Target Display Mode: Using an iMac as a monitor

[@agypsychild]

This is the least convoluted and therefore best demonstration of using your old iMac as a monitor.

[@raphaellaoun2784]

I agree ... I would need it soon as I bought a mini PC and I want to use my old imac 2010 as a monitor

[@Davenci_T1st]

This is actually amazing! Those imac monitors come calibrated! Which is perfect for any graphic design, video editing, illustration type of work. Man this can save you ablot of money! Calibrated monitors are not cheap. I'll be using this method until i can buy or i feel the the need to buy a new one, thnx so much for the video!!

[@radikaweerasinghe9822]

What is the name of the cable ?

[@decliningship4208]

​@@radikaweerasinghe9822 Mini DisplayPort to HDMI

[@hedydd2]

I use my 2011 21” iMac in display mode connected through its Thunderbolt port, using an adapter available at a price from Apple, connected to a 2019 Intel Core i9 27” iMac. Works great and toggles the 21” between display and independent modes by simply CMD-F2 using its keyboard.

[@PittersComputers]

Thats great! And probably as close to the use case as possible for what Apple intended for the technology.

[@sumitkaliaa]

@huw Williams hi , can you please share the adapter link >?

[@ethansolouki3533]

This is what I am trying to do but it's not working. What OS are you running on the main computer? Does it need to be Catalina or earlier?

[@PittersComputers]

@@ethansolouki3533 It does have to be Catalina or earlier. I'm personally using OS 10.6 on the iMac.

[@SamSpadeTech]

This will also work with Ventura if you are running OCLP. I have a video on my channel with proof of concept. Runs great and has updated to the most current OS

[@FreezeInfinite]

Apple always talks about how "green" they are but removed this function from later imacs. So now my 2017 27in iMac display will be trash in a few years. I would love to get a new Mac mini and connect it.

[@Kekafuch]

There are some tutorials on converting the 2017 iMac into a monitor.

[@LovesM855A1]

You can! You can get a adapter but only hitch is you cant be scared to open it up….. ive done it and its super easy

[@clampchowder9569]

Sell it bro don't throw it in the bin people still buy this shit

[@vovatop3792]

You can enable the Target Mode on your 2017 iMac using OCLP

[@injectionAI]

Because Apple under Tim Cook are a bunch of liars

[@my4hyv]

Hi there, is there a specific type of cable needed or any generic one will work? Id appreciate it if u could drop me a link for the one u used.

[@ravisriram6746]

Repeatedly tried, but was unable to get my late 2013 iMac into Target Disply mode, despite using a thunderbolt to HDMI connector, along with an HDMI cable connected to my PC laptop.

[@roshnikanabar]

I am trying to do the same. I think it is because it thinks the imac is the source and pc output as the wire is one directional

[@matthorne9593]

Any luck?

[@L_Enfant_Terrible]

same! let me know if you figure it out !

[@meghan4884]

EDIT: Your linked video answered my question. So NVM, but here's the original question: Ok, here's my setup: Main computer 2019 Macbook pro. Want to use 2012 21" imac as 2nd monitor. What cable do I need? Is the one end of the mini display cable HDMI?

[@virtualnightgaming]

I ordered a mini display port to display port cable and hooked it up between my windows 11 PC and my 2017 iMac but after over an hour of testing, I couldn't get it to display my computer. Command + F2 didn't work, there's nothing in the settings for it, rebooting my computer didn't work, turning it off and back on didn't, getting the imac up to date didnt work, and swapping the ports did nothing. I'm so frustrated

[@PittersComputers]

Ahh, unfortunately the reason it doesn't work is that the 2017 iMacs never supported Target Display mode. Like I say in the video, the 2011-2014 iMacs have limited support to be used with certain other types of Macs. While the 24" and 27" 2009-2010 iMacs can be used with almost anything. Sorry you had to find out the hard way.

[@matthorne9593]

@@PittersComputershi. What about 2009 smaller screen sizes? Mine won’t go into target display mode

[@Beefers26]

Great video. Do you happen to know if I could connect the new 2024 Mac Mini to my 2017 iMac (27 inch)?

[@BigFoot-nd3sk]

KEYBOARD!!! Brilliant Video - thank you! NONE of my 27 inch 2011 iMacs would connect in target display mode until I switched to the long flat wired keyboard with numeric keypad on the right. Like was mentioned in one of these helpful videos - the keyboard that came with the iMAC. Keyboard model A1243 EMC 2171. Now all four DO connect to my Macbook pro. The iMac wireless ones, Imac long wired ones with typewriter-like keys - none of these worked. Just the flat long keyboard (17 inch x 4.5 inch x less than 1/2 inch)

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Are you using a m1 mac? I need to get this to work with a m1 macbook and a 2013 imac 27. Thx in advance

[@denisemc607]

Thanks for going through this, what about the Mac mini you had there? Thanks

[@nishanthvenkatesan9850]

Very Useful Video!!! One Clarification though. Can I use my 2011 iMac running High Sierra 13.6 as a display for my MacBook Pro running Sonoma 14.2? Also can I use the iMac as a display with the new M2 Mac mini? Thanks in Advance!!!!

[@mutsu-tv]

Have u figured that one out yet? I want to do that as well. Connecting the m2 mac mini with an imac 2011.

[@Penswordman]

Wow. Thanks very much for this. I'm disabled with limited resources, and my late 2010 iMac 27" is letting me down in many situations, not the least of which being dropped by Apple for security updates. I've been looking at getting a Mac Mini M2 pro to finish my life with, but a good monitor for my uses pushes the upgrade price up too high. Not NOW!

[@PittersComputers]

I'm glad this helps you out!

[@shalome44]

I’m about to do the same! 🎉

[@Da-mk3fy]

@penswordman is it possible to connect your M2 to the 2010 iMac?? Wanna do the same

[@Penswordman]

@@Da-mk3fy Yes, it works amazingly well and very easy. There are one or two videos and written instructions. It takes the cable and a few clicks to get there. There is one glitch I've had that is no big deal. I'd tell you what it is, but I don't have it hooked up that way right now and can't remember.

[@dennyspasseto]

This is awesome. Will the camera on the iMac still work as well?

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately the camera won't work in Target Display Mode.

[@ilia534]

⁠​⁠@@PittersComputerswhat about microphone and loudspeaker?

[@siddharthtrivedi3322]

I have a Late 2013 iMac and Macbook Air M1 - can I use my iMac as an external monitor?

[@michaelscanlon6553]

yes

[@andybruwer]

Would that be a thunderbolt to hdmi connection cable?

[@julieteidelman3237]

Thanks for the video. What cable would I need to connect a 2010 imac to a 2019 Macbook pro?

[@PittersComputers]

A USB-C to Mini Display Port cable will work for that.

[@alanstanley9465]

I have tried 2 ifferent leads and still no joy i only want it as a monitor

[@nos4r270]

Thank you for your short and simple yt video! the other yt-creator should learn from you!

[@josejuanmalfavoniturralde6462]

i have 2010 imac i tried with the display port to mini display port cable but nothing happens i have high sierra i dont know if this could be the problem?

[@Felorn6863369]

same here

[@theeditorrestrial]

hmmmmm....wonder if it'll work on the iMac pro

[@just_delightful]

I bought a Mac Studio to replace my old Imac and I also bought a new monitor - and I just couldn't deal with a different monitor after using apple screens since 2003 so I am going to use target disc mode till I find the right monitor.

[@iona.1footinfront840]

it needs to be more specific on the most important aspect : what is the exact description of the mini display port cable cable ?? there are so many types !

[@marcbadjou7927]

Hi, thx for the video, I have a question, at 2:16 the black cable is HDMI that you plug in the Lenovo ?

[@davinci05131979]

yeah it would be nice if it just had a button on the back that it would allow it to do this or somewhere to just change the sitting and it only works as a monitor. We just recently got Mac Studios at work replace our 2019 iMacs 5k and comparable monitors to the iMacs cost just as much as Mac Studios.

[@hichammehditazi9945]

Thanx a lot from Morocco

[@jessefrankema4836]

Hi! I have a Macbook Air M3 with a late 2013 27" iMac running Catalina I hope to use as a second monitor. Would that work with a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt 2 cable? Just plugging it in doesn't seem functional.

[@PittersComputers]

Sadly it won't work that way. A 2013 iMac will only do Target Display Mode with certain older Macs before ARM and running Catalina and earlier.

[@jessefrankema4836]

@@PittersComputers Thanks for the reply! Would this solution work with a 2008 iMac, or is the M3 Macbook the problem?

[@andylai852]

Thank you for your video. I have a 2010 iMac 27 inches

[@digicompme]

If used as a monitor, would this power down the imac, so only power is being used for the monitor?

[@andybruwer]

Thank you for this video. To be clear, a new m2 macbook air 2024 won't work with a late 2013 imac 27inch? It has to be a laptop before 2020?

[@xichang5092]

Any solution for iMac late 2015?

[@Fazzaaahhh]

heyy this is an amazing video can you say the cabls name you used i need to buy it cuz i got a old mac..

[@TimPlaster22]

Thank you so much for this video!! I have a late 2014 27” iMac (Catalina). I just got a brand new Mac mini (Ventura). Will this solution work for me?

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately not. The 2014 iMac is only able to connect to other pre-M1, and pre-Catalina Macs via Thunderbolt.

[@TimPlaster22]

@@PittersComputers Bummer!! Thanks for letting me know. Is there anything I can do to use my iMac as a monitor?

[@PittersComputers]

@@TimPlaster22 I haven't tried it personally so I can't say how well it works, but Luna Display is said to allow an iMac from 2014 to be used as a display for a new Mac Mini. astropad.com/product/lunadisplay/

[@TimPlaster22]

Thanks so much!!

[@JDLNYC]

We need this on all iMac models ASAP is there a way to hack this functionality into newer machines ?

[@wilmarsoaki1831]

My 27" iMac was my first Apple product and I don't want to be without this wonderful screen. Will it work with a recent Mac Mini? Thank you

[@Chiron_Lenon]

I want to know this too. Do the camera, speakers work for FaceTime etc?

[@torrentsofnothing2928]

Do you have to be signed into the Mac every time?

[@JessicaLeese]

So I guess if you want to get a mac studio or mini you can do the same in target mode correct?

[@emelynreddy3720]

Can I use a thunderbolt to a usb c cable?

[@chaiandchords3225]

Thanks for sharing this helpful video. I am trying to connect a mid-2011 iMac to a Lenovo X13 Yoga, Gen 1. Could you let me know which cable I should get? Thanks!

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately a mid-2011 iMac won't be able to be used with any PC. Only the 2009 and 2010 iMac models supported connecting to anything with DisplayPort.

[@chaiandchords3225]

@@PittersComputers thanks so much for letting me know!

[@mjmason75]

My 27" iMac from around 2011 finally stopped working, so I upgraded to a iMac 24" (2021) just a couple months ago. The display on my 27" iMac still works great, but the computer won't boot up any longer due to hard drive errors. Do you know if I can use it as just a second display with my iMac 24" without it being able to boot up? That's what I was looking to do when I found this video. Thanks!

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately not with Target Display Mode for two reasons. First, the computer has to be able to boot up fully for it to work. Second, the 2021 iMac won't be able to work with a 2011 iMac, Apple made some changes so the new Apple Silicon Macs can't connect to it with Target Display Mode. However, there is one possibility that you can try with a lot of work but it does require the computer to boot. I'll link it below. If you can replace, or repair, the hard drive so that it can boot, you can try this option to upgrade the OS up to Monterey or Ventura so that the 2011 iMac can use AirPlay. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYCTqpZplM2Ce5o

[@georgwor8955]

@@PittersComputers There is a good chance you can still safe your old iMac. Depends on what the symptoms are. But you can always changte the hard drive for a modern SSD (they are really affordable today, like $40 for 512 GB SSD). And with the tool Opencore Legacy Patcher (freeware) you can even get your old iMac to run the latest macOS versions smoothly. :) Trust me, I own a few of them old Macs. They all are running latest system versions. Search KZbin for Mr. Macintosh and watch his videos about installing let's say Ventura or even Sonoma on unsupported Macs. You will be amazed!

[@eg.drummer]

Nice video man! Thx for the info :) I'm thinking about connecting my notebook to an iMac doing this process but I don't have a displayport input on the notebook, if I use an HDMI to Displayport adapter on my pc that should do the trick, right?

[@PittersComputers]

Thank you! I have a second video that might help answer that question here too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Klha2Hd6x3i6c It will depend on what model of iMac you have. If it is a 24 or 27 inch iMac from 2009 or 2010, then yes, you can use a specific HDMI to Mini Display Port adapter and cable. I'll put links for them here: www.amazon.com/dp/B0752D33PJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 If you have any other model of iMac, it won't work unfortunately. Hope this helps you out.

[@adamdavidson4089]

I'd like to use my 2013 IMac 27inch as a screen for my 2019 Macobook Pro 16 but have read that it wont work unless I regress my Macbook to Catalina to match the most recent iOS that the iMac will run (namely Catalina)? I want to sure it will work before I fork out £49 for a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor.

[@nalige21-akaknowledge23]

Do the ports on the back of the iMac still work?

[@ClowderBeatsAnimals]

Would you know what's the power consumption if used as a monitor only?

[@FinalElements]

Hi, thanks for video. Is there any iMac model with retina display which will be work with mac mini m2 through thunderbolt?

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately not. Apple says the Mac you're connecting the iMac to has to be from 2019 or earlier, and run Mac OS Catalina or earlier. Which means any Apple Silicon (M1, M2) Mac cant use Target Display Mode.

[@Shady.Moustafa]

@@PittersComputers so does the imac work as a screen with mac mini m2 with hdmi ?

[@PittersComputers]

@@Shady.Moustafa ​Unfortunately it will not. Besides either requiring Display Port or Thunderbolt 2 depending on the iMac model, Apple says that only 2019 and earlier Mac models work with an iMac using Target Display Mode.

[@Shady.Moustafa]

@@PittersComputers so does the imac work as a screen with mac mini m2 with Thunderbolt ?

[@PittersComputers]

@@Shady.Moustafa It doesn't work with Thunderbolt sadly. I've tried it on my Mini M1 and didn't have any success.

[@Danumals]

do you have to log in on the iMac?

[@CorkyBallasdancewithme]

I have a MacMini M1 2020 running Ventura 13.4.1 - with 2010 iMac Hi Sierra - Mini display to HDMI, not working, Thunderbolt 2 to USBC not working?? Any suggestions ? What cable configuration do you recommend. Should the keyboard and mouse be plugged in on the Mini or the OLD iMAC to get it to switch over ( CMD-F2). It is not switching over automatically like your video. Thanks for sharing nice video :)

[@PittersComputers]

This is the cable that I use to connect a M1 Mac Mini to a 2009 27" iMac. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073CVK6P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The keyboard where you press CMD-F2 is connected to the old iMac. Also to note, I don't believe this works on the 21" iMac models from 2010, only the 27". Hope this helps you!

[@CorkyBallasdancewithme]

@@PittersComputers Wow thank you so much for replying with the exact cable YOU ARE AWESOME :)

[@idancecity6739]

@@CorkyBallasdancewithme Your a champ, I have a MacMini NOW RUNNING AND WORKING with an OLD 27 INCH iMac 27 inch display, thanks for the aweSome Video and Precise cable, the cable made all the difference, all the one's I had and tried FAILED, Happy Fourth, nice work :) thanks for sharing this :)

[@adriandavidpayne]

where did you find that thunderbolt 2 cable to thunderbolt 3 cable hooked into the mini?

[@pcar928fan]

What about a 2016 27” iMac? Could that be used with a Mac Studio? What about a 24” 2008 iMac? Can that be used as a display for a MacBook Air M1???

[@JamesOrlowski]

But you still have to have the iMac ON, right? You'd think it should work so that the iMac doesn't need to be booted for this to function as a monitor only. That way, this outdated, unsupported iMac doesn't need to be using power to keep the computer running just to be used as a monitor for another machine.

[@PittersComputers]

That is true, the iMac has to be on. It would have been very nice if Apple could have made the mode run only as a monitor and turn off all the other components.

[@NurmYokai]

There's the "Share Screen" option. Apple document "Share the screen of another Mac." The Macs need to be networked. Once connected, you'll see on an iMac 'A' an any(?)Mac 'B' window. The window can be resized, and on iMac 'A' you can operate the any(?)Mac 'B'. If you have the room and the patience ... You can network Functional iMacs with broken screens, and display them all on an iMac with a working screen. Invest in RAM.

[@jdmmi]

man shut up noones doing all that

[@robertjamesgallardo]

What brand of cable would you suggest. I bought one but it's not working and I am guessing it's the quality of the cable...

[@maximusaugustus6823]

My 2015 iMac has 2 Thunderbolt connections, so if I buy an Apple Notebook Pro, I can still use my 27" iMac as a monitor and switch it between the desktop and the laptop?

[@hemulek]

Did you find a solution? I have 2015 iMac too and wonder if it will work.

[@libtekk]

I’ve got a 27 inch iMac will that work.

[@AlbyE-m3q]

Can it also be use with a console? Like ps4 o ps5?

[@tfcst]

what's that cable name

[@hartlandhillfarm3312]

Just got off the phone with apple support, was advised that my newly purchased Mac Mini M2 will not allow target mode feature to connect to my 2011 27 inch iMac. Is this something recently or am I being misinformed? Great tutorial.

[@PittersComputers]

That is correct. An M2 Mac Mini won't be able to connect to any of the 2011- mid 2014 iMacs that did Target Display Mode through Thunderbolt. It will only work with a 2009 or 2010 27" which did the connection through DisplayPort.

[@kflo2059]

What a rip off. I wish I wouldn’t have purchased the M2! I thought I could use my beautiful iMac as a display for it!

[@richieb74]

Can you get a adapter and hook up thunderbolt 2 to a thunderbolt 3?

[@Romactu]

My iMac has a real awesome speakers built in but it's a retina version so Target Display mode will not work so this video show an old iMac that is not a retina version. I need to know this iMac in the video like how good is the speakers compared to retina version of the iMac since the bass sound of it's speakers is real heavy duty. Please and thanks.

[@dariabernabei7778]

ohhh my iMac 27 from mid 2011 doesn't have a thunderbolt port (only minidisplay) and didn't manage to find a way to make it work :( is a pity that such a beautiful monitor cannot be used anymore

[@HussainAlMarkhi]

How about new imacs that don't have the display port such as 2019 or 2020 is there still a way ?

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you so much for the informative tutorial! God bless you and good luck!

[@rezamahmoodi4108]

Hello 👋 can I connect my stick pc to iMac?

[@florencemarie8290]

Am I able to connect my newer mac book pro m1 or m2 to my imac 2010 screen the same way?

[@toquecentralmusic9212]

At 1:15 you say compatible with thunderbolt 1 or 2 only. Just to be clear are you saying a 2011-14 iMac would not be compatible with a modern day Mac with a thunderbolt 4 port?

[@PittersComputers]

That is correct. You cannot use one of those iMacs with any new Macs made after 2019.

[@aniruddhsrinivasaraghavan1202]

Does it work with laptops?

[@tayloroqu3]

Using only a cabo Thunderbolt i can make work that iMac 2012 in Display Mode to a Macbook Air 2014?

[@atinspook]

Thnx much. Good to know. Do you know if this will work with KVM switch too. I have 2012 Mac mini, 2023 Mac notebook. Wanted to use KVM switch to switch back forth. 2022 Mac has usb c n hdmi whereas Mac mini has hdmi.

[@gitarman666]

Can the old 27 be used as a second monitor to a newer 27

[@walkaboutboy72]

What connection are you using on the thinkpad ? It’s unclear what terminal your plugging into. Great video ! Thanks

[@PittersComputers]

That's a DisplayPort port on the Lenovo. Its using a DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort cable.

[@walkaboutboy72]

brill thanks - apparently only works on 2011 (21") screen NOT 2010@@PittersComputers

[@11labyrinthe]

This is a very nice tip. So can you confirm I can use my late 2013 iMac 27 (no 5K display) as a display with a mac mini M2 pro. This way I could upgrade "slowly" without buyin a new screen.

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately it won't work. The 2011-mid 2014 iMacs can only use Target Display Mode with other Macs made before 2020 and running Catalina or earlier.

[@Netflixlover1122]

I ordered the cable and this worked. Thanks so much for the fantastic video.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@rannykeang]

Which cable is it and where do you buy?

[@gordano]

Please help, what cable do you use?

[@vidpic8311]

please read, why don’t you try reading the description it has the cable link in it wake up!!!!

[@garydivers]

@@vidpic8311 no it doesn’t, no need to be disrespectful

[@vpustote]

What about using it as a dual monitor or second screen? Is that possible?

[@m280aa]

yes its called extended desktop mode separate from target display mode. any 2009 and 2010 imac 24" or 27" can work and i believe 2011 too

[@laurentpinjon4127]

My side it's not working from a Macbook M1 to an iMac 2013. Any idea why ?

[@marvinjoshuaruiz5911]

I have an IMAC late 2012 that I want to connect with my Macbook Air 2017. Are you saying I simply need a thunderbolt to thunderbolt cable then initiate TDM? What OS version is needed for both machines?

[@amol2989]

But can system running on background?

[@colinpovey7923]

Thank you so much. You just saved me a lot of money.

[@zwitterelf]

Will a late27 inch 2012 iMac work as a display for a new MacBook or MacMini if I had to buy one in 2024 ?

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately not with Target Display Mode.

[@allanpennington]

i have mid 2010 i5 mac 27 inch. just got new m4 pro mac mini. is there any way to use its monitor. currently i have a display port to hdmi cable to connect my iMac to my tv

[@h.cavidarabac3852]

Is there a workaround to make it work when it is turned off or sleeping?

[@PittersComputers]

I don't think so. The iMac has to be on for it to work.

[@jrockit_]

What was the year model of your mac mini? Would 2014 mac mini work?

[@PittersComputers]

I was using a 2020 Mac Mini with a 2010 iMac. Your Mac Mini should be able to work with any of the iMacs that support Target Display Mode.

[@loonqualls45]

Can you do this with consoles?

[@xodusgraphicdesigns3384]

can this be done with a thunderbolt cable to hdmi ?

[@MelissaWright-l6s]

I have a 2010, 27" iMac that I want to connect my Lenovo Thinkpad vPRO laptop to. I bought a HMDI to MiniDisplay port cable, but it doesn't seem to work. Any ideas? The laptop also has 2 USB C ports. Should I try connecting that way?

[@Guilla4Life]

I have a late 2012 iMac and I have my macmini connected via thunderbolt, but it’s not working… What am I doing wrong

[@simonmaduxx6777]

To confirm, are you seeing them a 2021 m1 MacBook pro will not connect to a 2013 iMac 27-in? I'm trying to narrow down what cable I'm going to need because it seems like the cable will need a converter/adapter. Namely, display port to thunderbolt? This is throwing me off. Thanks in advance

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately a M1 Macbook will not be able to connect to a 2013 iMac with Target Display Mode. Apple made it so only pre-2020 Macs running Catalina or earlier are able to connect to the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs and use Target Display Mode.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

@@PittersComputers Thank for answering, much appreciated. Hopes dashed ;/ i want to upgrade to catalina however as far as i know there no nvidia drivers and ill lose graphic acceleration. Apple really wants us to toss this computers in the garbage. Sigh,

[@PittersComputers]

Sorry about that. The one thing you can look into is a device called Luna Display. I haven't tried it personally, but it may be your best bet to keep using the iMac.@@simonmaduxx6777

[@tracyocalllaghan]

@@PittersComputers @simonmaduxx6777 I have this exact issue :( such a waste! My iMac is in great condition, I don't want to have to get rid of it. Why is Apple creating more tech waste :( Do let me know if you find a solution.

[@lizzy1519]

It’s amazing it didn’t knew it was this easy

[@PittersComputers]

Its surprising how easy it is! I felt the same way when I learned about it.

[@user-tx1np9zf7g]

Hello, would you please tell me if I can I use the same cable in video and connect this imac 2009 model to the mac mini m2? And which is better/easier to buy (imac 2009) or (imac 2011) if i wana use it as display monitor to my mac mini m2? Any quick help please?

[@connora.d645]

So does the imac stay on the whole time in the background, or is there a way to use it as a display without it being turned on

[@PittersComputers]

Yes, the iMac is always on with Target Display Mode.

[@connora.d645]

@@PittersComputers thank you for the reply

[@dejibimbooladeji9528]

Hello man, im really impressed about how youve connected it to windows here, ive got a mini display to hdmi cable but nothing is happening even after trying the keys. im using an imac 2009 (high sierra) and a windows laptop .

[@laloca_art]

I want to use an iMac from mid 2010 and it doesn't use the computer automatically as a display. Also nothing works if I press command and F2. Any ideas what could be wrong?

[@Lily-rose_64783]

Is it possible to do this but with a ps4? Or even a ps1?

[@geobyjustin]

Is it normal that i have these small upwards moving lines ?

[@warrenburddleson2984]

is there a way to do this but retain the audio on the original computer rather than have it transferred to the slave?

[@icecreammango4330]

I think you should be able to select the audio output source.

[@debrarolands3213]

Hi, can you help me? I have an early 2009 with a display port. But what I'm reading is that the OS needs to be High Sierra. It's a newer OS, I can't remember what version, but I couldn't update to the lastest because of space. My question is, do I need High Sierra to run my old mac as a monitor?

[@bestof467]

Can the latest 24” iMac 4.5K monitors be used just as monitors for Macbooks or other computers?

[@PittersComputers]

Not with Target Display Mode. There are other methods that you could use like Air Play with a newer Macbook or 3rd party devices like Luna Display.

[@Jodyphotograph]

Cool! Do you know what cable is needed to connect 2019 MacBook Pro (thunderbolt) to 2009 27" iMac?

[@PittersComputers]

That should work with a USB-C to mini-DisplayPort cable.

[@Jodyphotograph]

Thank you, ive ordered one so looking forward to getting it sorted.@@PittersComputers

[@DavidAscarrunz]

I have a 2013 iMac, will I be able to plug my gaming pc into it and use the iMac as a monitor with a thunderbolt to hdmi adapter? About to test it out tomorrow curious if you could answer beforehand

[@PittersComputers]

@@DavidAscarrunz Unfortunately that won’t work. The 2013 iMacs were only able to do Target Display Mode with certain other Mac models and nothing else.

[@DavidAscarrunz]

@@PittersComputers :(

[@appleleptiker]

I think I once heard of certain Hardware you could replace that basically removes the PC out of the iMac and turns it into a Monitor... but I don't really remember when, where or if it ever worked. And yes. I did just call the iMac a "PC"

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

mac mini pro M2 will not work with an iMac late 2013 as a target dispaly.... apple store told me today.... i wonder if you would know otherwise?

[@PittersComputers]

That is correct, unfortunately. The modern Mac Minis, or any newer Macs for that matter, cannot connect to any iMac with Target Display Mode.

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

@@PittersComputers so far only found LAVA wifi dongle for 120 and same identical thing , but for much cheaper 4k HDMI dongle in combination with VNC...for around five dollars... same as Lava..But Wifi connected monitors its always a latency and a few minor other issues which will become more aggravating then with time...

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

@@PittersComputers seems some people were able to do this with a "OpenCore Legacy Patcher" ...

[@SamSpadeTech]

The 2009-2010 will work with the M1-M2 But the 2013 will not work.

[@theoriet8723]

@@SamSpadeTech Will a 2009-2010 iMac also work with newer Mac mini's like M4 ?

[@johnnyeyes7399]

can you use thunderbolt to hdmi adapter?

[@PittersComputers]

Maybe, but I would be skeptical of that working for any of the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs with another Mac. And it would only be possible on the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs as they are the only ones that had Thunderbolt ports and did Target Display Mode.

[@xxgg]

only the monitor part can not be powered on? to save on power from running the mac itself. how about using a dead imac but working monitor? (assume it is working?)

[@PittersComputers]

Unfortunately not. The iMac has to be on and signed in to work in Target Display Mode.