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Yes, you can daisy chain with HDMI, but it’s not as straightforward as with DisplayPort.
Daisy chaining HDMI requires specific hardware support, such as HDMI 2.1 with Multi-Stream Transport (MST) or a dedicated hub.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can daisy chain with HDMI for your multi-monitor setup, the answer depends on your devices.
In this post, we’ll break down what daisy chaining with HDMI actually means, how to set it up, and what alternatives exist.
Let’s get into it.
What Does It Mean to Daisy Chain With HDMI?
Daisy chaining with HDMI refers to connecting multiple monitors in a series using a single output port on your source device.
Unlike splitting, daisy chaining sends data through the first monitor to the next, so each screen displays part of your desktop.
1. How Daisy Chaining Differs From a Splitter
When you daisy chain with HDMI, each monitor acts as a relay for the video signal.
A splitter, on the other hand, duplicates the same signal to all screens at once.
Daisy chaining allows extended desktops across multiple displays, while splitting only mirrors.
So if you need separate workspaces, daisy chaining HDMI is the way to go.
2. HDMI Version Requirements for Daisy Chaining
Older HDMI versions (1.4 and earlier) do not support daisy chaining directly.
HDMI 2.1 introduced the ability to daisy chain with HDMI, but only if your graphics card and monitors also support Multi-Stream Transport (MST).
Many modern laptops with USB-C Thunderbolt ports can actually daisy chain HDMI monitors via a compatible dock.
Check your device specs to see if daisy chaining HDMI is possible for you.
How to Daisy Chain With HDMI for Multiple Monitors
If your hardware supports it, setting up a daisy chain HDMI configuration is fairly simple.
1. Confirm Your Graphics Card Supports MST
To daisy chain with HDMI, your GPU must support Multi-Stream Transport.
Most modern NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series and AMD Radeon RX 6000-series cards include MST.
You can also find this feature on some Intel integrated graphics from the 11th generation onward.
Without MST, daisy chaining HDMI won’t work at all.
2. Use Compatible HDMI Cables and Monitors
Even if your GPU supports MST, your monitors must also have an HDMI output port.
In a daisy chain with HDMI, the first monitor receives the signal and then passes it to the second monitor via its own HDMI output.
You’ll need a cable from your source to Monitor 1‘s input, and another cable from Monitor 1’s output to Monitor 2‘s input.
Make sure all cables are at least HDMI 2.1 rated to handle the bandwidth.
3. Enable Daisy Chaining in Your Operating System
Once the physical connections are set, you may need to enable MST in your graphics control panel.
On Windows, open NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software and look for “Configure Surround” or “MST” options.
On a Mac with Thunderbolt, daisy chaining HDMI often works automatically when using a compatible hub.
After enabling, you can arrange your displays in extended mode.
Limitations and Workarounds for Daisy Chaining With HDMI
Even with the right gear, daisy chaining HDMI has some common pitfalls.
1. Bandwidth Limits and Resolution
When you daisy chain with HDMI, the total bandwidth must be shared across all displays.
For example, daisy chaining two 4K monitors at 60Hz may not work if your HDMI version only supports 18Gbps.
You may need to lower the refresh rate or resolution to stabilize the chain.
2. Daisy Chaining HDMI vs. DisplayPort
DisplayPort was designed for daisy chaining from the start, so it’s much easier to set up.
If you’re struggling to daisy chain with HDMI, consider switching to DisplayPort for a more reliable experience.
Some adapters can convert DisplayPort to HDMI, but then you lose the daisy chain capability.
3. Using a Daisy Chain HDMI Hub
If your monitors lack an HDMI output port, you can’t daisy chain them directly.
In that case, an HDMI daisy chain hub acts as a middleman, splitting the signal into multiple outputs while maintaining extended desktop mode.
This is not true daisy chaining, but it achieves a similar result.
So, Can You Daisy Chain With HDMI?
Yes, you can daisy chain with HDMI, but only with the right hardware and settings.
Most older setups won’t support daisy chaining HDMI because MST became widely available only with HDMI 2.1.
If you’re building a multi-monitor system, also consider DisplayPort as it often offers smoother daisy chaining.
We hope this guide helped you understand what it takes to daisy chain with HDMI and how to get it working.