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Resolving Display Lag or Jitter on macOS with DisplayLink Docks and Adapters

Last Update: February 4th, 2026
Article ID: 3681891

After updating to macOS, some users may notice slower mouse movement, display lag, or jitter on external monitors connected through a DisplayLink-based dock or graphics adapter. This behavior is typically related to driver compatibility or display configuration changes introduced with major macOS updates.

The steps below outline the most common ways to restore smooth performance.

Typically speaking, you will want to keep yourself updated with the most recent DisplayLink drivers. The most recent version of DisplayLink that we’ve tested with our devices can be found below.

However, in some instances, this will not be the most up to date version of DisplayLink. In instances where the version above does not help, you can look for a potentially newer version on DisplayLink’s website here: https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/macos 

Action:

  • Visit the Plugable DisplayLink Drivers page
  • Download and install the latest version of DisplayLink Manager for macOS (guides can be found for your specific version of macOS on the download page linked above)
  • Restart your Mac after installation

If you upgraded macOS without removing the previous DisplayLink driver, leftover files can interfere with the new version.

Action:

  • Download the DisplayLink Installation Cleaner from the Synaptics support site
  • Run the cleaner tool to fully remove all DisplayLink components
  • Restart your Mac
  • Install the latest version of DisplayLink Manager

This clean installation process resolves the majority of display jitter and lag issues reported after macOS upgrades.

3. Verify External Display Refresh Rates

Many modern monitors default to high refresh rates such as 120Hz or 144Hz. While useful for gaming, higher refresh rates require more processing power when using USB-based video solutions like DisplayLink.

Action:

  • Open System Settings
  • Select Displays
  • Choose each external monitor and set the refresh rate to 60Hz

Lowering the refresh rate significantly reduces CPU load and improves overall smoothness for office and productivity workloads.

4. Test with the Laptop Lid Open

On some MacBook models, closing the lid changes how macOS manages graphics resources. This can reduce available performance for external displays.

Action:

  • Keep the MacBook lid open while using external monitors
  • Check whether display responsiveness improves

If performance is better with the lid open, this configuration is recommended when using multiple external displays.

If Issues Continue

If you still experience lag or jitter after completing these steps, contact our support team with the following information:

  • Mac model
  • Plugable dock or adapter model
  • A readout of our PlugDebug tool

You can reach our team via direct email at support@plugable.com or via our support page at https://plugable.com/pages/support