USB-C and monitor issue in Ubuntu

banderas20 · 12-15-2020, 12:40 AM

Hi,

I have Ubuntu installed in a Lenovo P1. I want to connect an external screen. I use an USB-C to HDMI converter, but when I plug in the screen, nothing happens. I am only able to select the laptop monitor.

I also tried by connecting it directly via HDMI with no results.

If I issue "dmesg", I can see the log when I plug the USB connector, but that's all.

The same machine with Windows works perfect with a secondary screen.

¿Do I have to enable the USB-C port or do something extra?

Thanks in advance!

computersavvy · 12-15-2020, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banderas20

Hi,

I have Ubuntu installed in a Lenovo P1. I want to connect an external screen. I use an USB-C to HDMI converter, but when I plug in the screen, nothing happens. I am only able to select the laptop monitor.

I also tried by connecting it directly via HDMI with no results.

I don't know about the USB-C and needed settings, but I know that often the external monitor must be plugged in when you boot in order for X and/or the drivers to properly configure it.
If you have an HDMI port on the laptop why would you add the extra 2 layers with USB-C and the converter?

beachboy2 · 12-15-2020, 10:31 AM

banderas20,

Try connecting the HDMI cable and then holding down the Fn key and the F7 key (for external monitor) together.

uteck · 12-15-2020, 10:43 AM

I read that not all USB-C ports can handle video. Depends on the chipset of the board more then the form-factor of the plug.
If the built-in HDMI is not working, then that seems like other issues are at play here.

banderas20 · 12-16-2020, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by computersavvy

I don't know about the USB-C and needed settings, but I know that often the external monitor must be plugged in when you boot in order for X and/or the drivers to properly configure it.
If you have an HDMI port on the laptop why would you add the extra 2 layers with USB-C and the converter?

You are right. It doesn't work even directly through HDMI output

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachboy2

Try connecting the HDMI cable and then holding down the Fn key and the F7 key (for external monitor) together.

Good point, but still doesn't work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by uteck

I read that not all USB-C ports can handle video. Depends on the chipset of the board more then the form-factor of the plug.
If the built-in HDMI is not working, then that seems like other issues are at play here.

Do you know how to figure it out?

BTW, It's an Ubuntu 20.04

Thanks everyone!