Support

Troubleshooting

DisplayBuddy depends on a lot of variables to work: Your Mac model, the GPU, the connection (adaptors, hubs cause issues), and your display itself and how well it implements the DDC spec.

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If DisplayBuddy doesn't work as expected for you, here's a few steps you can take to fix the problem:

- Some monitors have predefined picture modes (usually named like Game, Movie / Cinema, Reader, etc.). Try using your monitor buttons, and switch this mode to Custom. This should allow DisplayBuddy to control these values for your monitor.
- Some monitors also have a dedicated DDC / CI setting that needs to be enabled, so that DisplayBuddy can communicate with your monitor. Try using your monitor buttons to find this setting (if it exists) and enable it.
- Hubs and adaptors can make a significant difference in the communication between your monitor and DisplayBuddy. While it may not be feasible, try using another connection / hub to connect to your monitor and check if DisplayBuddy works.
- DisplayBuddy has multiple modes to control your display. You can try out different modes to see what works for your display by clicking on your display name > Controlled using.
- If you're using an Apple Silicon Mac (computers with variants of the M1 / M2 chips), and your display is connected using the HDMI port, DDC will not work. This is due to a currently unknown issue. You can still use Software mode for such a display, but to use DDC, you'll need to connect your display to your Mac using a Thunderbolt / USB-C connection instead.

Refunds

If DisplayBuddy doesn't work as expected for you, just fill up this form within 7 days of your purchase & we'll refund you with 24-48 hours.

Contact

If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions regarding DisplayBuddy, you can reach out to us at support@displaybuddy.app. You can also use the feedback form and we'll get in touch with you on your email.

You can also message us on twitter at @DisplayBuddy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it work with my display?

DisplayBuddy talks to your monitor using the DDC spec. If you've a monitor that was manufactured in the last 5 years or so, there's a very high chance it will work great with DisplayBuddy!

If by chance it doesn't work, we'll refund your DisplayBuddy purchase within 7 days of your order.

Do you offer a free trial?

No, but we will give you a refund for your app purchase within 7 days if the app doesn't work for you.

How many Macs can I run this on?

Your license is valid for use on upto 4 Macs you own.

Are Apple Silicon Macs supported?

Yes, Apple Silicon (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra & M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max) Macs are supported, and can control external display brightness, contrast and volume using DDC.

Note: DDC on the HDMI port in Apple Silicon Macs doesn't work yet, because it doesn't forward DDC commands to the display for a currently unknown reason. Displays connected to the Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports work fine with DDC.

How can I download the latest version?

You can click the settings icon in the bottom right of DisplayBuddy and select "Check for Updates" to automatically get the latest version. You can also get the latest version of DisplayBuddy here.

Why would I need something like this?

I sometimes work during the night, and I don't want my two monitors at full blast hurting my eyes in dim light. I use DisplayBuddy to quickly switch my displays to the correct brightness based on the time of the day.

It's not working for my monitor!

A lot of monitors have built-in presets for brightness and contrast, like Game, Movie, Reading etc, which lock your monitor's brightness & contrast to predefined levels. I highly recommend you set this mode to Custom, so that DisplayBuddy can then control these values.

Some monitors also have a DDC/CI setting: make sure this is set to enabled. You can find more troubleshooting steps here.

Is there a Windows app?

I haven't made DisplayBuddy for Windows yet, but there are some alternatives available.

I lost my license key, how can I recover it?

No worries, you can look for an email from Gumroad in your mailbox to find your original license key. If you can't find the email, just contact me at support@displaybuddy.app and I'll help you out.