Need Fresh Solution for Macbook Air M1 2020 workaround

[alsquared54]

Hello,
TLDR: After reading articles on here, I’m wondering if my docking station doesn’t have the WavLink “software” on it/nor is compatible with WavLink. None of the tech articles I read suggested that for the models they recommended.

Problem:
I am trying to troubleshoot why my second external monitor is only displaying a mirror of my first external monitor, instead of allowing me to extend like I can on my first monitor. I know this is as designed on my Macbook Air M1 2020. Because of that, I did a TON of research as to which docking station would work with my laptop, the limitation of the M1 chip to only use one monitor (with an adaptor), the need to use DisplayLink software, identifying if the two ports on my laptop are Thunderbolt 3/4/5 v. USB-C, third different tech blog websites with their list of the best docking stations for my laptop and for the situation, and on and on. Before I bought the docking station, I contacted WavLink to determine if the model docking station was compatible with my laptop: it was. I have read and re-read the specs, the manuals, the descriptions of my laptop, the docking station, and the DisplayLink software. When I plugged everything and this behavior displayed (hehe) itself, I also read every Google search result blog/webpage, every Reddit, every Apple forum, and now DisplayLink forum (including katdel's this morning at 7:44 AM): none of the provided solutions have worked for me.

Specs:
Computer & OS: Macbook Air M1 (2020) running Sequoia 15.3.1
Docking Station Product Name: WavLink USB-C 4K Triple Display MST Dock
Docking Station Model: WavLink WL-UMD05 Pro https://www.wavlink.com/en_us/produc...UMD05-Pro.html
Monitors: (2) ViewSonic VG2440 24” IPS 1080p Ergonomic Monitors, Both Model: VG2440-S
Software: DisplayLink Manager 1.11.0 (Build 28)

Additional Information and Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

• OS, WavLink, DisplayLink all have the latest versions of the software, drivers, and firmware.
  MacOS System Information does not show a second monitor is even recognized. It does show the native laptop display and one of the monitors.
  
  Display Settings also does not show a second monitor. It's not an option under the "+" icon, nor is it recognized when I click "Detect Displays".
  
  I installed the Login screen extension, confirmed by the DisplayLink Manager saying “Installed”.
  
  Warning message in DL Manager window: “Please allow your DisplayLink device to connect to this Mac. After connecting accessory to this Mac via USB, a system prompt will appear. Please click “Allow” to ensure device is working properly.” I cannot remember if I never received this prompt or if I did and clicked “Allow.” I have uninstalled and re-installed the WavLink and DisplayLink software, unplugged and replugged the WavLink in, the HDMI cords individually and jointly, and have not been prompted with that message from MacOS.
  
  I have uninstalled and re-installed the WavLink software, though the most recent version was released in 2021. There are no other drivers or firmware listed on its support page for this model.
  
  I have tried connecting one monitor with a DP cable, and one HDMI cable. I have tried both monitors with HDMI cables. I have switched out HDMI cables, I have tried each of the HDMI cables on each monitor, I have tried switching the ports the HDMI cables are plugged into on the docking station. I’ve done restarts, and hard shut downs, between all of these switches.
  
  I have removed files from the kernal that was recommended on Apple's Support Pages. That did not help either.

My degree is in IT and I've worked in IT my entire 20 year career. This is INFURIATING!! I'm at my wit's end. Please send help...

[Szymon]

Hi alsquared54,

The reason you are unable to extend to more than one display is the dock you have isn't a DisplayLink dock. It's not about SW, it's about the device. Please refer to this website for product list: DisplayLink docking stations

Regards,
Szymon

[rboerner]

Originally Posted by alsquared54

Specs:
Computer & OS: Macbook Air M1 (2020) running Sequoia 15.3.1
Docking Station Product Name: WavLink USB-C 4K Triple Display MST Dock
Docking Station Model: WavLink WL-UMD05 Pro https://www.wavlink.com/en_us/produc...UMD05-Pro.html
Monitors: (2) ViewSonic VG2440 24” IPS 1080p Ergonomic Monitors, Both Model: VG2440-S
Software: DisplayLink Manager 1.11.0 (Build 28)

To expand upon what Szymon from DisplayLink has said...

DisplayLink technology is a combination of hardware and software. If the product you are using does not have DisplayLink hardware inside of it, then the DisplayLink software will not work.

The WavLink docking station you are using has a DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (also known as DP MST) hub inside of it. Note I said, 'DisplayPort' not 'DisplayLink'.

We know it has this technology inside of it because WavLink includes the word 'MST' in the title of the product.

Mac systems do NOT support DP MST, which is why your displays are mirrored. If you want to add more than one single external display to your Mac, you will need to use a product based on DisplayLink technology.

[alsquared54]

Originally Posted by Szymon

Hi alsquared54,

The reason you are unable to extend to more than one display is the dock you have isn't a DisplayLink dock. It's not about SW, it's about the device. Please refer to this website for product list: DisplayLink docking stations

Regards,
Szymon

Szymon,
Thank you! In my TLDR I was on the right track. I did put "software" in quotes - I appreciate the clarification that it's the hardware itself.

I pulled that link from a couple posts yesterday and already picked out two you guys recommend.

Thank you so much for your speedy reply and your information! Off to return the current one and purchase a new (right) one.

Take Care,
~AA

[alsquared54]

Originally Posted by rboerner

To expand upon what Szymon from DisplayLink has said...

DisplayLink technology is a combination of hardware and software. If the product you are using does not have DisplayLink hardware inside of it, then the DisplayLink software will not work.

The WavLink docking station you are using has a DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (also known as DP MST) hub inside of it. Note I said, 'DisplayPort' not 'DisplayLink'.

We know it has this technology inside of it because WavLink includes the word 'MST' in the title of the product.

Mac systems do NOT support DP MST, which is why your displays are mirrored. If you want to add more than one single external display to your Mac, you will need to use a product based on DisplayLink technology.

rboerner,
Thank you so much for explaining DisplayLink is both hardware and software. None of the "best docking stations for M1" articles I read mentioned or explained that.

Also, thank you for clarifying what DP MST is. I had just assumed that was an extended name for a regular DisplayPort cable when I read the description.

You guys are the best!! I appreciate the speedy response and knowledge!
~AA