Are you wondering how to connect laptop to projector with HDMI? If yes, you’ve landed on the right page.
Let’s all agree:
Watching movie on a projector is a much better experience than on a 15-inch laptop screen.
I’ve created a detailed guide on how to connect laptop to projector with HDMI cable with just 7 simple steps.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
How to Connect Laptop to Projector with HDMI: In 7 Steps
- Power ON your projector and laptop
- Get an HDMI cable of appropriate length to connect your laptop with the projector
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable into the laptop’s HDMI port
- Connect another end into the projector’s HDMI port
- Select HDMI as input source on your projector
- Press ‘Windows key + P’ on your laptop
- Select the ‘Duplicate’ option to mirror your laptop screen on the projector
As you’ve seen above, it’s effortless to connect laptop to projector with HDMI cable.
Although, there are few scenarios to consider, read on.
How to Connect Laptop to Projector with HDMI: Visual Guide
Not sure how an HDMI port looks? Check the image below:
It is known as the female-part of the HDMI port.
An HDMI cable has the male-part of the HDMI connector on both ends.
Connect both ends of the HDMI cable into female-part of HDMI ports’ in your laptop and projector.
The HDMI port on a laptop is generally on the left or right sides.
In case of a gaming laptop, it could also be on the back.
On a projector, the HDMI port is normally placed at the back. It could also be on left or right sides.
How to Connect MacBook to Projector with HDMI?
If your MacBook has an HDMI port, you can follow the above steps 1-5 and connect MacBook to laptop with HDMI cable.
Mac OS will instantly detect an external display and automatically mirror your MacBook screen onto the projector.
If not, try this:
On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays, click the Arrangement tab, and check the ‘Mirror Displays’ box.
If you’re having trouble, refer this detailed guide about mirroring your MacBook to an external display.
Suppose you’re using the latest MacBook that has only USB-C ports. In that case, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI converter cable to connect your MacBook to Projector with HDMI.
The USB-C port on the latest MacBooks can perform various duties. You can use it to charge the laptop, connect an external display, super-fast data transfer, and connect myriad of other devices.
Suppose you already have a spare HDMI cable. In that case, you can use it by pairing it with a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Later, you can connect one end of the HDMI cable to the adapter and other to your projector.
Also Read: Miroir M220 Review – Pocket Projector for MacBooks
What’s the Best HDMI cord for Projector and its Ideal Length?
There are tons of HDMI cables available in the market with various lengths.
HDMI cables range from $7 to $50 depending on the brand, length, and material used. The most common HDMI cable length is 3 feet.
My preferred HDMI cable is the Amazon Basics CL3 range of HDMI cables. These cables are cost-effective, available in multiple sizes, and support up to 18Gbps transfer speed.
If the projector and laptop are placed close to each other, the 3-feet HDMI cable will be sufficient. Although, if your projector is ceiling mounted, you must consider purchasing a longer HDMI cable.
What should I do if my Projector has one HDMI port and it’s already in use?
Budget projectors generally have a single HDMI port, limiting the number of devices you can connect at once.
You’ll need an an HDMI Switch if your projector has a single HDMI port and it’s already connected to another device.
An HDMI switch costs around $10, and you can connect it to multiple devices through a single HDMI port.
You’ll need to first connect the HDMI switch to the single HDMI port on your projector. Later, connect your other devices like laptop, cable tv or gaming consoles to the HDMI Switch.
To toggle between input sources, click the ‘Select’ button to cycle through multiple input sources.
What should I do if my Laptop has VGA port and Projector has HDMI port?
VGA ports are a common sight in older laptops. In this case, look if your projector also has a VGA port.
If it’s present, you can connect your laptop to the projector with a VGA cable instead of an HDMI cable.
If there isn’t a VGA port, you can use a VGA to HDMI cable and make the connection.
How to Get Sound from Laptop to Projector with HDMI?
The HDMI port’s beauty is that it can transfer both video and audio through a single cable. It saves you the trouble of connecting another cable from laptop to projector for audio.
If your projector has built-in speakers, you can select the appropriate audio output from your laptop.
Later, you can also connect external speakers by connecting them to your laptop or projector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all laptops and projectors have HDMI ports?
HDMI ports are common in modern laptops and projectors. However, older models or a few ultrabooks may not have them.
How do I switch my laptop display to the projector using the HDMI connection?
On Windows, press the Windows key + P and select the Duplicate option. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays, click the Arrangement tab, and check the ‘Mirror Displays’ box.
What should I do if there is no sound coming from my projector after connecting my laptop via HDMI?
Ensure the projector is set to the correct HDMI input source. On your laptop, check that the audio output is set to HDMI via the Sound settings.
What are the benefits of connecting my laptop to a projector via HDMI over other methods?
HDMI cables support both audio and video. Therefor, you only need one cable to connect your devices. HDMI also supports higher resolution, faster bandwidth and better quality audio than other technologies.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you learn about how to connect laptop to projector with HDMI.
Always make sure the HDMI cable is of appropriate length, and there’s enough flex to prevent from accidentally yanking the cable. Avoid using an older, which might affect the image quality.
If you have any more questions or queries on this topic, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below.
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