Questions you may have when connecting a monitor to your devices
Let's take a look at common connection methods
First, make sure which ports your monitor has. The most common interfaces are Mini-HDMI and USB Type-C ports due to their small connector size. On some models, you may also find standard HDMI, Mini-DP, VGA, or DVI.
1) HDMI connection
Whether Mini-HDMI or Standard, the connection step is the same:
First, connect the USB-C cable to the original charger. Then connect the USB-C port to the charging port of the monitor. Finally, turn it on by connecting the charger.
- If you have a USB-A charging adapter, use the USB-C to USB-A cable
- If your monitor comes with a PD charger, use the USB-C to USB-C cable.
After connecting the power supply, connect the HDMI cable.
- If your monitor has a Mini-HDMI cable, you will find a Mini-HDMI to Standard HDMI cable in the package. Mini-HDMI connector on the monitor, Standard HDMI connector on the device.
- If your monitor has an HDMI cable, you certainly have a Standard HDMI to HDMI cable. Connect both devices in the same way.
If the display has a touch function, you need to connect an additional USB-A to USB-C cable, which you will also find in the accessories.
- Use the USB-C port to connect to the monitor's USB-C port. Please do not confuse it with the power input.
- Connect the USB-A to your device.
2) One cable USB-C connection
This is the most convenient way to connect the monitor if your device has a full-featured Type-C port.
When we talk about a full-featured or fully equipped Type-C port, we mean Thunderbolt 3 or higher, or a Type-C port that complies with the USB 3.1 protocol with DisplayPort Alt Mode and PD power delivery, otherwise signal transmission is not possible. You usually get Thunderbolt 3 or higher with a full-featured Type-C port. However, a USB 3.1 Type-C port may not support DisplayPort Alt Mode or PD power delivery. You can always check this with your service provider.
Due to the limited output power of some devices, such as HP laptops, the monitor must be supplied with external power when using a wired Type-C connection, otherwise the monitor may not display normally or may constantly restart due to low power consumption.
3) Mini-DP connection
You'll find earlier MacBook and Surface laptops with Mini-DP ports. In this case, a monitor with a Mini-DP port makes it easy to connect with a Mini-DP to Mini-DP cable. However, this cable is not included in the monitor accessories and must be purchased separately. Instead, you can also use a Mini-DP to HDMI adapter to solve this problem. The connection steps can be found under HDMI connection.
Can I connect the monitor via a VGA or DVI port?
Yes, if your device only has a VGA or DVI port, you will need to use a VGA or DVI to HDMI adapter. This way, your device will have an external HDMI port. The connection steps refer to the HDMI connection. Please note the following for the adapter:
- The male VGA, DVI to female HDMI interface must have an audio function, otherwise only an image and no sound will be displayed after connection.
- Make sure the adapter has a VGA or DVI output to HDMI and not an HDMI output to VGA or DVI. Some adapters only have unidirectional transmission, which means that the transmission cannot be reversed.
There are several models with VGA and DVI ports that allow you to connect your device directly to the monitor via a VGA to VGA or DVI to DVI cable. Check out these models here.
If my laptop does not have a full-featured Type-C port, can I still connect it via Type-C?
No, if the computer's Type-C port is not fully functional (i.e., it does not comply with the USB3.1, DP Altmode, or PD protocol), signal transmission can only be done through other ports such as HDMI or DVI or VGA port.
Can the iPhone/iPad be connected directly to the monitor?
No, you need to use the screen mirroring adapter or cable when connecting to an iPhone or iPad. However, new iPads with USB-C ports support a USB-C connection to the monitor via a cable.
How to activate DeX mode after connecting a Samsung smartphone via a full-featured Type-C port?
First, make sure that your Samsung phone supports DeX mode and that the Type-C port is a full-featured Type-C port. You can check this on the official Samsung website.
Normally, Samsung DeX mode is automatically activated when connected to a battery monitor or LapDock. However, with some models, the reverse charging function may need to be activated. In this case, simply look for the reverse charging switch with a lightning symbol in the monitor or LapDock menu.
The monitor doesn't work with my Nintendo Switch?
If you connect Nintendo Switch directly to the monitor via a Type-C cable, you must use the original power adapter of the Switch game console, NOT the one supplied with the monitor, to charge the monitor.
We recommend using an HDMI connection to avoid disconnecting the USB-C cable if the Switch moves. Simply use the HDMI-to-HDMI cable, connect the HDMI port of the Switch Base to the HDMI port of the monitor, and then power on the monitor with the monitor charger.
Can I use one computer to connect two monitors at the same time?
Sure, if your computer has two signal transmission interfaces (Full-Feature-Type-C or HDMI), two monitors can be connected at the same time, for a total of three displays including the main monitor. You can change the display modes in the computer's display settings to show the same or different content on each monitor. You can also change the position to align all screens and display them horizontally or vertically.
Can two devices be connected to one monitor at the same time?
If it's two devices using one monitor alternately and not simultaneously, the answer is "Yes". Normally, the monitor is equipped with a full-featured Type-C and an HDMI port. Simply connect each port to your two devices. Switching the signal source is usually done by briefly pressing the power button.
If you want to display two devices simultaneously on one monitor with a split screen, the answer is "No".
Can I charge the monitor with a power bank?
Yes, you can. Here are some suggestions for different monitors:
- If you connect a 1080P monitor to a computer, a 5V-2A output power bank is sufficient.
- If you connect a 1080P monitor to a smartphone via a USB-C cable, a PD 30W power bank is required.
- For 4K monitors, regardless of whether they are connected to smartphones or computers, a PD 30W protocol power bankmust be used. The larger the capacity of the power bank, the longer the usage time.
Leave a comment