Targus DOCK423A with MacBook Pro M2 Max – External Displays Mirrored

[jjsa]

Hello,

I’m using a Targus DOCK423A with a MacBook Pro M2 Max and two external displays, but I’m facing an issue where the displays are stuck in mirror mode. Only one monitor appears in the Display System Settings.

In DisplayLink Manager, I see the following message:

“Please allow your DisplayLink device to connect to this Mac. After connecting the accessory to this Mac via USB, a system prompt will appear. Please click ‘Allow’ to ensure the device is working properly.”

I’ve already tried the following troubleshooting steps:
✔ Enabled video and audio recording for DisplayLink.
✔ Restarted the Mac multiple times.
✔ Checked the documentation—Mac supports two monitors, and DisplayLink supports the Targus DOCK423.
✔ Contacted Targus, but they confirmed that no additional drivers are needed.

I don’t want to replace the dock since it works perfectly with my work Windows laptop, allowing both external displays to function in extended mode. Ideally, I want to switch between my Mac and work laptop using the same dock while keeping both external displays in extended mode.

Has anyone encountered this issue or found a workaround? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[dbienkowski]

Hi jjsa,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Your device is working as expected, and all in all I'm surprised Targus didn't give you further explanation other than that no additional drivers are required.

Indeed, no additional drivers are required for the Targus DOCK423A as this device is not equipped with DisplayLink technology at all which you will find confirmation of on the product page

You can also read the following there:
* HDMI ports support USB-C DP Alt Mode and requires compatible USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode host. Supports (2) independent screens in Windows or Chromebook, (1) in iPadOS and (1) in macOS (or dual mirror)

Which basically means that it is expected that on macOS the two connected screens will clone each other and appear as one on the system. The reason for this is that Apple does not support MST in its computers. The solution to your problem would be to choose a device based on DisplayLink technology.

I hope you find my message helpful.

[jjsa]

Thank you for all the information. I will have to find a new docking station. Any recommendations?

Again, thank you for the comprehensive answer.

[dbienkowski]

Unfortunately, I cannot point to any particular product, as I do not want to favour any of our customers while believing that each of them provides an equally high level of their products. Here you can see which manufacturers use our technology in their products and you will certainly find something to your satisfaction.

[jjsa]

I appreciate the response. Thank you!