Are you wondering how to connect MacBook to projector? If yes, you’ve landed on the right page.
MacBooks are extremely popular around the world. They’re helpful for students, business professionals, and artists who require them for specific purposes.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to connect MacBook Air and MacBook Pro to Projector using wired and wireless methods.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
How to Connect MacBook to Projector: Quick Answer
The best way to connect a MacBook to a projector is by using a USB-C Hub. Connect the USB-C hub to your Macbook via the USB-C port. The hub has numerous ports, including the HDMI port. Later, connect both devices via an HDMI cable. You can also connect Macbook to projector wirelessly if your projector supports Airplay.
Now, let’s jump into the detailed guide on how to connect MacBook to Projector using numerous wired and wireless methods.
How to Connect MacBook to Projector with HDMI
Before connecting MacBook to projector with HDMI, you’ll need to keep a few things handy.
You’ll need:
- MacBook with USB-C port (Thunderbolt 3 or 4)
- Projector with HDMI port
- USB-C Hub for MacBook
- HDMI Cable
Step 1: Power off both the devices
You must power off the projector and MacBook and remove them from their sockets to prevent accidental shocks or mishaps.
Step 2: Connect USB-C Hub to MacBook
Now connect the USB-C hub to your MacBook via the USB-C port. The USB-C port on your MacBook will be on the left or right-hand side.
Ensure the USB-C hub you buy for your MacBook has an HDMI port.
Step 3: Connect HDMI Cable to Projector
Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the USB-C hub. After that, connect the HDMI cable’s other end to the projector’s HDMI port.
Make sure you purchase a long HDMI cable with a slack around both ends.
Step 4: Power on the devices and check the connection
Power on your MacBook and projector and select the correct input source; if not automatically detected.
When you see your MacBook screen on the projector, congratulations, you’ve successfully connected your MacBook to the projector with HDMI.
MacBook offers two options when you connect both devices. You can either mirror your MacBook screen or ‘Extend’ the display.
The second option means your projector will be a secondary display rather than mirroring what’s on your MacBook.
Note: Since 2021, the Apple MacBook Pro comes with an HDMI port. Thus, if you’ve purchased a MacBook Pro post-2021, check for an HDMI port on your laptop. Suppose your MacBook Pro has an HDMI port. You can directly connect it to the projector with an HDMI cable without purchasing a USB-C hub.
How to Connect MacBook to Projector Wirelessly
Suppose you don’t want the fuss of wires. In that case, you can wirelessly connect your MacBook to the projector using any of the three methods mentioned below.
Here they are:
1. Connecting MacBook to Projector with Airplay
Modern projectors with built-in Wi-Fi; support wireless screen mirroring. As a result, you can wirelessly connect your MacBook Air or Pro to the projector instantly.
Low-cost projectors with built-in Airplay:
You can find Airplay in projectors costing less than $300. In this guide, I’ll use Yaber’s Wi-Fi projector as an example.
Step 1: Connect Projector and MacBook to the same Wi-Fi network
For Airplay to work, your MacBook and projector must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
It won’t work if your projector or MacBook is connected to a Wi-Fi extender.
Step 2: Enable iOS Cast on your projector
On the Yaber’s projector home screen, look for an ‘iOS Cast’ option to connect your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook to your projector.
If your projector supports Airplay, you can find the option in the settings menu.
Otherwise, check the projector’s manual for detailed instructions on enabling Airplay or iOS Cast on your projector.
Step 3: Enable Airplay on your MacBook
Airplay isn’t enabled by default on your MacBook. To enable it, navigate to System Preferences > Displays > Airplay Display.
Step 4: Connect both devices
If all goes well, you’ll see your projector’s model number in the Airplay Display toggle on your MacBook.
Select the projector model number and instantly connect your MacBook to the projector wirelessly.
A few projector models might also require you to enter a security code once or every time you mirror your MacBook to the projector.
If your projector doesn’t have Airplay. Check the following methods:
2. Connecting MacBook to Projector with Fire TV Stick
Not all Wi-Fi projectors support Airplay. Thus, if your projector doesn’t support Airplay or it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, you can still connect it to MacBook with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick or other streaming media players.
Step 1: Connect the Fire TV stick and MacBook are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
It’s a crucial step for Airplay to work between MacBook and Fire TV Stick.
Step 2: Download the AirReceiver app on Fire TV Stick
Go to the Fire TV Stick app store and look for the AirReceiver app. Several other apps do the same thing, like AirScreen, Allcast, etc.; however, AirReceiver is relatively straightforward.
Open the app after installation and tick the ‘Airplay’ or ‘iOS Media Receiver’ option within the app settings.
You can also scroll down and set the device name. By default, it is set to ‘Firestick.’
Step 3: Connect MacBook to Projector
On your MacBook, navigate to System Preferences > Displays > Airplay Display. Select ‘Firestick’ or the device name you’ve set to the Fire TV Stick. With that, it will instantly connect MacBook to Projector with Fire TV Stick.
3. Connecting MacBook to Projector with Wireless HDMI
Wireless HDMI is a technology that wirelessly transfers high-definition video and audio signals from a source device to a display device.
A typical wireless HDMI setup consists of a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is connected to the source device, i.e., MacBook, and the receiver is connected to the display device, i.e., the projector.
To connect MacBook to Projector with wireless HDMI, you’ll need to keep a few things handy.
- MacBook with USB-C port or HDMI port (for Macbook Pro 2021 and post)
- Projector with HDMI port
- USB-C Hub with HDMI port
- Wireless HDMI Kit
- Smartphone charger (optional)
Step 1: Connect the HDMI Transmitter to your MacBook
The first step is to connect the HDMI transmitter to your MacBook. You can connect the USB-C hub to your MacBook and the HDMI Transmitter to the USB-C hub’s HDMI port.
Later, you’ll also need to supply power to the HDMI transmitter. You can do this by connecting the transmitter to the USB Type-A port on the hub via the provided USB cable within the package.
You can also use a smartphone power brick to power the transmitter.
Step 2: Connect HDMI Receiver to your Projector
In the next step, connect the HDMI Receiver to the projector.
You’ll also need to power the HDMI Receiver. You can do this by connecting it to the USB port on your projector. Else, use a power bank or smartphone power brick.
Step 3: Check the connection
A Wireless HDMI kit offers a plug-and-play connection. Therefore, no need to configure anything or install drivers.
Once you’ve connected the HDMI transmitter and receiver to your MacBook and projector, it will instantly mirror your MacBook’s screen onto the projector.
The wireless HDMI method is slightly expensive compared to the above two methods for wirelessly connecting MacBook to the projector.
It’s because a good-quality wireless HDMI kit costs around $150 and is much more expensive than Fire TV Stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my MacBook screen not showing on the projector?
By default, the MacBook screen is set to ‘Extend.’ Thus, your MacBook considers your projector as a secondary display. To change this, navigate to System Preferences > Display and select ‘Screen Mirror’ instead of ‘Extend.’
Can I use my MacBook while it’s connected to the Projector?
Yes! You can use your MacBook even when it’s connected to the projector. You can choose the projector to mirror your MacBook screen or set it as a secondary display device.
Is there a delay when using a wireless connection to the projector?
Yes! You’ll notice minor lag when you wirelessly connect your MacBook to the projector.
How to connect MacBook to a projector with VGA?
If you have a VGA projector, your MacBook needs a VGA adapter. Later, you can connect your MacBook to the projector via a VGA cable.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you learn how to connect your MacBook to the projector.
As you’ve seen above, numerous methods exist for connecting MacBook to a projector through wired and wireless connectivity options.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.
Thank You!
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