How to Use a Thunderbolt Cable When the All-in-One Cable Fails on an A1407 Apple Thunderbolt Display

The Apple Thunderbolt Display (model A1407) is a sleek, high-quality monitor, but it has one common weakness: the built-in all-in-one cable. Over time — especially with frequent bending or movement — the Thunderbolt connector in this cable can become faulty, causing the display to stop working even though the screen, USB and camera are still fine.

What You'll Need

Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0m) – Used A-Grade

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Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (for newer Macs)

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Steps

1. Plug the standalone Thunderbolt cable into the Thunderbolt port on the back of the A1407 display.
2. Connect the other end to your Mac — or use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter for newer Macs.
3. If needed, power the display or Mac off and on to refresh the connection.

Prefer a Cleaner Fix?

If you'd like to remove the faulty Apple cable entirely, the Thunderbolt cable can be installed internally. This involves fully disassembling the display — removing the glass and LCD panel, taking out the combined Apple Thunderbolt and MagSafe cable assembly, and connecting the standalone Thunderbolt cable directly to the logic board. The result is a much cleaner, permanent setup, though you'll no longer have the MagSafe charging cable.

Be aware this is an advanced repair. It requires good technical skill, the right tools, and a fair amount of time and patience to open the display, work around the fragile glass and panel, and reassemble everything correctly. If you're not experienced opening Apple displays, we strongly recommend leaving it to a professional.