Mac Mini 2018 HDMI failes after OS upgrade / patch

[tstimper]

that's very good news, finally somebody at Apple takes this serious.
This is #macmini2018hdmigate, that needs to be fixed.
Honestly the last month i had no time to fight with Apple support, the Mac Mini 2018 is not used and will not be used until Apple fix this.

 

[watakoola]

As part of the 'testing' of my 2018 Mac Mini with an eGPU, I've now changed to a HDMI to DVI cable to my 'boot' monitor, with only my second monitor running off the eGPU.

All is running fine but, of course, I'd prefer both monitors running from the eGPU.

Until Apple or OWC 'fix' the eGPU fan going nuts I'll stay with this setup for my sanity.

 

[normd1954]

I hope this get fixed soon. My problem started after being upgraded to 10.15.4. I also filed a bug report. I hope this get fixed soon. Does reverting to an earlier version of Catalina work?

Update: I booted up in the Restore volume (Command-R) and reinstalled MaOS 10.15.4. HDMI is working again.

 

[tstimper]

Interesting, that reinstall from Restore volume fixed this in your situation.
I always was using internet recovery to reinstall MacOS. For me the only way to fix the broken HDMI port was to replace the logicboard. My Mac Mini 2018 has now the third logicboard and ist broken again. I was hoping that 10.15.4 could fix this, but no success.

 

[djc6]

I couldn't see any output on either display (one HDMI, one USB-C to HDMI) after upgrading to 10.15.4

I had to reset NVRAM/SMC a few times before they work up - its been fine since. I seem to have to do the SMC/NVRAM dance every upgrade since Catalina came out

 

[normd1954]

I have turned off automatic updates. My hypothesis is that the incremental updates are problematic and I will only use combo updates in the future (as I have been advised over the years...). My Mac repair guy said to stay away form 10.15 entirely as it is too buggy.

 

[troop5150]

I joined this forum because of this problem. Hdmi stopped working after updating from mojave to catalina 10.15.5. Hdmi cable works fine to my living room insignia tv but not on my 2 dell monitors. I purchased usb c to hdmi cable after a quick google suggested It may work and It doesnt work for me. Im now in the process of creating a bootable usb of 10.15.2 to see if that works. If i knew I wasnt going to be able to keep my os current I shoulda just kept using my old 2012 macbook pro. This is ridiculous.

 

[MevetS]

I updated to macOS 10.15.4. My system continues to function as it did before the update. HDMI port works fine.

 

[troop5150]

I tried to install via usb but mac os wont read usb... and the recovery option gives me an error apple.com/support -1008f
[automerge]1585786589[/automerge]

I updated to macOS 10.15.4. My system continues to function as it did before the update. HDMI port works fine.

Whats the purpose of commenting? Are you providing any input that may help the situation?

 

[MevetS]

I tried to install via usb but mac os wont read usb... and the recovery option gives me an error apple.com/support -1008f
[automerge]1585786589[/automerge]

Whats the purpose of commenting? Are you providing any input that may help the situation?

I am noting that not everyone has these issues. Providing another data point. People read the forums to get an understanding of how the machine works. I know I did before buying mine. Seeing nothing but posts detailing problems would give the impression that the Mini is nothing but a problem plagued mess. When that is clearly not the case. My Mini works fine, albeit with a work around to use the eGPU (search the forums for a detailed post on my solution). An annoyance for sure, but one fixed with a $7 HDMI adapter.

My input may not help your situation. But other's comments have helped me. And in turn my comments may help others make an informed decision.

The fact is that updating to 10.15.4 does not cause HDMI problems in all instances (although updating to 10.15.5 might). But reading this thread may lead one to believe that updating is to be avoided. As with any system update make a bootable backup prior to updating and have at it. In most cases you will be fine. If not restore your backup.

Good luck with your issue. I hope you get it sorted.

 

[watakoola]

My Mini works fine, albeit with a work around to use the eGPU (search the forums for a detailed post on my solution). An annoyance for sure, but one fixed with a $7 HDMI adapter.

Indeed! I used MevetS' solution - and it works! - but I still have the fan issue with the OWC Helios, hence switching back to my main display running off the internal Intel 630 chip (as mentioned above).

And... I also agree that mini is a fine little computer and a worthy replacement for my dead Mac Pro 5.1

 

[troop5150]

I am noting that not everyone has these issues. Providing another data point. People read the forums to get an understanding of how the machine works. I know I did before buying mine. Seeing nothing but posts detailing problems would give the impression that the Mini is nothing but a problem plagued mess. When that is clearly not the case. My Mini works fine, albeit with a work around to use the eGPU (search the forums for a detailed post on my solution). An annoyance for sure, but one fixed with a $7 HDMI adapter.

My input may not help your situation. But other's comments have helped me. And in turn my comments may help others make an informed decision.

The fact is that updating to 10.15.4 does not cause HDMI problems in all instances (although updating to 10.15.5 might). But reading this thread may lead one to believe that updating is to be avoided. As with any system update make a bootable backup prior to updating and have at it. In most cases you will be fine. If not restore your backup.

Good luck with your issue. I hope you get it sorted.

Ah. Understood. Thanks for responding to my reply.

 

[Fishrrman]

tstimper wrote:
"For me the only way to fix the broken HDMI port was to replace the logicboard. My Mac Mini 2018 has now the third logicboard and ist broken again. I was hoping that 10.15.4 could fix this, but no success."

Something tells me that whatever problems you are having ARE NOT related to the logic board...

 

[tstimper]

Something tells me that whatever problems you are having ARE NOT related to the logic board...

I would be more than happy to get a solution to this issue. Thats not an issue with adapters, cables or monitors.
Thats an issue how the MacMini 2018 reads and stores the parameter of the connected monitor or adapter/monitor combination.
The fix that Apple support offered after many tries of reinstall / SMC reset was replacing the logic board three times. Until today that is their way to "fix" this issue. But this "fix" only survives two macOS patches / updates / reinstalls.
Steps to reproduce the issue:
- get a new Mac Mini 2018 or let Apple support replace the logic board and connect a monitor usinge a Apple HDMI to DVI adapter. The replacement logic board will have Mojave, not Catalina
- install any two macOS patches or upgrades
- HDMI port breaks at the second patch or upgrade

If the issue does not occur, enable FileVault and try again.
If FileVault is enabled and the error occurs, then the username and password to start the Mac must be typed in blind.

Reset om SMC did not help. Leaving the mac in the cold car over night fixed the problem once.

 

[tstimper]

Update: i have installed Catalina 10.15.4 and the new Supplemental Update and the HDMI issue is still there.
And now i am not able to see anything at any screen when i am in recovery mode. I cannot reinstall macOS.
Reset SMC did not help, Reset NVMR did not help.
I give up with this device.
I have asked my Apple reseller to take back the device. I am not sure if the "new" Macmini 2020 will not have this issue.
All what i know its the same hardware as the Macmini 2018, only with double storage in the smalles configuration.

Has anybody a Mac mini 2020 running with a display at the HDMI port without any issue?

 

[MevetS]

The 'Mac Mini 2020' is a Mac Mini 2018. And as such, I have a Mac mini 2018 for which the HMDI port works and has always worked.

 

[watakoola]

The 'Mac Mini 2020' is a Mac Mini 2018. And as such, I have a Mac mini 2018 for which the HMDI port works and has always worked.

Ditto!

 

[TinHead88]

Update: i have installed Catalina 10.15.4 and the new Supplemental Update and the HDMI issue is still there.
And now i am not able to see anything at any screen when i am in recovery mode. I cannot reinstall macOS.
Reset SMC did not help, Reset NVMR did not help.
I give up with this device.
I have asked my Apple reseller to take back the device. I am not sure if the "new" Macmini 2020 will not have this issue.
All what i know its the same hardware as the Macmini 2018, only with double storage in the smalles configuration.

Has anybody a Mac mini 2020 running with a display at the HDMI port without any issue?

You need to stop jumping up and down like an angry child and troubleshoot with a more open mind.

Please just stop it with the macminigate bs

You have never mentioned which monitor you insist on using with your HDMI to DVI converter. You did say you tried other monitors but did not mention which ones and how they were connected.

Have you tried a monitor connected with a regular HDMI to HDMI cable? If such a monitor is 4k you will need a HDMI 2.0 cable.

You also need to stop replacing the motherboards of your MacMinis. This is not a systemic problem. I am running a 2018 MM with a 4k screen via HDMI with no issues. As you’ve already suggested this is likely an issue with sensing on the HDMI port and will vary with different monitors and cables. Why don’t you do a search for monitors which have been shown to work well with HDMI on 2018 Mac Minis and replace your monitor to see if that could be the solution?

I mean, sure, this isn't supposed to be a problem, but having a tirade on forums isn't going to solve it for you.

 

[lemmifun]

You need to stop jumping up and down like an angry child and troubleshoot with a more open mind.

Please just stop it with the macminigate bs

You have never mentioned which monitor you insist on using with your HDMI to DVI converter. You did say you tried other monitors but did not mention which ones and how they were connected.

Have you tried a monitor connected with a regular HDMI to HDMI cable? If such a monitor is 4k you will need a HDMI 2.0 cable.

You also need to stop replacing the motherboards of your MacMinis. This is not a systemic problem. I am running a 2018 MM with a 4k screen via HDMI with no issues. As you’ve already suggested this is likely an issue with sensing on the HDMI port and will vary with different monitors and cables. Why don’t you do a search for monitors which have been shown to work well with HDMI on 2018 Mac Minis and replace your monitor to see if that could be the solution?

I mean, sure, this isn't supposed to be a problem, but having a tirade on forums isn't going to solve it for you.

I have 3 4K monitors that worked without any problem everytime I booted the macMini2018.
2 are USBC-Display Port
1 is HDMI-HDMI.
Cable is 2.0

I have been burned before and wanted to make that I have my orignal working system in case anything goes wrong.
I cloned my boot drive and upgraded the cloned drive to 10.5.3.

If I turn all 3 monitors on before I boot, the HDMI will not work.

I gave up after several hours and decided to go back to my original working installation.
The original working installation did not allow me to access the HDMI Monitor anymore. So much for my Plan B.

I followed all the suggested steps of hard reset, but it did not help at all.

I disagree that it is not a systematic issue. The fact is that the upgrade render the 3 4K monitors setup useless.
I could only use 2 now.

The solution for me was that I have to turn on the HDMI first and keep the other 2 screen turned off.
Make sure that screen does not go back to sleep mode. It is only a short moment before this happens.
Turn on the MacMini2018
The Monitor is recognized, but only if it is not in sleep mode.
Once the system is up an running, I can turn on the other 2 screens.
All 3 screens are now accessible.
9 out of 10 times all monitors work coming of sleep mode.

If the HDMI is not working anymore, I have turn of the other 2 and shutdown the Mac.

Following my procedure will bring back all eventually.

It is pretty inconvenient and took me several days until I could access all 3.

I agree with you that exchanging the Macs will not help if you go beyond a certain version of the OS.

I hope that my workaround might help someone running into the same issue.

 

[djc6]

I had to reset SMC and NVRAM many times to bring my mac mini back to life after those updates.

It was up, I could SSH in - nothing displayed on monitors initially.

 

[Stas_R]

I am noting that not everyone has these issues. Providing another data point. People read the forums to get an understanding of how the machine works. I know I did before buying mine. Seeing nothing but posts detailing problems would give the impression that the Mini is nothing but a problem plagued mess. When that is clearly not the case. My Mini works fine, albeit with a work around to use the eGPU (search the forums for a detailed post on my solution). An annoyance for sure, but one fixed with a $7 HDMI adapter.

My input may not help your situation. But other's comments have helped me. And in turn my comments may help others make an informed decision.

The fact is that updating to 10.15.4 does not cause HDMI problems in all instances (although updating to 10.15.5 might). But reading this thread may lead one to believe that updating is to be avoided. As with any system update make a bootable backup prior to updating and have at it. In most cases you will be fine. If not restore your backup.

Good luck with your issue. I hope you get it sorted.

It is very BAD that I had not read this topic before buying Mac Mini. And now I have an i3 Mac Mini 2018 and hdmi port is not working.

I wrote about some funny behavior of Mac Mini and it's hdmi:

Catalina causing issues with HDMI

I had bought Mac mini 2018 few days ago and connected it to Samsung SyncMaster s22b300 using hdmi-hdmi cable plugged into "hdmi switch". My hp elitebook was plugged into the same switch. All this worked good before I turn off elitebook - Samsung become black. I turned elitebook again and Mac...

forums.macrumors.com

P.S.
I don't believe Apple is able at all to fix it.

 

[Dameatball]

You need to stop jumping up and down like an angry child and troubleshoot with a more open mind.

Please just stop it with the macminigate bs

You have never mentioned which monitor you insist on using with your HDMI to DVI converter. You did say you tried other monitors but did not mention which ones and how they were connected.

Have you tried a monitor connected with a regular HDMI to HDMI cable? If such a monitor is 4k you will need a HDMI 2.0 cable.

You also need to stop replacing the motherboards of your MacMinis. This is not a systemic problem. I am running a 2018 MM with a 4k screen via HDMI with no issues. As you’ve already suggested this is likely an issue with sensing on the HDMI port and will vary with different monitors and cables. Why don’t you do a search for monitors which have been shown to work well with HDMI on 2018 Mac Minis and replace your monitor to see if that could be the solution?

I mean, sure, this isn't supposed to be a problem, but having a tirade on forums isn't going to solve it for you.

He’s confusing the egpu issue that occurred with the Catalina update with whatever hardware issue he’s insisting he’s having (even tho it’s been clarified several times). Correct- there isn’t systemic hardware/logic board issue. It occurred with the Catalina update when using an egpu through the T3 port. Nothing with hdmi etc.

 

[Dameatball]

Update: i have installed Catalina 10.15.4 and the new Supplemental Update and the HDMI issue is still there.
And now i am not able to see anything at any screen when i am in recovery mode. I cannot reinstall macOS.
Reset SMC did not help, Reset NVMR did not help.
I give up with this device.
I have asked my Apple reseller to take back the device. I am not sure if the "new" Macmini 2020 will not have this issue.
All what i know its the same hardware as the Macmini 2018, only with double storage in the smalles configuration.

Has anybody a Mac mini 2020 running with a display at the HDMI port without any issue?

There isn’t a 2020 mini. why do you think a supplemental update will correct your logic board/hardware issue?

 

[normd1954]

I continue to have problems with my 2018 Mac mini display ports. I have three monitors, one connected via HDMI, one via mDSP using a Thunderbolt port and one with a VGA to mDSP adapter using another Thunderbolt port. They all worked fine in 10.14.6 until I updated to Catalina 10.15. First my HMDI would not work at all with any monitor. Now at 10.15.4 the HDMI port works and the Thunderbolt/mDSP works, but I have to disconnect the mDSP/VGA monitor from the mini every time I boot or else all monitors stay black - no Apple logo. I've tried all the standard remedies including resetting the SMC, PRAM and reinstalling the OS, which I seem to recall got the HDMI working again. I can hear some of you saying that I should dump my perfectly-working VGA monitor, but why did Apple have to break something that worked?

 

[MaskedCarrot]

Threads like this are what makes me reconsider my Mac Mini purchase. I have until 5/30 to make up my mind if I want to return it or not.

I am still debating on whether I want to keep or get an Alienware PC instead. I can get a way better system, hardware wise on the Alienware for the same price I paid for the Mini. However I don't PC game anymore like I used to do in my younger days, I have an Xbox for that now. Most of what I do I can just do on an iPad, but I prefer to still have a desktop. I like a big monitor, mouse and keyboard to do my stuff.

That being said, I really like how the Mini is so small compared to a PC, and it is whisper quiet. I never hear the fan come on, and even after it is on for a few hours, I touch the top and it's not even warm. A high powered PC would go back to a big, loud tower. Also, I like both Windows 10 and MacOS. Although I do have to say that MacOS is much more elegant looking and just looks more classy in my opinion.

My opinion is most of all the issues you read about on here are probably software related. I doubt it's the hardware. I think Apple just can't program worth a crap anymore, both MacOS and iOS.