StarTech Dock Compatibility

[SK04]

Hello,
I have a MacBook Air M1 (2020) and am trying to use DisplayLink for a second external monitor extension. I am using a StarTech Thunderbolt dock, but no matter what I do, I cannot seem to get detection for my second external monitor. I am starting to wonder if the dock is compatible. Can anyone help?

[rboerner]

Hello,
I have a MacBook Air M1 (2020) and am trying to use DisplayLink for a second external monitor extension. I am using a StarTech Thunderbolt dock, but no matter what I do, I cannot seem to get detection for my second external monitor. I am starting to wonder if the dock is compatible. Can anyone help?

Can you please provide the exact model number (or a direct web link to) the specific StarTech docking station you are using?

[SK04]

Hello! Yes, the model is the following, followed by the link to the product page on Startech's website:
Thunderbolt 3 Dock - Dual Monitor 4K 60Hz Laptop Docking Station with DisplayPort - 85W Power Delivery - 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Ethernet, Audio - TB3 Dock - Windows & Mac

https://www.startech.com/en-us/universal-laptop-docking-stations/tb3dk2dppd

Thanks!

[rboerner]

Hello! Yes, the model is the following, followed by the link to the product page on Startech's website:
Thunderbolt 3 Dock - Dual Monitor 4K 60Hz Laptop Docking Station with DisplayPort - 85W Power Delivery - 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Ethernet, Audio - TB3 Dock - Windows & Mac

https://www.startech.com/en-us/universal-laptop-docking-stations/tb3dk2dppd

Thanks!

According to the information provided by StarTech, the docking station you are using does NOT have DisplayLink technology inside of it. As a result, DisplayLink will not be able to help you.

The StarTech docking station you are using is based on Thunderbolt 3 technology, and relies on the host computer's internal capabilities to drive the external displays.

Your MacBook Air (M1, 2020) laptop has an internal limitation in that it can only drive one external display via a Thunderbolt 3 docking station. Apple calls this out specifically under the 'Display Support' section of their product specifications here --> https://support.apple.com/kb/SP825?locale=en_US

This internal laptop limitation is why only one display is working via the StarTech docking station.

If you want to add two external displays to your Mac, you will have to use a product based on DisplayLink technology --> https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/displaylink-products