The solutions in this article work with these Mac models, which have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports:

CoRD is a Mac OS X remote desktop client for Microsoft Windows computers using the RDP protocol. It's easy to use, fast, and free for anyone to use or modify. Macs interact well with Windows, and with CoRD the experience is a bit smoother.

• iMac Pro
• iMac models from 2017
• Mac mini (2018)
• MacBook Pro models from 2016 or later
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)

MacBook Pro (pictured), MacBook Air, iMac Pro, iMac, and Mac mini have multiple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.

If your Mac has only one port like this, it's a MacBook with USB-C . That port supports all but the Thunderbolt solutions in this article.

MacBook has just one port, which supports USB-C but not Thunderbolt.

iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) have one USB-C port. Learn more about using the USB-C port on your iPad Pro.

Identify the connector used by your cable

To find the right solution for your Mac or iPad Pro, use these images to identify the connector on the end of the cable used by your device. Check the end that plugs into your Mac or iPad Pro, not the end that plugs into your device.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)

If you're using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable or other Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable with your display or other device, it should work with your Mac without an adapter.

The LG UltraFine 5K Display uses Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).

USB-C

If you're using a Belkin USB-C to USB-C cable or other USB-C cable with your display or other device, it should work with your Mac or iPad Pro without an adapter.

The LG UltraFine 4K Display uses USB-C.

Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2

Apple Mac Computer Power Cord

If you're using a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable with a Thunderbolt display or other device, use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.

This is the correct solution for the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort , though the ports have the same shape. If you're using a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable with a Mini DisplayPort display, this solution won't work.

Mini DisplayPort

If you're using a Mini DisplayPort cable with a Mini DisplayPort display, use a third-party USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter. Check with its manufacturer for compatibility with your Mac and display model.

This is the correct solution for the Apple LED Cinema Display.

Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port.

DisplayPort

If you're using a DisplayPort cable with your display, use a third-party USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or cable, such as the Moshi USB-C to DisplayPort Cable.

HDMI

If you're using an HDMI cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or a third-party USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable.

VGA

If you're using a VGA cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter. Or use a third-party USB-C to VGA adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to VGA Adapter.

Ethernet

If you're using an Ethernet cable with your device, use a third-party USB-C to Ethernet adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

USB-A

If you're using a USB-A cable with your device, use the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter. The Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter also include a USB-A port.

To charge an iPhone, iPad, or iPod from a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port without one of these adapters, you can use the Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable instead.

DVI

If you're using a DVI cable with your display, use a third-party USB-C to DVI adapter or cable. Check with its manufacturer for compatibility with your Mac and display model.

This is the correct solution for the Apple Cinema Display.

Learn more

• You can use your USB-C Power Adapter and charge cable with any Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, or iPad Pro.
• If you have an Apple TV connected to your TV, projector, or other display, you can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream video to that display, or extend the desktop of your primary display.

USB port types and names

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac computers, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:

USB-A

Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.

USB-C

Hdmi Cord For Mac

Type USB-C ports are available as either standard USB-C ports or Thunderbolt 3 ports that also support USB-C connections. They both look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.

Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.

USB specifications

USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPowerUSB 3.1 Gen 2
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2
Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3
Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0
Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1
Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V

To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:

• Choose Apple menu  > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
• Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.

Get the best performance from your USB devices

USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.

If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:

• Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
• Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
• Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
• If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
• Restart your Mac.

Learn more

Download Cord For Video Watch

• USB 3 devices can create wireless interference that affects Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Learn how to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.
• Mac notebook computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 can charge over that port using a compatible USB-C power adapter and cable.