How to connect a late 2013 Macbook Pro to a USB-C monitor?

jesskinard wrote:

Hi everyone, hoping you could help me out here.

I have a late 2013, 15-inch, Retina Macbook Pro with ports for HDMI, USB 3, and Thunderbolt 2. I also have a 24MD4KL-B LG 24 Inch UltraFine 4K UHD IPS Monitor with USB-C ports that I want to use as a second display. What is my best option for an adapter (and software if necessary) to make this work? I've never tried using a second display before, so baby me a bit here.

(I'm planning on buying the 2021 Macbook Pro when it comes out, but would still like to use the monitor in the meantime.)

Thank you!

Is the <LG 24 Inch UltraFine 4K UHD IPS Monitor with USB-C ports > supported for a late 2013 (?)

Using 4K displays, 5K displays, and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac - Apple Support
 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206587

If it is possible (not sure that it is), it's not going to be easy.

The LG Ultrafine monitors requires a USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 video signal, which your Mac cannot produce. While you can convert Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C type connection I doubt it would work for a Monitor.

But if you really want to give it a shot: https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/72701-thunderbolt-3-device-thunderbolt-2-mac/

You would need an adapter (unlikely the Apple one referenced in the link above would work for that). Don't know of any adapters, and can't seem to find any.

Wether that will work, is very much unknown. Don't think anybody has tried that, so be prepared to spend a lot money and it not work right or at all.

Of you are connecting a genuine Thunderbolt Display (not USB-C, not Displayport) you CAN use the

Apple ThunderBolt-3 <-> Thunderbolt-2 adapter

plus the appropriate genuine ThunderBolt cables as required.

But it does not support any other kinds of displays.