Connecting and disconnecting macOS to a room's AV system by cable

Questions

  • How do I connect my Mac to the projector or display using a cable?
  • How do I plug my MacBook into a classroom's AV system?
  • Which cable or adapter do I need to connect my Mac in a classroom?
  • My Mac screen is not showing on the projector after I plugged in the cable — what do I do?
  • How do I extend or mirror my Mac's display to the room screen?
  • How do I get sound to play through the room speakers from my Mac?
  • How do I disconnect my Mac from the room's AV system when I am finished?
  • How do I present from my Mac by cable now that the classroom computer is gone?

Environment

This article applies to faculty, staff, and students presenting from a Mac laptop (macOS) in a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space that has a wired display cable at the instructor station.

  • In scope: Connecting and disconnecting a Mac by cable (USB-C or HDMI).
  • Out of scope: Presenting wirelessly with AirPlay to a classroom Apple TV (covered in a separate article).

Resolution

Watch the short video below, or follow the written steps.

Video

Connect your Mac by cable

  1. At the instructor station, locate the AV cable. It is usually a USB-C or HDMI cable, and is often labeled.
  2. If the cable is USB-C, plug it directly into a USB-C / Thunderbolt port on your Mac. If the cable is HDMI, connect it using a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.
  3. The room's display or projector should switch to your Mac automatically. If it does not, use the room's control panel to select the cable, HDMI, or laptop input.
  4. If your screen still does not appear, open the Apple menu → System Settings → Displays and click Detect Displays. Choose to mirror or extend as needed.
No sound? Open System Settings → Sound and set the output device to the room display (the HDMI or USB-C device).

Disconnect when you are finished

  1. Unplug the cable (and adapter) from your Mac.
  2. The room system returns to its default state.
Remember your adapter. If you brought a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter, take it with you when you leave.
Prefer to present wirelessly? Most classrooms also have an Apple TV you can present to using AirPlay. See the related wireless presentation article for your device in the Related Articles section.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (4)

Classroom and Meeting Space Technology Changes
Explains Bowdoin's phased removal of instructor computers from classrooms and meeting spaces (Fall 2025 through Fall 2026) and the addition of Apple TVs for wireless presentation, including how to present from your own device, where to get orientations and emergency help, and which rooms are affected. For faculty, staff, and students who teach or present in Bowdoin classrooms and meeting spaces.
Connecting and disconnecting a Mac to a classroom Apple TV using AirPlay
Explains how to connect and disconnect a Mac to a classroom Apple TV using the AirPlay screen-mirroring feature built into macOS, with a step-by-step instructional video. Covers getting on the Bowdoin wireless network and entering the on-screen code. For faculty, staff, and students presenting wirelessly from a Mac laptop in a Bowdoin classroom.
Connecting and disconnecting an iPad to a room's AV system by cable
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting an iPad to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable using a USB-C-to-HDMI or Lightning Digital AV adapter, including selecting the room input, sound and mirroring tips, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from an iPad in Bowdoin classrooms.
Connecting and disconnecting Windows to a room's AV system by cable
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting a Windows laptop to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable (HDMI or USB-C), including adapters, selecting the room input, using Windows+P to duplicate or extend, fixing audio, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from Windows in Bowdoin classrooms.