Cable Matters 107003 Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

System Requirements: 

Thunderbolt 3 utilizes the new reversible USB-C connector instead of the Mini DisplayPort used by Thunderbolt 2. Thunderbolt 3 is the latest version of Thunderbolt and is backwards compatible to Thunderbolt 2 by using this Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter.

This adapter connects a computer with Thunderbolt 3 to a hard drive, docking station, display, or audio device with Thunderbolt 2 to provide full features of Thunderbolt 2 technology.

Symptom: The adapter is not functioning at all

While this adapter utilizes the same reversible USB-C connector, it only supports Thunderbolt 3 enabled computers such as the 2017 MacBook Pro. It will not work with computers that are equipped with USB-C but not Thunderbolt 3 to convert a USB-C port to Thunderbolt 2 port. Check for the Thunderbolt symbol near the port on your computer or refer to the below list.

List of Thunderbolt 3 Enabled Computers

Make sure that the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connector plugs in to the computer and the Thunderbolt 2 socket connects to peripherals through a Thunderbolt 2 cable. It will not work the other way around. Please refer to the connection diagram below:

Symptom: The adapter does not output video to a monitor with Mini DisplayPort.

The adapter only supports displays with Thunderbolt such as Apple Thunderbolt display or LG 31MU97Z. Monitors with Mini DisplayPort are not supported. Also, HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or DVI monitors are not supported through mini DisplayPort adapters/cables.

Symptom: The adapter is not functioning properly on a Windows computer with Thunderbolt 3. Symptoms include no video, flickering video, or low image quality, or unstable data connection.

Solution: Update BIOS, Thunderbolt 3 firmware, Thunderbolt 3 driver, and Intel Graphics driver from the manufacturer's website. For more details, refer to the articles below:

BIOS, Firmware and Driver Updates

Update Intel Graphics Driver for Windows computers

For more information about our Thunderbolt products including drivers and user manuals, please visit the Thunderbolt page on our website.