Some MacOS Big Sur users who have released the 11.1 and recently 11.2 update are constantly experiencing issues with external monitors, based on several reports about the MacRumors forum, Apple Support Communities, Twitter and Reddit.
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There are at least two separate issues, but both are related to external monitor connections. It seems that the problems started with the update macOS Big Sur 11.1, and the update of 11.2 did not provide a solution and in some cases aggravated the issue.
The first problem causes USB-C ports to be unable to recognize external monitors, rendering external monitors unusable and unable to connect. It appears that both DisplayPort and HDMI monitors are connected directly and via hubs and adapters.
Warning – Big Sur 11.2 update breaks USB-C ports for many. I lost my second monitor and can only use HDMI now. Apple support had no solution, so I think I will wait for 11.3 to fix the 11.2 update that was supposed to fix external monitor issues. @Appeal @ berm @ AppleSupport
– Jason Sedlaczek (@jasonsed) 3 February 2021
We first saw this issue after upgrading a MacBook Pro to ‘MacOS Big Sur’ 11.2, with the update that prevents an external monitor from connecting to USB-C, and there are several other complaints from affected users . From Reddit:
Upgrading to 11.2 disconnected my second external monitor connection.
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 no longer works after update (works well on 11.1 before being updated).
macOS seems to recognize the monitor and the resolution as shown in the screen settings, and Apple Support was able to remove it on my computer and see both screens. It is almost as if the signal that the monitor needs to turn on is not being sent.
The second edition leads to resolution issues with external screens that cannot work with full 4K 60Hz resolution but at 30Hz. In some cases, a 4K monitor is only recognized as a 1080p monitor.
MacOS Big Sur 11.2 does not solve the problem I am experiencing with the M1 MacBook Pro, where my external monitor is locked up to 30Hz, although it may be 60Hz 😞. – Patrick O’Rourke (@Patrick_ORourke) 2 February 2021
It seems that many of those affected with display issues have a 16-inch MacBook Pro, but there are also reports of other Macs having the same connectivity issues. At present, it does not appear to be a reliable, widespread and tested solution or solution.
Mac users did not experience these issues in the initial release of ‘MacOS Big Sur’ 11.0.1, and it seems that the MacOS Big Sur 11.3 update released yesterday does not address the issue either, but there are still some time for Apple to get in a make right before the software 11.3 sees a public release.