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Why Aren’t My Monitors Working Within macOS After Upgrading to a Newer Version of the DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App?

Last Update: September 25th, 2026
Article ID: 816791

Summary

During a DisplayLink Manager update, the previous version of the application closes. If the new version does not start automatically, monitors driven by DisplayLink may remain blank until DisplayLink Manager is opened again.

Applicable To

Mac computers using the DisplayLink Manager application with a Plugable DisplayLink-based dock or USB graphics adapter. This article does not cover the older legacy DisplayLink macOS driver.

  1. Open Finder and select Applications.
  2. Double-click DisplayLink Manager to start the newly installed application.
  3. Wait a moment, then check whether the DisplayLink-connected displays appear.
  4. If macOS asks you to allow the app to run or access your screen, follow the prompts.

If the Displays Are Still Blank

Check Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording and confirm that DisplayLink Manager has permission. Quit and reopen the app if macOS requests it.

  • Check that the DisplayLink dock or adapter is connected to the Mac and that the monitors are powered on and set to the correct input.
  • If you want the app to start when you log in, open DisplayLink Manager from the menu bar and enable its Automatic app startup setting, if available.
  • For full installation and permission steps, see DisplayLink Manager App Installation Instructions for macOS.

Important Notes

  • Only displays driven by DisplayLink depend on the DisplayLink Manager application. A display connected through a different video method may continue working while the app is closed.
  • The information above is only applicable to the new DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App. This information does not apply to the older 'legacy' version of the DisplayLink driver for macOS.

Need Assistance?

If the displays remain blank, contact support@plugable.com with your Mac model, macOS version, Plugable product model, DisplayLink Manager version, and a description of what happens when you open the app.