What Is DisplayPort Alternate Mode?

DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) is a feature that allows a USB-C connector to transmit DisplayPort signals, enabling the use of USB-C ports for video output to external displays. Essentially, DP Alt Mode repurposes the USB-C connector's high-speed data lanes to transport audio-visual data using the DisplayPort protocol, eliminating the need for a separate DisplayPort connector.

This feature is part of the USB-C specification and is widely used in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and docking stations to provide high-performance video output alongside USB data, power delivery, and other capabilities—all through a single cable.