Bigger screen is always better that lets you enjoy the Hollywood blockbuster and other exciting content at the best. So, there are times when we want to connect the MacBook to a TV for better enjoyment. And thankfully, there are plenty of ways for so. Other reasons such as presentation, greater workspace, etc. too sometimes called for the bigger screen. So, if you have a MacBook Air and wondering that how to connect your MacBook Air to a TV, this is the right article for you. We have discussed here all the possible ways to connect MacBook with TV.
Method 1: Connect your MacBook Air to a TV using HDMI
This method is the easiest of all. But, before going ahead to use this process, you need to know certain things. You need to first know about the TV video input standards and the MacBook Air display ports.
- TV video inputs are mainly of two categories which are HDMI and VGA. HDMI is much better than VGA. Its transfer rate is really appreciative while it also supports the high-resolution display.
- And a MacBook Air may have mini Display Port, a Thunderbolt port, or else a USB-C thunderbolt 3 port. If you are not sure that which display port you have then go to Apple icon> About Mac > Support > Specification, scroll down to video support and graphics. It will show you all the details.
Once you are assured of the MacBook Air video display ports and the TV video input standards, the next step is to collect some hardware for connecting the TV to MacBook Air.
Required cable and adapter:
If you are using TV’s HDMI port + MacBook Air’s mini display port or Thunderbolt port, then get a,
- A mini Display port-to-HDMI adapter
- An HDMI male-to-male cable.
In case of TV’s HDMI port + MacBook Air USB-C thunderbolt port, collect
- USB-C to HDMI cable
In case of TV’s VGA + MacBook Air’s mini display port or thunderbolt Port, collect,
- Mini Display Port-to-VGA Adapter
- A long VGA male-to-male cable
In case of TV’s VGA Port + MacBook Air’s USB-C Thunderbolt port, collect
- USB-C to VGA adapter
- VGA male-to-male cable
These cables will be required to operate your MacBook Air from a long distance.
Process to connect MacBook Air with TV:
Once, you have collected all the required hardware, get ready to connect your MacBook Air to a TV.
First, turn off both the devices, the MacBook Air and the TV
Now, take the HDMI cable and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV
The other end of the HDMI cable should be connected to the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
Now, attach that adapter to the MacBook Air through the lightning port
Turn on the TV now.
Turn on your MacBook as well. Start it as you do and now the MacBook Air display will be completely mirrored to the TV.
Method 2: Connect your MacBook Air to a TV through Apple TV
The next method is really much simpler. It does not require any kind of hardware and all. The step by step process is discussed below.
First, ensure that both the devices are turned on and they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Next, go to the menu bar of the MacBook Air to select the AirPlay option.
You will now notice a drop-down menu. It will have three options which are mirror TV, use as separate display and Mirror Built-in display. Choose any one.
Now, tap on the TV you want to connect to. That’s it.
If you wish to disconnect the devices, then go to AirPlay again to turn off the option.
Method 3: Using Chromecast
Google’s Chromecast is another good way to connect your MacBook Air to a TV. When you use this process to connect MacBook Air to the TV using Chromecast, you can do the following stuff.
Cast a Chrome tab to your TV
Cast a file from the MacBook to TV
and finally Mirror the desktop to your TV
Whatever you choose to do, the process is same for all. Here is the step by step process to do so.
First, turn on your TV and ensure that it is set to display the Chromecast
Now, turn on your MacBook Air as well. Ensure that your MacBook Air and Chromecast is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Launch Google Chrome on your PC and then tap on the Chromecast icon at the top right corner
A new page will open. You will notice a small source tab at the bottom. Tap on that and it will bring you three options, cast tab, cast file and cast desktop. Choose any one of them.
Now, select the TV you want to cast. Wait for a few seconds.
It will get connected then. You will notice a small blue icon with a square around it upon the completion of the connection.
These are how you can easily connect your MacBook Air to a TV to enjoy the stuff at a bigger screen.
