MacBook Air A1314 (macOS Sequoia 13.3.1) - No Video, "Mirror or Extend" Prompt, Mouse Works
- @cghague
TinyPilot Model: Voyager 2A
Target Computer: MacBook Air (Model: A1314, macOS: Sequoia 13.3.1)
Description:
I'm experiencing difficulty getting video to display when using my TinyPilot Voyager 2A to access a MacBook Air A1314.
- No Signal with Original Adapter: Initially, when using the original Apple USB-C to HDMI adapter, TinyPilot showed "No Signal."
- "Mirror or Extend" Prompt with Active Adapters: I then tried two different high-bandwidth active USB-C to HDMI adapters (Cable Matters 48Gbps 8K and Cable Matters 48Gbps 8K). Now, instead of "No Signal," I get a prompt on the host computer (the one I'm using to access TinyPilot) that says "Choose to mirror or extend display in the menu."
- Mouse Works: Mouse control functions correctly in both scenarios. I can manipulate the cursor on the MacBook Air's screen from the host computer.
- Mirroring Enabled: I've double-checked that "Mirror Displays" is selected in the MacBook Air's display settings under System Preferences > Displays.
Troubleshooting Steps Taken:
- Tested multiple USB-C to HDMI adapters, including high-bandwidth active adapters.
- Confirmed "Mirror Displays" is active on the MacBook Air.
- Configured the MacBook Air's resolution to 1024x640 (lowest possible) at 60Hz.
- Rebooted the MacBook Air, TinyPilot Voyager 2A, and the host computer numerous times.
updated the tinypilot - Attempted to locate EDID override settings within the TinyPilot interface, but could not find them.
Logs:
https://logs.tinypilotkvm.com/ZpwhbC58
Additional Information:
- I'm accessing TinyPilot from a Windows laptop.
- The "Mirror or Extend" prompt is displayed on the Windows laptop, not the MacBook Air.
Request:
I've exhausted the troubleshooting steps outlined in the documentation and forum discussions, but video remains elusive. Could you please provide assistance in diagnosing the root cause and recommend a solution? It appears to be a compatibility issue, and any guidance on adapter compatibility or alternative approaches would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and support.
- CCharles Hague @cghague2025-03-07 04:01:50.562Z
Hi @ickc22, thank you for providing such detailed notes. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting your MacBook Air to work with TinyPilot.
I've reviewed your logs and see that your TinyPilot device is receiving video at a suitable resolution and refresh rate. MacOS sometimes shows a prompt asking if you want to mirror or extend when a new display is detected, so we can conclude that your TinyPilot device is working and capturing video from the MacBook Air, and you're seeing it on your Windows laptop.
I appreciate you've already tried choosing to mirror the display, so we'll need to investigate further. Could you please provide a screenshot of the display settings on your MacBook Air? Could you please also send a screenshot of the prompt you mentioned so we have the full context?
- CCharles Hague @cghague2025-03-11 21:09:03.756Z
Thanks for getting back to me!
The screenshot appears to show that the only recognized external display is an "LG" device. TinyPilot identifies itself as a Toshiba device by default, so your MacBook Air might not be recognizing it correctly.
Can you please send me a screenshot of the "Mirror or Extend" prompt that you mentioned, as it might provide some clues into what is happening? If possible, can you please also send me a screenshot of the "Graphics/Displays" section of the System Report application?
- CCharles Hague @cghague2025-03-13 22:19:54.705Z
Thanks for getting back to me with the additional screenshots!
The prompt you are seeing isn't one that TinyPilot generates, so it must be coming from macOS. However, TinyPilot identifies itself as a Toshiba display by default, and your earlier screenshot shows that macOS has only detected a single "LG" screen. The "LG" screen might be an AirPlay television, given the "System Report" doesn't list it, or the adapter you are using might be acting as an intermediary.
Can you please confirm if you have an "LG" screen connected or on the same network as the TinyPilot device? If not, can you please advise what displays are shown in the screen mirroring menu (the one highlighted in blue in your screenshot)?
