Adapters for the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro

Adapters for the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro

If the cable from your external device doesn't connect to the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro, you might need an adapter.

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

• 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  

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.

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.