How do you connect a monitor to a docking station?

Written by Jelle

Edited on

23 August 2022

·

12:51

How do you connect a monitor to a docking station?

Via a docking station, you can easily connect an external monitor to your laptop. Don't see an image on the connected monitor? That's probably due to the port you're using for the docking station. Not every USB port can transmit an image signal. Here, you can read how to connect a monitor to a docking station in 2 steps.

Man behind 2 monitors

Connect monitor in 2 steps

To connect your monitor, you go through the following steps:

  • Step 1. Connect the monitor to the docking station
  • Step 2. Connect the docking station to your laptop
Monitor connected to laptop via docking station

Step 1: connect the monitor to the docking station

Does your docking station have a separate power cable? Connect this first and then connect your monitor via the HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C cable. Connect the power cable of the monitor as well.

View all docking stations
MacBook, iPad, and iPhone on table with docking station and monitor

Step 2: connect the docking station to your laptop

If you want to transmit an image signal via a USB-C or USB-A docking station, you use a port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Don't see an image on the monitor? Try the other USB ports on your laptop first. Do these not work either? The USB ports on your laptop might not support DisplayPort Alt Mode. In that case, you can connect external monitors to an HDMI or DisplayPort connector. You can use a cable converter if necessary.

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Article by Jelle

Docking Station Expert.

Jelle