Running Linux on Pinebook Pro with External Monitor

[Twers1962]

I’m new to the PINE64 community and just got my hands on a Pinebook Pro. Super excited to dive into the world of ARM-based Linux laptops, but I’m running into some issues when trying to use an external monitor via USB-C.

I installed Manjaro KDE, which I read is one of the more supported distros for the Pinebook Pro. However, when I connect my USB-C to HDMI adapter, nothing happen - no output, and the display settings don’t seem to recognize the second screen. I’ve checked a few things:

The adapter works fine on another laptop, so it’s not faulty.

Tried different distros (Armbian and Debian) with similar results.

Running xrandr only shows the internal display (eDP-1), no external monitor detected.

Looked at dmesg logs after plugging in the adapter, but I don’t see any clear indication that the system recognizes it.


Does the Pinebook Pro’s USB-C port natively support video output, or does it require extra configuration?

[tophneal]

I don't think it's going to work on Manjaro without replacing the kernel: https://forum.manjaro.org/t/pinebook-pro...g/132600/2

something to also try adding to your troubleshooting checklist: flip the usb cord 180 degrees and plug it in. i forget the specifics (i believe it's due to the physical port itself, maybe someone smarter than me can fill in those details) but it was discovered years ago that some usbc peripherals/cables only worked with the PBP when plugged in in a specific orientation.

it may also be worth looking up and verifying that your usbc>hdmi adapter does support DP alt mode.

[Dendrocalamus64]

There's already a thread in the PINE64 › Pinebook Pro › Linux on Pinebook Pro section:
No external monitor via USB-C over Dockingstation

TL;DR the patches required for the Pinebook Pro's USB-C alt-displayport mode used to be in the mainline Linux kernel but were taken back out for being "too hard to maintain".

You can still use an external monitor by running with one of Megi's kernel builds, as they incorporate the needed patches:
https://xff.cz/kernels/