Some macOS Big Sur users using the 11.1 and recently released 11.2 update are experiencing persistent issues with external displays, based on multiple reports on the MacRumors forum, Apple Support communities, Twitter and Reddit.
/article-new/2020/11/macbook-pro-touch-bar-m1.jpg?resize=560%2C462&ssl=1)
There are at least two separate issues at play, but both are related to external display connections. The problems seem to have started with the macOS Big Sur 11.1 update, and the 11.2 update did not resolve the issue and in some cases made the problem worse.
The first problem prevents USB-C ports from recognizing external displays, rendering external displays unusable and unable to connect. This seems to affect both DisplayPort and HDMI displays connected directly and through hubs and adapters.
Warning – Big Sur 11.2 update breaks USB-C ports for many. I lost my second monitor and can now only use HDMI. Apple support had no solution so I think I’ll wait for 11.3 to fix the 11.2 update that was supposed to fix external monitor issues. @Apple @verge @AppleSupport
– Jason Sedlaczek (@jasonsed) February 3, 2021
We saw this problem firsthand after upgrading a MacBook Pro to macOS Big Sur 11.2, where the update prevented an external monitor from connecting to USB-C, and there are several other complaints from affected users. From Reddit:
When upgrading to 11.2 my second external monitor connection was lost.
Primary monitor LG Ultrafine 4k (Mac version) connected via Thunderbolt.
Secondary monitor (same model) connected via HDMI-> DisplayPort adapter (BENFEI), then DisplayPort-> USB-C cable stopped working after updating (worked fine on 11.1 before updating).
macOS seems to recognize the monitor and resolution as shown in the display settings, and Apple Support was able to remove it on my computer and see both screens. It is almost as if the signal for turning on the monitor is not being sent.
The second issue results in resolution issues with external displays unable to run at full 4K 60Hz resolution, locked at 30Hz instead. In some cases, a 4K monitor will only be recognized as a 1080p monitor.
MacOS Big Sur 11.2 does not solve the problem I experience with the M1 MacBook Pro, where my external monitor is locked at 30Hz despite being able to use 60Hz 😞. – Patrick O’Rourke (@Patrick_ORourke) February 2, 2021
It appears that many of those affected with display issues have a 16-inch MacBook Pro, but there have also been reports of other Macs having the same connectivity issues. There doesn’t seem to be a reliable, widespread and tested solution or workaround at this time.
Mac users did not experience these issues in the initial release of macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, and it appears that the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update released yesterday does not fix the problem either, but there is still some time for Apple to in a fix before the 11.3 software sees a public release.