Minis and M3 MacBook Air, more than half dozen TB displays.

I have no problems with any of the combinations. However, I do find the initial set up - might require "extra time" to get the monitor to communicate with Mac Mini/MBA.

Another suggestion I can offer would be: use a separate TB 2 cable (by utilizing the TB display's TB port) + the adapter. Sometimes, the stock octopus cable can be the issue..

Best