A USB-C to HDMI adapter converts the USB-C signal from a phone, tablet, or laptop into HDMI for an external display. To use one, you plug the adapter into your device's USB-C port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to a TV or monitor, and select the matching HDMI input on the display.
The whole process takes under a minute when your device supports video output over USB-C. The steps below cover the connection, the difference between mirroring and extending, setup for specific devices, and what to do when the screen stays black.
What You Need Before You Start
Three components are required to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter: a source device that supports video output, the adapter itself, and an HDMI cable connected to a display with a free HDMI port.
The source device must support video output over USB-C. This feature is called DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), and not every USB-C port has it. A USB-C port that only handles charging and data transfer will not send video to the adapter.
The adapter must match the resolution you want. A basic adapter outputs 1080p; for a 4K display at 60Hz or 8K output, the adapter and the HDMI cable both need to support that resolution.
If you also need to charge your device or connect extra peripherals, a USB-C hub with HDMI replaces a plain adapter without changing the setup. Turonic's Hubs category covers this range; the ConnectHub Pro 7-in-1 (BYL-2425), for example, adds 4K@60Hz HDMI alongside 100W Power Delivery and USB ports in a single connector.
The HDMI cable connects the adapter to the display. Most adapters do not include a cable, so confirm you have an HDMI cable rated for your target resolution (HDMI 2.0 for 4K@60Hz, HDMI 2.1 for 8K or 4K@120Hz).
The display needs a free HDMI input. Note which port number you use (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.), because you will select that exact input on the TV or monitor.
How to Connect a USB-C to HDMI Adapter — Step by Step
Connecting a USB-C to HDMI adapter takes four steps and works the same way on most devices.
Step 1 — Plug the Adapter Into Your Device
Insert the USB-C end of the adapter into the USB-C port on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Step 2 — Connect the HDMI Cable
Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter's HDMI port and the other end into a free HDMI port on your TV, monitor, or projector.
Step 3 — Select the Correct HDMI Input
Using the display's remote or buttons, switch the input source to the HDMI port you used (for example, HDMI 2).
Step 4 — Confirm the Image Appears
The display should detect the signal automatically and show your device's screen within a few seconds. If it does not, see the troubleshooting section below.
No app or driver installation is needed. USB-C to HDMI adapters are plug-and-play on devices that support DP Alt Mode.
Mirror vs. Extend - Choosing Your Display Mode
A USB-C to HDMI connection works in one of two modes: mirror or extend. Mirror shows the same image on both screens; extend turns the external display into a separate, second workspace.
Mirror mode duplicates your device's screen exactly on the external display. This is the default on most phones and is best for presentations, watching videos, or sharing photos.
Extend mode treats the HDMI display as additional screen space, so you can run different apps on each screen. This is mainly used on Windows and Mac laptops for multitasking. Most phones only support mirroring, not extending.
A single adapter drives one external display. To extend across two external monitors, you need a hub with two HDMI outputs, such as the Turonic DockHub Mini 8-in-1 (BYL-2401) or the DockHub Pro 15-in-1 (BYL-2519), both rated for dual HDMI at 4K@60Hz.
To switch modes on Windows, press Windows + P and choose Duplicate or Extend. On Mac, open System Settings → Displays and set the arrangement to mirrored or extended. On Android, the mode depends on the manufacturer; Samsung DeX, for example, provides a desktop-style extended view.
Device-Specific Setup
The four connection steps are identical across devices, but display settings and capabilities differ by operating system.
Android Phone or Tablet
Connect the adapter and the screen, and it usually mirrors automatically. If it does not, open the notification shade and tap the external display notification, or go to Settings → Display and enable HDMI output or screen casting. Samsung devices can enter DeX mode for a desktop-style interface.
iPhone and iPad
USB-C iPhone (15 series and later), iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini with USB-C support video output through a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Connect the adapter and the display mirrors automatically. Older iPhones with a Lightning port require a Lightning Digital AV Adapter instead, not a USB-C adapter.
Windows Laptop
Connect the adapter, and the laptop detects the display automatically. Press Windows + P to choose between Duplicate, Extend, or Second screen only. Adjust resolution under Settings → System → Display if the image looks incorrect.
Mac
Connect the adapter and open System Settings → Displays. macOS detects the HDMI display and lets you arrange, mirror, or extend it. MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports support this without extra drivers.
Gaming Handhelds (Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch)
Steam Deck outputs video through its USB-C port to a USB-C to HDMI adapter, allowing you to play on a TV. Nintendo Switch outputs video only through its official dock or a dock that supplies Power Delivery; a plain USB-C to HDMI adapter generally will not work with the Switch.
How to Check If Your Device Supports HDMI Output
Not every USB-C port can output video. The port must support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), which routes a video signal through the USB-C connector.
To check, search your device's official specifications for "DisplayPort Alt Mode," "video output," or "HDMI Alt Mode." If the spec sheet lists any of these, the port supports video.
As a general guide, most laptops with USB-C, recent iPad Pro/Air models, USB-C iPhones, and flagship Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S/Note, Google Pixel) support DP Alt Mode. Many budget Android phones and some ultraportable laptops do not.
If the specifications are unclear, contact the device manufacturer before buying an adapter. A device without DP Alt Mode will not send video, no matter which adapter you use.
Why is USB-C to HDMI Not Working
Most USB-C to HDMI problems come from three sources: a device that lacks DP Alt Mode, the wrong HDMI input selected, or a cable that cannot carry the resolution. Match the symptom below to its fix.
No Image or Black Screen
Confirm your device supports DP Alt Mode, then verify you selected the correct HDMI input on the display. Reseat both ends of the adapter and cable, and try restarting the device.
No Sound on the TV
HDMI carries audio and video together, so sound should play through the display automatically. If it doesn't, set the display as the audio output in your device's sound settings and check that the TV is not muted.
4K Won't Work or Resolution Is Low
The adapter and the HDMI cable must both support 4K. An HDMI 2.0 cable is required for 4K@60Hz; an older cable may cap output at 1080p or 4K@30Hz. Then set the output resolution manually in display settings.
Screen Flickers or Cuts Out
This usually means a loose connection or an underpowered adapter. Use a shorter, higher-rated HDMI cable, and for laptops or handhelds, use an adapter with a Power Delivery passthrough port.
Device Stops Charging While Connected
A plain adapter uses only the USB-C port, blocking charging. Use a multiport adapter with Power Delivery instead, such as the Turonic ConnectHub Pro 7-in-1 (BYL-2425) with 100W PD, so the device can charge and output video simultaneously.
FAQ
Does a USB-C to HDMI adapter carry audio?
Yes. HDMI transmits audio and video through the same cable, so sound plays through the connected TV or monitor automatically. If it doesn't, select the display as the audio output device in your sound settings.
Do I need an app to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter?
No. These adapters are plug-and-play and require no app or driver on devices that support DisplayPort Alt Mode. The display is automatically detected upon connection.
Can I charge my phone while using the adapter?
Only with a multiport adapter that has a Power Delivery (PD) port. A single-port adapter occupies the USB-C port and blocks charging while video is being output.
Why won't my Android phone output video through USB-C?
The most common reason is that the phone's USB-C port does not support DP Alt Mode. Many budget Android phones lack video output entirely, in which case no USB-C to HDMI adapter will work.
Will a USB-C to HDMI adapter work with the Nintendo Switch?
Usually not. The Switch outputs video only through a dock that supplies Power Delivery. A standard USB-C to HDMI adapter without PD typically fails to produce a signal.
What HDMI cable do I need for 4K?
An HDMI 2.0 cable supports 4K at 60Hz, and HDMI 2.1 is needed for 8K or 4K at 120Hz. Both the adapter and the cable must support the resolution, or output drops to a lower setting.
What to Remember
Using a USB-C to HDMI adapter comes down to three things: a device that supports DP Alt Mode, the right adapter and HDMI cable for your resolution, and selecting the correct HDMI input on the display. Once those lines are up, the connection is plug-and-play, and the image appears within seconds.
