Inspect Connected Displays with system_profiler
List every connected monitor's model, resolution, and connection type from the Terminal.
Run system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType to list every display, its resolution, and how it is connected.
01Command
Command
$ system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep -E 'Resolution|Display Type|Connection|Chipset'02What it does
When a monitor shows a blurry picture, wrong resolution, or a black screen, SPDisplaysDataType tells you what the Mac actually detects — model name, native resolution, current resolution, and connection type (HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt). The grep filter narrows the output to the lines that matter for troubleshooting.
03Risk
!Warning: If the display doesn't appear at all in this report, the problem is the cable, adapter, or power — not macOS settings. The report shows what the Mac sees, not what the monitor is capable of.
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- system_profiler - report system hardware and softwareEvidence: Documents SPDisplaysDataType for enumerating graphics cards and connected display resolutions.
Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Media