When Using a DisplayPort Cable with a Docking Station, My MacBook Pro Doesn't Recognize It: Possible Reasons and Solutions

If you're using a DisplayPort cable with your docking station and your Mac doesn't recognize it at all, or only recognizes one out of three HDMI ports on your new docking station, you may be wondering if the limitations are due to your slightly aging 2019 MacBook Pro 16. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the issue.

I initially suspected that my old docking station (Belkin Thunderbolt 3) might be causing the problem, so I purchased a Workplace Port Replicator Triple 4K Display 96W USB-C as a replacement. However, I can only connect to one monitor through the docking station and have to plug the remaining two monitors directly into one of the USB-C ports.

This is not the first time I've experienced difficulties with connecting multiple external monitors to my MacBook Pro. Previously, I was able to connect two monitors using a docking station, which worked well for about six months. However, recently I started experiencing some issues and had to figure out why.

For those who may be facing similar issues, here are some possible reasons and solutions:

Firstly, it's worth noting that the Dell Thunderbolt WD19TBS docking station is compatible with MacBook Pro 14' M1 Max running Monterey. In my case, I recently upgraded from a Dell XPS15 2-in-1 to the Macbook Pro 14' M1 Max.

When using the docking station connected to two external monitors, my Mac is currently recognizing both monitors as one unit instead of two. This means that they're displaying the same thing. To use them independently, I need to find a solution that allows me to recognize each monitor separately.

One possible solution could be to check if the docking station is compatible with your specific MacBook Pro model and macOS version. Additionally, you can try updating your docking station's firmware or drivers to see if that resolves the issue.

If none of these solutions work, it may be worth considering purchasing a different docking station specifically designed for MacBooks. In my case, I'm still searching for a solution that allows me to connect two external monitors independently using my Dell Thunderbolt WD19TBS docking station.

In summary, while there are some limitations when using a DisplayPort cable with a docking station and your MacBook Pro doesn't recognize it at all, or only recognizes one out of three HDMI ports, there may be solutions available. It's worth trying the troubleshooting processes mentioned above and checking compatibility with your specific MacBook Pro model and macOS version.

Dell docking station for macbook pro