Questions & Answers for Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
132 Questions + 217 Answers
132 Questions from the Community
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Does this adapter support bidirectional data transfer, want to add a sudo usb 3.0 port to my mid 2011 mac mini
OK basically I want to add a usb 3.0 port to my old but still kicking mid 2011 mac mini. I already upped the ram to 16gb ( apple you liar with the 8gb max ) and im about to upgrade my slow stock HDD to a SSD. Now my dilemma is as follows
1) I am well aware of the kanex thunderbolt to usb 3.0 adapter but not willing to shell out $79.99 yet unless this is my only option unless someone with a similar mid 2011 mac mini has evidence to prove it works
2) Basically since the description on the apple site states
"As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port and macOS
Sierra."
So if this adapter is truly bidirectional as is stated ---- if i buy this + a male thunderbolt to male thunderbolt cable which id connect to my mac and the other end to the female thunderbolt port on this adapter would i then be able to either
a) connect the male usb-c to a gender changer adapter female usb-c to female usb 3.0 type A connection thus allowing me to
connect my usb 3.0 hub i have already giving me at least noticeably faster data transfer speeds vs the slow usb 2.0 ports
b) buy a usb 3.1 micro B to a usb - c female cable to use my external HDD
i know i should eventually upgrade to a new mac but my mid 2011 mac mini is still working strong- Asked by Matthew V from Rockville Centre
- 9/05/2018
- Flag as inappropriate (Does this adapter support bidirectional data transfer, want to add a sudo usb 3.0 port to my mid 2011 mac mini)
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Can i connect a wacom cintiq with this adapter to a new iMac ? I used to connect my Wacom cintiq 27 hd touch, with a thunderbolt 2 to my old iMac
- Asked by Ignacio Rafael B from Texcoco
- 9/11/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (Can i connect a wacom cintiq with this adapter to a new iMac ? I used to connect my Wacom cintiq 27 hd touch, with a thunderbolt 2 to my old iMac)
AnswerYou did not connect this with Thunderbolt 2. You connected it with mini DisplayPort. Same connector. Different signals.
The Cintiq 27QHD touch uses DisplayPort for the display connection and USB for the peripheral connections.
The Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter does not pass DisplayPort signals. It is only for Thunderbolt devices.
The iMac has Thunderbolt 3 ports which can also output USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI. You need a USB-C (DisplayPort alt mode) to DisplayPort cable or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 10/11/2017
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (Can i connect a wacom cintiq with this adapter to a new iMac ? I used to connect my Wacom cintiq 27 hd touch, with a thunderbolt 2 to my old iMac)
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Is this the only solution to use Apple's Thunderbolt displays in combination with the new Macbook Pros that only have USB-C?
Is there no solution that also lets us charge the new Macbook with the Thunderbolt display? It looks like this is only a solution for 'data-exchange', not for charging.
I don't like the idea of having to add another charger to my workstation, or plug-and-unplug my charger every workday.Best Answer:Currently, a way to convert the MagSafe plug of the Thunderbolt display to deliver power over USB-C to the new MacBook Pro doesn't exist. So you need a separate power supply.
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Will the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter work with windows 10 or do i need to buy a different adapter?
I bought the apple adapter and it doesn't seem to be connecting to my HP Spectre x360, I'm told the "Thunderbolt device functionality may be limited" when i plug it in.
- Asked by Jason P from Grapevine
- 19/04/2018
- Flag as inappropriate (Will the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter work with windows 10 or do i need to buy a different adapter?)
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Answer
According to HT207266 "About the compatibility of the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter":
Thunderbolt: yes
Ethernet: yes
Firewire: yes
DisplayPort: no
HDMI: no
VGA: no
DVI: no
USB: no
For the last 5 items, use a USB-C adapter.- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 5/11/2016
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (Can I use this adapter to use my previous T2 adapters. eg: ethernet, VGA, DVI, ...)
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How do I connect my printer to a Thunderbolt-3 port?
How do I connect my printer to a Thunderbolt-3 port? Do I need a Thunderbolt-3 to USB-A(female) adapter? Is there a Thunderbolt-3 to USB-B(male) cable?
- Asked by Steven B V from Columbus
- 6/07/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (How do I connect my printer to a Thunderbolt-3 port?)
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Would this work to connect a Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder to my late 2016 MacBook Pro?
I will use the Blackmagic to capture footage from a camera via BNC. I just see everyone complaining that this won't work for what they want to do. Here's what it will look like: Camera -> External Monitor in via BNC -> External Monitor out Via BNC -> Blackmagic -> Thunderbolt -> Adapter -> Laptop
- Asked by James H from Charleston
- 9/12/2016
- Flag as inappropriate (Would this work to connect a Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder to my late 2016 MacBook Pro?)
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Will this adapter allow to me connect a second screen to my Mac?
- Asked by Zach H from Rathdrum
- 10/03/2018
- Flag as inappropriate (Will this adapter allow to me connect a second screen to my Mac?)
AnswerOnly if it is a Thunderbolt display. So most likely no. It will not allow you to connect a second screen.
- Answered by Saul B from Pittsburgh
- 17/03/2018
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (Will this adapter allow to me connect a second screen to my Mac?)
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is this what I will need to connect my iPhone to my MacBook
- Asked by Rebecca B from Watertown
- 21/02/2018
- Flag as inappropriate (is this what I will need to connect my iPhone to my MacBook)
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If I connect this adapter to a USB-C port of LG 43UD79-B monitor (displayport over usb-c), can I use my Mac Pro 2013 (thunderbolt 2)?
- Asked by Jungdon C from Ann Arbor
- 14/10/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (If I connect this adapter to a USB-C port of LG 43UD79-B monitor (displayport over usb-c), can I use my Mac Pro 2013 (thunderbolt 2)?)
AnswerThe Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not pass DisplayPort signals. It can pass a Thunderbolt encoded DisplayPort stream over Thunderbolt to a Thunderbolt display, but the LG 43UD79-B is not a Thunderbolt display.
The LG 43UD79-B has a DisplayPort input that you can use instead. For the USB-C port, it may be possible to use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable (I think they're reversible) but you wouldn't be able to use the USB features of the display (which might include audio, unless audio is handled over DisplayPort).
For a display that has only a USB-C input, you can use a DisplayPort to USB-C converter. These don't exist, except as a PCIe card such as the Sunix UPD2018 or Delock 89582 for USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode. A Thunderbolt add-in card such as the GC-ALPINE RIDGE can also work to convert DisplayPort to USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode for USB-C displays, and can also convert DisplayPort and dual DisplayPort to Thunderbolt for Thunderbolt displays. PCIe cards require power from a PCIe slot, but the slot doesn't need to be connected to the same computer to support DisplayPort conversion. If you also want to use the other features of the cards (USB or Thunderbolt controller) then the card needs to be in a PCIe slot that is accessible by the computer. A Thunderbolt card must be placed in a PCIe slot that supports a Thunderbolt add-in card only if you want to use the USB controller or PCIe transmission over Thunderbolt. Conversion of DisplayPort to USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode or to Thunderbolt does not require a PCIe slot that supports Thunderbolt.- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 15/10/2017
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (If I connect this adapter to a USB-C port of LG 43UD79-B monitor (displayport over usb-c), can I use my Mac Pro 2013 (thunderbolt 2)?)
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Can I use this to connect a Samsung T5 SSD to my Mac Pro 2013?
Hi, I have a Mac Pro (Late 2013) with 6 Thunderbolt 2 ports, I need extra hard drive space and would like to take advantage of the 20 Gbps Thunderbolt speeds. I see the Samsung T5 SSD is USB-C.
So if I buy this adapter will it connect a Mac Pro to a Samsung T5?
I know similar questions have been asked but I couldn't see a clear Yes or No answer...- Asked by Mark L from Ballina
- 30/01/2018
- Flag as inappropriate (Can I use this to connect a Samsung T5 SSD to my Mac Pro 2013?)
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eGPU Akitio Thunder 3 to MacBook Air
i just wanted to know is it possible to connect the TH3 to the TH3 port on the back of a eGPU and have a male TH2 to male TH2 connect to the macbook air? would that work?
- Asked by Shaun J from Shailer Park
- 27/11/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (eGPU Akitio Thunder 3 to MacBook Air)
AnswerThat should work, according to the Apple support document HT207266 "Connect devices and displays with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter".
The Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter can be used to connect Thunderbolt 2 devices to Thunderbolt 3 computers, or Thunderbolt 3 devices to Thunderbolt 2 computers.- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 19/12/2017
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (eGPU Akitio Thunder 3 to MacBook Air)
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Is there a way to connect an external TB2 disk to a new MacBook? When using this connector a warning: this MacBook doesn't support TB2 devices appears
I have several several TB2 external disks with USB-3 option that at least can connect; BUT I have a 12 TB TB2-only connectivity that I cannot connect. Do I have an option with my new MacBook to connect to the 12TB TB2.
Can a new MacBook "PRO" connect to a TB2 device? What about an iMac?- Asked by Alejandro G from South Padre Island
- 21/11/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (Is there a way to connect an external TB2 disk to a new MacBook? When using this connector a warning: this MacBook doesn't support TB2 devices appears)
AnswerThe MacBook has USB-C ports that only support USB, DisplayPort 1.2, and HDMI 1.4 (using passive adapters). Active adapters can convert DisplayPort to VGA, Dual Link DVI, and HDMI 2.0.
USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 devices may include a billboard USB device or USB Power Delivery (PD) information that can tell the computer what kind of device it is. This way, your MacBook can tell that the device is Thunderbolt 2 and give you that information that it won't work.
The Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter will work to connect Thunderbolt 2 devices/computers to Thunderbolt 3 devices/computers which includes the MacBook Pro, iMac, and your TB2 disks.
There is no way to connect a Thunderbolt device to a computer that doesn't have Thunderbolt.
There is no way to add Thunderbolt to a computer (unless it's a PC with Thunderbolt add-in card support).
What you can do is transfer the hard disk inside the TB2 disk to an enclosure that uses USB.
Or you can connect the TB2 disk to a computer with Thunderbolt, enable file sharing on that computer, and connect to that computer from your MacBook.- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 19/12/2017
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (Is there a way to connect an external TB2 disk to a new MacBook? When using this connector a warning: this MacBook doesn't support TB2 devices appears)
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Can I use this adapter to connect to a Belkin Thunderbolt™ 2 Express Dock HD ?!?!?
If Yes, is it possible to drive my 27" LED Cinema Display through the 2nd Thunderbolt on the Dock ???
- Asked by Kurt S
- 21/11/2016
- Flag as inappropriate (Can I use this adapter to connect to a Belkin Thunderbolt™ 2 Express Dock HD ?!?!?)
AnswerI have connected a OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock to a Thunderbolt 3 port using this adapter. The Belkin dock should also work.
DisplayPort is not passed by this adapter, so your 27" LED Cinema Display won't work. A Thunderbolt Display should work though.
To use a DisplayPort display, connect it directly to your Mac's Thunderbolt port (using a USB-C to mini DisplayPort cable).- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 12/02/2017
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (Can I use this adapter to connect to a Belkin Thunderbolt™ 2 Express Dock HD ?!?!?)
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Will I get USB 3.1 speeds (10Gbps) if I'm using this in a Thunderbolt 2 port?
If I have a USB 3.1 enclosure holding an M.2 SSD (capable of 10Gbps speeds) and plug this adapter into my 2015 MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt 2 port, will I get the full 10Gbps speeds? The M.2 is capable of 1.5Gbps write and 2.5Gbps read.
- Asked by Eric H from Randolph
- 16/11/2016
- Flag as inappropriate (Will I get USB 3.1 speeds (10Gbps) if I'm using this in a Thunderbolt 2 port?)
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Will this adapter allow me to connect a blackmagic intensity thunderbolt to a brand new imac? Thunderbolt 2 output on the intensity and Thunderbolt 3?
Will this adapter allow me to connect a blackmagic intensity thunderbolt to a brand new imac? Thunderbolt 2 output on the intensity and Thunderbolt 3 on the IMAC? I am habving problems with my video feed blipping. or going black and its fine on the camera.
No answers yet
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I have a hard drive with a Thunderbolt 3(USB-C) cable and need to convert to a Thunderbolt 2 to plug my Macbook Pro Retina (2013). How can I do this?
I basically need the opposite of this cable. ( A USB-C female to Thunderbolt 2 male) Can anyone help me figure out how I can connect these? Is this possible?
Note: I have Glyph Blackbox Pro 8TBAnswerThe Glyph Blackbox Pro 8TB is a USB 3.1 gen 2 device that has a USB-C connector. It is not a Thunderbolt device.
You need a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect it to your MacBook Pro's USB port. The MacBook Pro's USB port is only 5 Gb/sec though but that is more than enough for the 8TB drive.
Since you don't have a Thunderbolt 3 device, you may ignore the following:
The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter works in either direction but it is only for Thunderbolt devices.
It allows a Thunderbolt 3 computer to use Thunderbolt 2 devices.
It also allows a Thunderbolt 2 computer to use Thunderbolt 3 devices.
You need a Thunderbolt 2 cable to connect your MacBook Pro to the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter.
If System Information.app says a Thunderbolt 3 device is not supported, then you may need to use a Thunderbolt 3 enabler patch "tb3-enabler".- Answered by Joseph V from Fort Langley
- 12/03/2017
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (I have a hard drive with a Thunderbolt 3(USB-C) cable and need to convert to a Thunderbolt 2 to plug my Macbook Pro Retina (2013). How can I do this?)
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Can I daisy chain with the TB2 to TB3 adapter?
Can I daisy chain a Lacie D2 w/ TB2 to a TB3 external hard drive with the apple adapter? I would like the keep a TB3 connection open.
- Asked by Ian N from Vacaville
- 9/11/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (Can I daisy chain with the TB2 to TB3 adapter?)
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Can you daisy chain thunderbolt 2 drives?
I have a drive with two ports that has another drive with two ports connected and that second drive again another drive. In short: daisy chained drives (one is used as Time Machine drive). All their own power brick). This works fine now, but will the adapter also allow this daisy chain? So one thunderbolt 2 drive will get the adapter and there it will have daisy chained Thunderbolt 2 drives.
Will this work as it works now?- Asked by F V
- 6/06/2017
- Flag as inappropriate (Can you daisy chain thunderbolt 2 drives?)