# Multiple monitor support on first-gen Apple M1-based laptops and desktops

**URL:** <https://community.startech.com/t/multiple-monitor-support-on-first-gen-apple-m1-based-laptops-and-desktops/596>\
**Category:** Docks, Hubs, Display Adapters\
**Created:** [February 10, 2022, 1:35pm UTC](https://community.startech.com/t/multiple-monitor-support-on-first-gen-apple-m1-based-laptops-and-desktops/596 "2022-02-10T13:35:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![daryl](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex012/user_avatar/community.startech.com/daryl/32/15_2.png) [@daryl](https://community.startech.com/u/daryl)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2022, 1:35pm UTC](https://community.startech.com/t/multiple-monitor-support-on-first-gen-apple-m1-based-laptops-and-desktops/596/1 "2022-02-10T13:35:07Z")

</div>

![image.png](https://us.v-cdn.net/6035386/uploads/QD0QTMU6QSOF/image.png)

Image credit: [Apple.com](http://Apple.com)

If you’re looking to find a display adapter or docking solution for your first-gen Apple M1 laptop or Mac Mini, 2020 models only support a single external display. (See our original FAQ on this topic [here](https://community.startech.com/kb/articles/26-why-is-only-one-external-display-working-with-my-apple-m1-based-mac).)

These early M1 systems can use DisplayLink-based products to add multiple monitors. 2021 and later models that ship with M1 Max and M1 Pro processors natively support multiple external displays using USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 docks/adapters, which simplifies finding a display solution. So, how do you identify if you have a first-gen M1 Apple laptop or desktop? Here are the model numbers and identifiers:

**MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)**

Model Identifier: MacBookPro17,1

Part Numbers: MYD83xx/A, MYD92xx/A, MYDA2xx/A, MYDC2xx/A

[Identify your MacBook Pro model](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201300)

**MacBook Air (M1, 2020)**

Colors: Space gray, gold, silver

Model Identifier: MacBookAir10,1

[Identify your MacBook Air model](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201862)

**Mac mini (M1, 2020)**

Model Identifier: Macmini9,1

Part Numbers: MGNR3xx/A, MGNT3xx/A

[Identify your Mac mini model](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201894)

If you have one of these models and would like to use more than one external display, [StarTech.com](http://StarTech.com) docks and display adapters that feature DisplayLink chips may be a solution for you.

Docking Stations: [https://www.startech.com/en-us/search?search\_term=displaylink&filter\_product\_category=laptop%20docking%20stations](https://www.startech.com/en-us/search?search_term=displaylink&filter_product_category=laptop%20docking%20stations)

Display Adapters: [USB32HD4K](https://www.startech.com/en-us/audio-video-products/usb32hd4k) (HDMI out, single screen, 4K30), [USB32HDPRO](https://www.startech.com/en-us/audio-video-products/usb32hdpro) (HDMI out, single screen, 1080p), and [USB32DP24K60](https://www.startech.com/en-us/audio-video-products/usb32dp24k60) (DisplayPort out, dual screen, 4K60) are all possible options. Because these all use USB-A connectors, you will also need a USB-A to USB-C adapter like [USB31CAADP](https://www.startech.com/en-us/cables/usb31caadp) or [USB31CAADG](https://www.startech.com/en-us/cables/usb31caadg) for most setups.

Still need some additional info? [Chat](https://chat.startech.com/) with one of our awesome Advisors for assistance!

EDIT: Looking to install DisplayLink support on your M1 Mac? Check out [this](https://community.startech.com/kb/articles/24-how-do-i-install-displaylink-in-macos-10-15-catalina-or-later) knowledgebase article!