Apple’s latest macOS 15.2 update seems to be creating a headache for users with external displays. Many Mac owners are reporting that their machines mistakenly detect connected monitors as mirrored displays. The issue appears widespread and affects setups involving HDMI and DisplayPort connections.
Users have taken to Reddit, Apple’s support forums, and MacRumors forums to share their frustrations. One user, running a Mac mini with a Samsung Odyssey Ark monitor, described how the macOS screen mirroring icon appeared despite no mirroring setup. Another user said their LG C3 monitor, which includes AirPlay support, was falsely recognized as a mirrored display.
For some, the problem goes beyond the screen mirroring icon. It interferes with features like Sidecar, which extends Mac displays to iPads. Others noted that their external monitors either froze or went black when trying to disable the mirroring. These bugs are leaving users scrambling for temporary fixes.
Workarounds have been circulating online. A popular suggestion involves using the BetterDisplay app, which forces macOS to treat TVs as standard monitors. One user confirmed that switching settings with BetterDisplay and rebooting resolved the issue. However, not everyone is happy with the idea of relying on third-party software to fix what they believe is an Apple bug.
For those distracted with the screen mirroring icon, a Redditor shared a nifty trick. “You can press cmd, click, and drag the screen mirroring icon downwards until it shows an X, then release, and it will be deleted from the top corner icons,” they mentioned. This has also worked for those who’ve given it a go.
The glitch isn’t limited to specific hardware. Reports mention devices ranging from Mac Minis and Mac Studios to MacBook Pros equipped with the latest M3 chips. A common thread seems to be how macOS handles certain monitors’ EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), a protocol that helps computers identify display capabilities. Some users suspect macOS 15.2 introduced changes to this system, causing the confusion.
Some mentioned that even after resetting their monitor and syncing multiple times, the issue persists with each reboot. While users can get their displays to function temorarily, the underlying problem remains unresolved.
The frustration is growing. “This is so irritating,” said a Reddit user. Others echoed the sentiment, calling the bug disruptive, especially for professionals relying on external displays for work.
As of now, Apple hasn’t released an official statement or a patch to address the problem. If you’ve experienced this issue, the best immediate steps include trying BetterDisplay or tweaking monitor settings where possible. But keep in mind, these are band-aid solutions. We’ll have to wait and see how long it takes Apple to release a patch with a fix for the bug.
Dwayne Cubbins
449 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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