Quick answer:
4K+ monitor conflicts: High-resolution displays can interfere with Luna's connection
Thunderbolt bandwidth limits: Same-side connections on MacBook Pro cause conflicts
Apple Silicon display limits: M1/M2 Macs have strict external display restrictions
Bus controller sharing: Multiple devices on same Thunderbolt bus compete for bandwidth
💡 Quick fixes:
Try disconnecting: Temporarily unplug external monitor to test Luna
Switch sides: Move Luna to opposite side of MacBook from external display
Check limits: Verify your Mac supports multiple external displays
Restart displays: Hold Option + click "Detect Displays" in System Preferences
Luna Display and 4K+ Monitors
If your Mac has an external monitor with 4K or higher resolution and Luna's connection is unstable or drops in resolution, try disconnecting the monitor to see if the issue improves.
Symptoms: Unstable connections, dropped resolution, intermittent disconnections
Cause: High-resolution monitors consume significant bandwidth
Solution: Disconnect external monitor temporarily to test Luna performance
Thunderbolt Bus Limitations on MacBook Pro
On some Macs, like the MacBook Pro, Luna may not work correctly if plugged into the same side as a high-resolution external display. This is due to how MacBook hardware distributes bandwidth.
Problem: Luna connected to same side as external display
Cause: Shared Thunderbolt bus controller between ports on same side
Solution: Plug Luna into a port on the opposite side of the MacBook
Example: 2019 MacBook Pro
Example: 2019 MacBook Pro
The 2019 MacBook Pro has four Thunderbolt 3 ports—two on each side. Each side shares a single Thunderbolt bus controller between its two ports.
Left side: Ports 1 + 2 share one bus controller
Right side: Ports 3 + 4 share one bus controller
Best practice: External monitor on left = Luna on right (or vice versa)
Thunderbolt Bandwidth Conflicts
Thunderbolt Bandwidth Conflicts
If a Thunderbolt or USB device is connected to the same Thunderbolt bus controller as Luna, it may consume too much bandwidth, preventing Luna from functioning correctly. This is common with Thunderbolt docks, hubs, or external monitors with 4K+ resolution.
Common culprits: Thunderbolt docks, USB hubs, external monitors with 4K+ resolution
Symptoms: Luna malfunctions, connection drops, poor performance
Solution: Move conflicting devices to ports on opposite side of MacBook
M1 and Apple Silicon Display Limits
M1 and Apple Silicon Display Limits
Newer Apple Silicon Macs, like the M1 Mac mini, have strict limits on external displays. For example, the M1 Mac mini supports only one display via Thunderbolt/USB-C. Check your Mac's technical specifications to ensure compatibility.
M1 Mac mini: Maximum 1 external display via Thunderbolt/USB-C
M1 MacBook Air: Maximum 1 external display
M1 MacBook Pro: Maximum 1 external display
Check compatibility: Apple Menu → About This Mac → Support → Specifications
❓ Do I Need to Disconnect My External Monitor?
Maybe. If you're experiencing connection issues with Luna Display while using an external monitor, temporarily disconnecting it can help diagnose the problem.
❗ Remember: Check your Mac's external display limits and ensure proper port placement to avoid conflicts.