How To Use MacBook HDMI As Input? (2 Truthful Facts)
I recently wondered if my gaming console could be used on a big screen using MacBook HDMI as an input. Despite trying different methods, none of them has worked for me so far.
So, if you’re asking about HDMI as an input, my answer is no. I also researched different websites and videos to prove this and got the same answer as everyone else.
I’ve explained everything about using MacBooks as HDMI inputs in this article. At the end of this guide, you’ll have a perfect explanation of how to use MacBook HDMI as input.
So let’s get started.
How To Use MacBook HDMI As Input?
You can’t use the HDMI as input on a MacBook. This is because the HDMI port on some older Macs is only an output port.
This means you can only use the HDMI port to connect to an HDMI device or display like a monitor, TV, projector, etc.
Newer MacBooks don’t even have HDMI ports. Rather than USB and HDMI ports, MacBooks use USB-C ports which are the only input ports of the system.
Although the Mac models released between mid-2012 and mid-2015 came with one HDMI port, that was limited to connecting HDMI displays rather than HDMI inputs.
Reasons Why MacBook HDMI Can’t Be Used As HDMI Input?
The first and foremost reason I found is that newer Macs don’t have an HDMI port.
Secondly, the older Macs have an HDMI port that only connects the external displays rather than be used as input.
Also, in the newer models, there are only a couple of USB-C that are the only inputs of Mac. So, there’s no HDMI port in the newer Macs, so it can’t be used as an input.
Does MacBook Air Have HDMI Input?
No, the new MacBook Air doesn’t have the HDMI input. Apple has upgraded to the USB Type C with an adapter that can support HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and even VGA.
Although the Mac models released between mid-2012 and mid-2015 came with one HDMI port. But the new models have only a couple of USB-C ports.
So, to connect the HDMI display to MacBook Air, you must buy an adapter (USB Type-C to HDMI). This adapter lets you connect your USB-C-enabled MacBook to an HDMI display.
Also, using this adapter, you can mirror your MacBook display to your HDMI-enabled TV, monitor, or other displays with the help of Clamshell mode. So now, you must be clear that the MacBook Air doesn’t have HDMI input.
Do MacBook Pros Have HDMI Input?
No, the MacBook Pro doesn’t have HDMI input. The new MacBook Pro models have Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports.
Apple equips its MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt ports that are compatible with USB-C. MacBook Pro also comes with two or three ports, depending on your chosen model.
But in short, MacBook Pro also doesn’t have HDMI input. Due to this reason, you must need a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect the HDMI display to Mac.
And after connecting the HDMI adapter to the MacBook Pro, you are only limited to using it as the output source rather than the input.
Can You Use HDMI On MacBook Pro As Input?
No, you can’t use HDMI on the MacBook Pro as input. The new MacBook Pro models only come with the thunderbolt USB-C type ports, the primary input source.
Although the MacBook Pro models released between mid-2012 and mid-2015 came with one HDMI port which was limited to connecting HDMI displays rather than HDMI inputs.
So it is clear that you can’t use the HDMI on the MacBook Pro as input. You can only use it to connect to the HDMI display.
How to Connect Mac To HDMI display?
Since HDMI cannot be used as input on a MacBook, it can be used to connect to an HDMI display instead. That’s how to connect and display HDMI on Mac:
- Firstly, you need to check if you need an adapter because if your Mac has USB-C ports, you must need an HDMI adapter to connect the display. But if you have an old Mac with an HDMI port, you can directly connect the HDMI display.
- Plug one end of the video cable (or an adapter, if used) into Mac’s thunderbolt or HDMI port.
- After that, connect the other end of the cable to the TV or monitor the video input port.
- That’s it. Your Mac is now connected to the HDMI display.
If you cannot connect your Mac to the HDMI display, read this guide on MacBook Clamshell mode not working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a MacBook HDMI adapter be used as a video input?
No. A MacBook HDMI adapter can only connect your MacBook to external displays like TV, monitors, etc. There is no way the MacBook can be fitted with HDMI as an input port.
Can you use HDMI on MacBook as an input?
No, you can’t use the HDMI as input on a MacBook. This is because the HDMI port on some older Macs is only an output port.
Can You use HDMI on MacBook pro as input?
No, you can’t use HDMI on the MacBook Pro as input. The new MacBook Pro models only come with the thunderbolt USB-C type ports, the primary input source.
Can a MacBook HDMI USB c adapter be used as a video input?
No. A MacBook HDMI adapter can only connect the HDMI displays like TVs, monitors, etc.
Can I use my Mac as an HDMI monitor?
To use the Mac as an HDMI monitor, you need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. After that, plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter and the other into the HDMI monitor. At last, plug the adapter into the Mac USB-C port.
Conclusion
The article concluded that you couldn’t use the HDMI as input on a MacBook. This is because the HDMI port on some older Macs is only an output port.
Hopefully, you know the perfect answer and explanation for using a MacBook HDMI as input.
The above answers are based on my experiments and research. So, I’m sure you’ll benefit significantly from them.
Michael Davis is a tech expert specializing in troubleshooting Apple product issues and navigating the world of modern technology. With a wealth of experience, he simplifies complex problems and offers straightforward solutions.
