Thunderbolt Display - mini M2 system, error ethernet display not connected

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Level 1

8 points

Thunderbolt Display - mini M2 system, error ethernet display not connected

I have a mini M2 connected to an older thunderbolt display via the thunderbolt 1 cable to a converter to thunderbolt 2 on the mini.

Initially it all worked and now the ethernet port on the display stopped working. It shows in the network settings red- not connected.

When I put the ethernet cable directly in the mini the ethernet cable and port work fine. I tried different cables to the switch and directly to the router, deleting the display ethernet and reconnecting the display, no success.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 15, 2025 9:32 PM

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Answer 1

samtenor

Level 4

2,062 points

Apr 17, 2025 11:33 PM in response to Sjevert

One question:

While "ethernet" is not working on your TB display, can you see USB 2.0 be functional as well (build-in webcam, speakers) and 3 USB ports?

Sometimes, logic boards can be bad and these USB related devices + ethernet would stop working.

If the rest of the USB 2.0 related devices work BUT the ether net, please check the cable/connection ...etc.

If problem persists, you might have to do for plan B - using Mac Mini's ethernet port or getting a hub with ethernet port (I use this since I have to switch between few Mac devices with shared monitor/keyboard/mouse).

Best

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,055 points

Apr 16, 2025 11:57 AM in response to Sjevert

If some of the ports are not working then the cable may be bad. In that case you can connect a TB cable to one of the TB ports on the display bypassing the built in cable if it has that. The newer TB display has a built in cable.

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Answer 3

Sjevert Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2025 3:12 PM in response to samtenor

The camera, sound, usb and thunderbolt outlets all work. It is only the Ethernet port. It obviously can be hardware related but somehow feels more like an OS/software issue.

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Answer 4

Sjevert Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2025 3:15 PM in response to Sjevert

It has a built in cable with thunderbolt 1 connector

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Answer 5

Sjevert Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2025 3:46 PM in response to tbirdvet

Tried a different cable that was connected to something else that was working fine. Still no success. Feel like it is the Ethernet port, either the OS driver/setup or the hardware.

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