How to connect a MacBook Pro to a Pro Display XDR
Connect Pro Display XDR directly to a compatible MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3, then adjust the screen in macOS Displays settings.
Prerequisites
Your MacBook Pro needs a Thunderbolt 3 port and macOS Catalina 10.15.2 or later.
Apple lists these MacBook Pro models as compatible with Pro Display XDR: 16-inch models from 2019 or later; 15-inch models from 2018 or later; 14-inch models from 2021 or later; and 13-inch models from 2020 or later, except the 2020 model with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Check your exact model before connecting if you’re unsure.
Use the included 2 m Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable. Pro Display XDR’s full 6016 × 3384 resolution at 10-bit color is supported on the compatible models listed above.
Connect the display
Place and mount the display as needed. If using a VESA Mount Adapter, Apple says the screen should face forward, not parallel to the ground or fully upward or downward. See the Pro Display XDR user guide for model-specific setup details.
Connect the display’s power cable to power.
Connect the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable to the Thunderbolt 3 port on the display and directly to a Thunderbolt 3 port on your MacBook Pro. Do not connect it through a hub or another Thunderbolt device.
The display has no buttons. It turns on automatically when it has power and is connected to your Mac. macOS should detect it automatically and show your desktop.
Adjust display settings
Open the Apple menu , choose System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), then select Displays. You can change the resolution, choose an available refresh rate, arrange displays, and adjust brightness. If multiple displays are connected, select Pro Display XDR in Displays settings to change its settings. The refresh rates listed for this display are 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, and 60 Hz; which options are available can depend on your setup.
Troubleshooting
If the display isn’t detected, check that it has power and that the cable is connected to the display and directly to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the Mac.
If the screen is dark or you can’t select the expected resolution or refresh rate, follow Apple’s display connection and troubleshooting guidance.
If you need further help with Pro Display XDR setup, consult the Pro Display XDR user guide, which includes a table of contents and search.
