← Back to Monitor not working

Likely fix

Fix: USB-C monitor not working

A USB-C monitor only works if the USB-C port, cable, and monitor support video. Many USB-C ports and cables are charge-only or data-only.

Quick answer

Confirm your USB-C port supports video output, use a USB-C cable that supports video, and set the monitor to USB-C input.

Important warning

Not all USB-C cables or ports support video. A cable can charge a laptop but still fail to carry a monitor signal.

Try this

  1. 1 Set the monitor input to USB-C.
  2. 2 Use the USB-C cable that came with the monitor if available.
  3. 3 Confirm the computer’s USB-C port supports video output.
  4. 4 Look for Thunderbolt, USB4, or DisplayPort Alt Mode support.
  5. 5 Try another USB-C port on the computer.
  6. 6 Restart the computer while connected to the monitor.
  7. 7 Try a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter if the monitor has another input.

Common causes

USB-C port does not support video.

USB-C cable does not support video.

Monitor is on the wrong input.

Dock or hub does not support video.

Laptop requires a specific USB-C or Thunderbolt port.

What to check next

  • Check whether the USB-C port has a Thunderbolt or DisplayPort icon.
  • Check whether the cable supports video, not just charging.
  • Check whether the monitor works over HDMI or DisplayPort.
  • Check whether another USB-C port works.
  • Check whether the laptop manufacturer lists external display support.

This might need a cable or adapter

If this fix points to a cable issue, check the related cable guide before buying the wrong one.

Check the related cable →

FAQ

Why is my USB-C monitor not working?

The USB-C port, cable, or hub may not support video output. USB-C shape alone does not guarantee monitor support.

Does every USB-C cable support monitors?

No. Some USB-C cables only support charging or basic data. For monitors, use a cable that supports video or the cable that came with the monitor.

What is DisplayPort Alt Mode?

DisplayPort Alt Mode lets a USB-C port send video to a monitor. Without video support, a USB-C monitor will not work from that port.

Related fixes

Fix: Monitor says no signal

A monitor says no signal when it is powered on but not receiving video from the computer, console, dock, or adapter.

Fix: Monitor says no signal after sleep

A monitor that loses signal after sleep usually points to a wake issue, graphics driver problem, dock problem, or power saving setting.

Fix: Monitor says no signal with adapter

No signal with an adapter usually means the adapter is the wrong direction, the port does not output video, or the adapter does not support the resolution or refresh rate.

Fix: HDMI not working

HDMI problems are usually caused by wrong input source, a loose or bad cable, wrong adapter direction, a sleeping source device, or display settings.

Fix: DisplayPort not working

DisplayPort problems are usually caused by a loose cable, monitor input source, graphics driver, high refresh rate issue, or adapter direction mistake.

Fix: Second monitor not detected

A second monitor is usually not detected because of the wrong input source, loose cable, bad adapter, display settings, graphics driver issue, or a port that does not output video.